PRODUCT AND PRODUCTION MANAGER

PRODUCT & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Location: London (In-Office)

Reports To: Founder / Creative Director

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: £40,000 Pro-Rata

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About the Role

We are seeking an energetic, detail-oriented Product & Production Manager to bridge the gap between our London head office and our various external manufacturing partners in the UK and Italy.

In a small fashion brand, you won't just be managing spreadsheets; you will own the entire lifecycle of our products. From spec development to sample approvals, factory communication, logistics, quality control, and critical path management, you will ensure our high-end designs come to life on time and within target margins.

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Key Responsibilities

Sampling & Product Development

• Work closely with the Founder/Creative Director to innovate and develop new product ideas, translating sketches into commercial, production-ready samples with tech packs.
• Attend or manage fit sessions, review sample iterations, and communicate technical alterations clearly to pattern cutters and factory technicians.
• Source fabrics, trims, and components, balancing luxury quality with target cost-of-goods (COGS).

Production & Supply Chain Management

• Manage the end-to-end Critical Path for all product ranges (scarves, clothing and more) from initial development through to final bulk delivery.
• Act as the primary day-to-day contact for our UK and Italian factory partners, building strong, collaborative relationships and conducting factory visits (UK and Italy) when required.
• Issue POs, negotiate production costs, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and lead times to protect gross margins and cash flow.
• Coordinate production schedules to ensure drops align with our marketing, e-commerce, and wholesale launch calendars.

Quality Assurance & Logistics

• Establish clear AQL/QA standards for all bulk production and manage pre-shipment inspections.
• Resolve inline quality or technical issues directly with the factory to prevent delivery delays.
• Oversee freight, shipping, customs clearances (handling UK-EU post-Brexit trade compliance, duties, and COO declarations), and delivery into our UK warehouse.

Sustainable Development & Circular Product Innovation

• Zero-Waste Range Creation: Develop and implement ideas for capsule collections and new styles using excess materials, dead stock fabric roll ends, and leftover trims from previous production runs.
• Material Inventory Audit: Monitor roll-by-roll fabric yields and warehouse dead stock in real time, identifying high-value surplus materials that can be re-cut into new core styles, accessories, or trim accents.
• Cost & Yield Optimisation: Design out waste during the tech pack phase, balancing pattern geometry and fabric widths to maximise material utilisation and drive down landed COGS while hitting sustainability goals.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: 5+ years in product development and production management within fashion, ideally with premium, contemporary, or luxury apparel brands. Experience working within a small company would be a bonus.
• Italian Manufacturing Focus: Proven track record of managing production relationships with European/Italian factories. While not essential, fluent or conversational Italian is a huge plus (though clear technical English communication is essential).
• Technical Skills: Strong technical garment knowledge, understanding of construction, fabric behaviour, grading, sourcing, and tech pack development.
• UK-EU Logistics Savvy: Practical knowledge of post-Brexit customs procedures, freight forwarding, and importing goods into the UK from the EU.
• Startup Mindset: Comfortable wearing multiple hats, working autonomously, and solving complex problems on the go.
• Software: Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets, Tech Pack software, and fashion ERP/inventory management platforms (Zedonk).
• Attitude: A positive, can-do attitude and a true team player. Must also align with our core company values.

What We Offer

• 23 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Generous seasonal employee allowance and early access to sample sales
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Company pension scheme
• Travel to Italy for factory visits and production reviews.

General notes

• We are seeking a true team player who works collaboratively with a genuine 'can do' mentality, embracing change and managing it in a way that is positive for the business.
• We are a very small, close-knit team and are seeking a personality who is comfortable with the micro/luxury brand dynamic.
• The role will be based from our studio near Hackney Downs (complete with small office dog), and is a full-time, in-house position.
• Although the above will be your main responsibilities, the nature of working in an exciting and growing brand means that you will be exposed to many other aspects of the business, with a willingness to collaborate and participate in other tasks/events required.