At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform creative ideas into high-quality apparel ready for production.
- Company: Join Ridgeline, a leader in outdoor apparel with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth in a vibrant industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the future of outdoor fashion.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in apparel development and strong fabric knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Role
Ridgeline is looking for an experienced Apparel Product Developer to turn creative concepts into high-quality, commercially viable products ready for manufacture.
You will manage the development process across our mid-layer and country lifestyle collections, including knitwear, fleeces, shirts, casual trousers and selected accessories.
You will be responsible for product performance, fabric durability, wash stability, pricing structures and fit perfection across each of these categories.
You will also own the seasonal critical path, coordinate with our global manufacturing partners and ensure every product delivers the rugged construction, reliable performance and durability our customers expect.
Experience developing waterproof outerwear is welcome but not essential.
Depending on the successful candidate's experience, the role may also include responsibility for waterproof technical shells, seam-taped garments and membrane technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and manage the end-to-end seasonal product development critical path.
- Track prototypes, samples, lab dips, approvals and production deadlines to support on-time global delivery.
- Translate design concepts and sketches into accurate, production-ready tech packs.
- Work closely with the designer to create product workbooks and Bills of Materials (BOMs), including measurement specifications and detailed construction notes.
- Source and evaluate durable fabrics, trims and components, including heavyweight anti-pill fleece, cotton blends and performance synthetics.
- Assess materials for comfort, abrasion resistance, shrinkage, colourfastness, wash stability and overall performance.
- Oversee product quality to ensure fabrics, trims and components withstand repeated use and washing.
- Act as the main day-to-day contact for UK and overseas manufacturers.
- Review and negotiate garment costs to achieve margin targets without compromising product quality.
- Lead fit sessions alongside the design team, accurately measuring and documenting samples.
- Identify and resolve issues relating to patterns, garment balance, grading, fit and freedom of movement.
- Manage sample approvals and issue final approval for bulk production.
- Own the quality, consistency, standards and performance of products manufactured for Ridgeline.
- Ensure products comply with current and upcoming legislation across all relevant markets.
- Support the development of a small range of hard-goods accessories when required.
Skills and Experience
- At least three years' experience in apparel or garment product development.
- Strong knowledge of soft-goods garment construction, pattern adjustment, grading, fabric weights, fibre blend characteristics and manufacturing processes.
You will also be required to develop a small number of hard-goods accessories.
- Strong proven ability to fit and grade a wide variety of garments accurately and consistently.
- Experience creating and maintaining detailed tech packs, Bills of Materials and measurement specifications.
- Experience managing seasonal critical paths, multiple product styles and international supplier deadlines.
- Competence using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to edit technical flats.
- Advanced Excel skills for product trackers, specifications and costings.
- Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate and negotiate calmly but firmly with manufacturing partners across different time zones.
- Experience developing fleeces, knitwear, lifestyle shirts, casual trousers, country workwear or performance mid-layers would be particularly valuable.
Waterproof apparel experience is beneficial but not essential.
Desirable
- Experience developing waterproof technical apparel, seam-taped garments or membrane products.
- A personal interest or background in farming, agriculture, field sports or country and outdoor lifestyles.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally to visit manufacturing partners.
- Full UK driving licence.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Apparel Product Developer employer: Royal Leamington Spa
Join a vibrant team at our Leamington Spa HQ, where we foster a hardworking yet fun work culture that prioritises support and collaboration. As an Interim Procurement Lead, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact by delivering innovative supply chain solutions for renowned clients across various industries, while benefiting from professional growth and development in a dynamic environment. With a focus on auditable and sustainable cost reductions, this role offers a unique chance to enhance your procurement expertise and drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apparel Product Developer
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Royal Leamington Spa!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Royal Leamington Spa.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Royal Leamington Spa.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Royal Leamington Spa!
We think you need these skills to ace Apparel Product Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Royal Leamington Spa.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Royal Leamington Spa!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Royal Leamington Spa. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Leamington Spa
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
