At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to production for top sportswear brands.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fashion industry with globally recognised brands like Reebok.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in fashion, strong leadership, and supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
- Title: Product and Sourcing Manager
- Employment terms: 1 Year FTC (Maternity Cover)
Salary: £65,000 to £75,000 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience).
- We are looking for an Apparel
- Product and Sourcing Manager with expereince in
- Sportswear / Activewear / Athleisure Apparel
- Are you an experienced
Product and Sourcing Manager with a strong background in sportswear, activewear, athleisure, menswear and womenswear apparel development?
Our client is hiring a
Product and Sourcing Manager to join a growing product and sourcing team working on globally recognised brands including Reebok.
This role is ideal for candidates with expertise in garment construction, technical fabrics, apparel sourcing, supplier management, fit development, tech packs, critical path management, wholesale apparel production, Far East suppliers, performance wear, apparel costing, trims and fabric development.
If you thrive in a fast-paced fashion environment and have proven experience delivering high-quality sports apparel collections from concept to production, we want to hear from you.
- ROLES & RESPONSIBILITES
- Product Development Leadership
- Lead and oversee the full product development lifecycle from supplier allocation through to final shipment.
- Ensure products are developed and delivered in line with customer requirements, business objectives, quality standards, and critical path deadlines.
- Provide strategic oversight and support across key customer accounts, acting as the primary escalation point for product, pricing, sourcing, and production challenges.
- Supplier & Sourcing Management
- Manage and strengthen relationships with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Develop sourcing strategies that support quality, cost, margin, and delivery objectives.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to achieve the best business outcomes.
- Allocate factories and suppliers based on product requirements, fabric composition, technical capability, and commercial viability.
- Costing & Margin Management
- Develop and review product costings to ensure target margins are achieved.
- Lead pricing negotiations with suppliers and factories.
- Monitor costs throughout the development and production process, identifying opportunities for cost
- savings and improved profitability.
- Review and approve margin sheets before submission to senior management.
- Quality & Production Management
- Ensure all products meet required quality standards, customer specifications, and compliance requirements.
- Manage and resolve quality issues throughout the production process.
- Oversee production timelines to ensure on-time delivery and minimise delays.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Product Managers, Product Developers, Garment Technologists, and Administrative staff.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide clear direction, support, and performance management across the department.
- Work closely with Sales, Design, and other internal stakeholders to ensure business objectives are met.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers and customers.
- Attend and lead buying meetings, providing commercial and product expertise.
- Act as a key point of contact for customer queries, pricing discussions, and product-related decisions.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver successful outcomes.
- Operational Leadership
- Make key operational and commercial decisions across the department.
- Lead problem-solving initiatives relating to production, sourcing, quality, systems, and office operations.
- Provide regular reporting and updates to senior leadership on product development progress, supplier allocations, orders, and margins.
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of th
Experience/Skills Required
- 15+ years in fashion.
- Proven experience leading product development and sourcing teams.
- Strong knowledge of garment manufacturing, product development processes, and supply chain management.
- Extensive experience negotiating costs and managing supplier relationships.
- Excellent commercial awareness with a strong understanding of margin management and costing.
- Extensive experience working with Off Price accounts.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Experience managing major retail and branded accounts.
- Knowledge of garment technology, quality assurance, and compliance processes.
Why Join Us?
- Join a fast growing global company - opportunities are high.
- Work with globally recognised brands including
- Reebok
- Work with a humble and polite senior management that respects and reward.
- Great team, collaborative work place.
Senior Product Development Manager in Watford employer: Provallar Executive Search
Join a dynamic team in our Watford office, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Product and Sourcing Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead exciting projects for globally recognised brands like Reebok, while benefiting from competitive salaries and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development. We value our employees and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance and career progression.
Contact Details:
Provallar Executive Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Development Manager in Watford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Provallar Executive Search looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Development Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Provallar Executive Search
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Provallar Executive Search.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Provallar Executive Search’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
