Product Development Assistant
Product Development Assistant

Product Development Assistant

Manchester Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Refybeauty

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Product Development Assistant, supporting innovative product creation.
  • Company: REFY is a fast-growing brand focused on trend-led beauty and lifestyle products.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, flexible working, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a creative environment with opportunities for career growth.
  • Qualifications: A passion for design, strong organisational skills, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite are essential.
  • Other info: Attend trade shows and collaborate across departments to bring exciting products to life.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Product Development Assistant

Department: Product Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Manchester

Description

REFY is seeking a highly organised and creative Product Development Assistant to join our fast-growing, forward-thinking NPD team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full product development lifecycle.

The PD Assistant will support the team in delivering innovative, trend-led products across a diverse range of categories including accessories, textile-based merchandise, PR boxes, GWP’s, and product exclusives.

This is a collaborative role, working closely with key departments such as NPD, Brand Marketing, PR, Creative and Retail, contributing to innovative high-impact launches.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the Product Design & Development team in the creation of accessories, GWP items, exclusive products, PR boxes, branded merchandise, and campaign-related items.
  • Assist with trend and material research across fashion, beauty, interiors, packaging, and lifestyle to support concept development and product inspiration.
  • Help prepare design and development briefs and specification documents, ensuring key information is gathered and shared with suppliers and factories.
  • Assist in managing product samples, tracking their status, organising reviews, and compiling sample feedback with guidance from the team.
  • Work closely with the Product Designer to support the development of mockups, prototypes, and mood boards.
  • Help maintain and update tech packs, ensuring they reflect the latest sample revisions and comments.
  • Assist on fast-paced development timelines and respond to evolving project priorities ensuring communication and escalated to the appropriate team.
  • Attend trade shows (UK and international, where relevant) alongside team members to learn about new suppliers, materials, and trends.
  • Support the organisation of design files, swatches, materials, and sample archives.
  • Work cross-functionally with the Creative, Brand, and Community teams to ensure products align with PR & campaign needs and customer insight.
  • Assist with cost tracking and supplier communication, helping compile pricing information and alternatives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

  • A keen interest in beauty, fashion, interior and lifestyle trends.
  • Art and design related degree and/or experience in a design or product development related role.
  • Good organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments and external partners.
  • Ability to work in a reactive, fast-paced development environment.
  • The ability to problem solve and use initiative.
  • A can do attitude and responsive approach.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Confidence using Microsoft Office / Google Workspace (Excel, Sheets, Docs, etc.).
Nice to have:
  • Knowledge of production processes, sampling, and working with suppliers and factories.
  • Knowledge of fabric and trim terminology and how fabrics perform.
    1 year industry experience.

Benefits

  • 25+ Days Holiday: Start with 25, earn one for every year\’s service (up to 5)
  • Extra Holidays: Option to buy up to 5 additional days.
  • Community First Day: A day to support a cause you love.
  • Bonus Scheme: Rewards for your hard work and success.
  • Family Leave: Enhanced support for new parents.
  • EV Scheme: Drive electric with salary sacrifice options.
  • Financial Coaching: Guidance to boost your money mindset.
  • Flexible Religious Holidays: Flexibility to honour days that matter to you.
  • Flexible Working: Flexi start and finish times with the option to work one day per week from home.
  • REFY Product Perks: Annual allowance + exclusive discounts.
  • Regular Social Events: Team-Building days and seasonal parties.
  • Career Growth: Tailored training and development opportunities.
  • Vitality Health Insurance: Health coverage with added benefits.

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Product Development Assistant employer: Refybeauty

REFY is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Product Development Assistant, you'll enjoy a wealth of benefits including flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and tailored career growth opportunities, all while contributing to innovative product launches in a fast-paced environment. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and community engagement, REFY stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
Refybeauty

Contact Detail:

Refybeauty Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Development Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Follow industry leaders on social media and subscribe to relevant newsletters to stay updated. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the product development field. Attend industry events, trade shows, or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role. Building connections can often lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Gain hands-on experience by working on personal projects or internships related to product development. Create a portfolio showcasing your design skills and any relevant work you've done, as this can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and ability to multitask during the interview. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects or collaborated with different teams.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Assistant

Organisational Skills
Creative Thinking
Trend Research
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
Microsoft Office / Google Workspace (Excel, Sheets, Docs)
Ability to Multitask
Knowledge of Production Processes
Understanding of Fabric and Trim Terminology
Experience in Product Development
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Product Development Assistant role. Emphasise any previous work in product development, design, or related fields.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle trends. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role and the company.

Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of your previous work related to product development or design. This could be mockups, prototypes, or any relevant projects that demonstrate your creative abilities.

Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your communication and collaboration skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at Refybeauty

✨Show Your Passion for Trends

Make sure to express your keen interest in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle trends during the interview. Share examples of how you've kept up with these trends and how they inspire your work, as this role heavily relies on trend-led product development.

✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills

Since the role requires strong organisational skills, be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. You could share specific instances where you successfully juggled various responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

✨Highlight Collaborative Experience

This position involves working closely with various departments. Be ready to talk about your previous experiences collaborating with teams, how you communicate effectively, and any challenges you've overcome while working cross-functionally.

✨Familiarity with Tools and Processes

Brush up on your knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office tools, as well as any experience you have with production processes and supplier communication. Mentioning specific software or tools you've used can demonstrate your readiness for the role.

Product Development Assistant
Refybeauty
Location: Manchester
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