Product Developer in Horwich

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Menswear Product Developer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will oversee the execution of styles from concept through to final launch, working closely with the design and technical teams to ensure that products meet the brand’s high standards for quality, fit, and aesthetic. You will collaborate with key stakeholders to manage the product development process, from fabric selection to production, and ensure timely delivery of market-ready products.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage the end-to-end execution of product styles from concept to launch, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and product specifications.
• Take ownership of day-to-day operational tasks in product development, ensuring that all objectives set by the Product Manager are met in alignment with the company’s vision.
• Independently manage and prioritize your workload, ensuring that tech packs are of the highest quality, detailed, and can be accurately executed by factories to produce high-quality first prototypes.
• Expertly create Bill of Materials (BOMs) with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and clarity for factories.
• Coordinate daily communication with suppliers, providing clear and consistent updates on progress and addressing any challenges or issues that arise.
• Own the cost engineering process by working closely with suppliers to obtain detailed cost breakdowns, analyse cost components, and negotiate to achieve target prices while upholding product quality and margin requirements.
• Collaborate with the Menswear Designer on the development of new fabrics, trims, and logo designs, ensuring they align with the brand’s aesthetic and market positioning.
• Work closely with the Designer to deliver high-quality products that meet target margins while maintaining the brand’s design integrity.
• Provide both creative and technical expertise to ensure all garments are designed and developed with functionality and fit in mind.
• Attend key fabric trade fairs and visit stores in style capitals to stay informed on industry trends, brand adjacencies, and new fabric innovations.
• Interact frequently with factories and fabric mills, conducting site visits or video meetings to assess production capabilities, resolve issues, and inspect key health and safety standards as outlined in the supplier manual.
• Prioritize sustainable fabrics, trims, and packaging options, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability where possible.
• Regularly assess and appraise factory performance, providing feedback to the Product Manager & Technical Manager to ensure production standards are met.
• Ensure the current supply base is compliant with the brand’s ethical and operational standards, maintaining transparency across all processes.
• Participate in fit sessions and prototype reviews, providing technical guidance and feedback to ensure optimal fit and quality.
• Identify styles that require wear testing, coordinating with the appropriate teams to conduct testing and ensure product durability and functionality.
• Maintain and regularly update the sample tracker report, ensuring all sample statuses and details are accurately reflected.

What you’ll need:

• Demonstrate a pro-active approach to problem solving.
• Collaborative, non-political approach.
• Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with an ability to identify risk and confidently provide solutions.
• Ability to analyse Costing BOMs and offer viable solutions and ideas.
• Experience in dealing with target prices & obtaining initial cost prices.
• Appropriate qualification in apparel sector or equivalent work experience.
• Substantial experience working in Product creation function.
• Experience working with Luxury apparel brands.
• Excellent garment construction and engineering skills.
• Sound understanding of fabrics.
• Knowledge of pattern making is an advantage but not essential.
• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint & Word.
• Hands on when required. Be prepared to assist at all levels.

You have:

• 2-3 years relevant luxury experience.
• A passion for menswear design and the branded market.
• A relevant degree.
• Travelled to factories and key style capitals.
• Excellent garment construction knowledge.

You might have:

• Branded apparel and accessories experience.
• Knowledge and passion for sustainability.

We would ideally like you to:

• Experience with low MOQ suppliers.
• Own the role and make things happen.
• Strong commercial awareness with an ability to identify product risk and confidently provide solutions.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Love Product!

Benefits (HQ):

• 25 x days holiday per year;
• Annual leave purchase scheme;
• Wellbeing day;
• Company bonus scheme;
• Staff discount;
• £1,000 annual company gift card;
• On site gym with dedicated personal trainers;
• Electric vehicle scheme;
• Pension & life assurance;
• Private medical insurance.

Working Pattern (HQ):

• 4 days in office 1 day WFH.

Location: HQ – Unit 1, Northgate Close, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6PQ.