Assistant Product Developer (SMU/Athletes & Teams) - 12 Month FTC Product Development · Service[...]

Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement. We love cycling in all its forms, from the city streets to the highest peaks. And we know its power to transform lives. Led by innovation, we embody this love through a dedication to the world's greatest sport, by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.

As the SMU (Special Make-Up) / Athletes & Teams Assistant Product Developer, you will play an essential role in supporting the development of high-performance cycling apparel and accessories for professional athletes, partner teams, and special projects. You will work closely with designers, developers, and suppliers to ensure every product meets the highest standards of performance, innovation, and quality. Reporting to a Senior member of the team, this role will ensure that all products are truly fit for purpose, are of the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner.

The Athletes & Teams product range is at the cutting edge of technical cycling apparel. This includes:

• Professional race kits designed in collaboration with teams and elite athletes, built to perform at the highest levels of competition.
• Custom team apparel that combines Rapha’s signature quality with specific team identities and sponsorship requirements.
• Special Make-Up (SMU) projects such as limited‑edition collaborations, event‑specific apparel, and unique product adaptations for sponsored athletes.
• Performance prototypes and testing garments developed in partnership with athletes to refine fabrics, fits, and features that often inform future Rapha collections.

Key Responsibilities:

• A key role that supports the Product Development team to ensure critical dates are met throughout the product lifecycle.
• Day‑to‑day supplier communication, gathering information on products and potential issues within the sampling process.
• Supporting Mid and Senior members of staff to manage a range of categories of products and update alongside the critical path.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Design, graphic and supply chain teams to ensure that products are risk‑assessed in a timely manner.
• Communicate all fit and construction comments to our vendors through the PLM system.
• Participate in weekly meetings and fit sessions.
• Support with measuring prototype samples and size sets before fittings to ensure they conform to size and construction specifications.
• Review construction, measurements and quality of all samples, including Shipment Samples.
• Maintain and update product tech packs and the product Bill of Materials on our PLM system.
• Ensure that Rapha quality and performance standards are met throughout the sampling and production process.
• Assist with quality assurance.
• Review and approve layplans.

The Candidate

• A graduate, ideally with a degree in fashion/textiles/sportswear or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years’ experience working for an apparel brand.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• They must lead by example, encouraging and motivating the team to participate in any task with a positive attitude, to ensure business needs are met.
• Has a basic understanding of technical materials and their properties.
• Good attention to detail and experience using Mac OS, Adobe Illustrator and G Suite.
• Confident working on CADs, Lay‑plans and print files using Adobe Illustrator.
• Solutions‑based mindset.
• Be able to work to tight and challenging deadlines.
• Ideally, a cyclist or sports enthusiast who is keen to develop their riding skills and use their passion for sport to improve our product range.

Working at Rapha

We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:

• Flexible working hours
• Support for ad‑hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office
• 25 days annual leave
• 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
• A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
• An annual clothing allowance of £1,120 for testing and promotional purpose
• A company bonus scheme
• A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1,405 per year
• Mental health support with MyndUp
• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
• Subsidised lunches 3 days per week
• Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
• Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
• A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
• Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay