At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Product Development and Design teams in bringing exciting womenswear collections to life.
- Company: Join Self-Portrait, a leading brand in luxury womenswear with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role in Central London with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion or related field; strong interest in product development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment perfect for proactive and enthusiastic individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Self-Portrait is seeking a motivated and detail-driven Product Development Assistant to support the Product Development and Design teams in bringing collections to life. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about multi-category womenswear across the product development lifecycle.
Working closely with the Product Development and Design teams, this role plays a key part in ensuring accurate administration, organisation, and coordination throughout the development process. The successful candidate will support the smooth execution of collections from initial design handover through to sample sign-off and bulk production, while maintaining the brand’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This role is full-time and based in our Central London office.
Key Responsibilities- Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Product Development team across seasonal collections.
- Assist with managing the product development lifecycle, from initial style launch through to SMS.
- Support the tracking of key milestones against the critical path to ensure timelines are met.
- Work closely with the Design team to support the accurate execution of design concepts throughout development.
- Assist in organising fittings, documenting fit comments, and tracking updates to styles following design input.
- Help prepare information for internal handovers and reviews.
- Accurately input and maintain product data including style information, fabrics, trims, colours, and BOMs within internal systems.
- Assist in the preparation, updating, and organisation of BOMs, development trackers, and product summaries.
- Ensure all development documents, approvals, and sample records are clearly organised and easily accessible.
- Support the organisation, tracking, and storage of development and selling samples.
- Ensure samples are correctly labelled, logged, and prepared for fittings, reviews, and presentations.
- Assist with coordinating sample dispatches and deliveries with suppliers and internal teams.
- Support communication with suppliers and the Hong Kong office by sharing information, tracking requests, and following up on samples and approvals.
- Help ensure clear documentation supports efficient communication across all stages of development.
- Provide administrative support on seasonal and ad-hoc product development projects.
- Assist with compiling product information for internal teams, including sales support where required.
- Contribute to improving processes, organisation, and efficiency within the Product Development function.
- Degree in Fashion, Textiles, or a related field.
- Strong interest in Product Development within luxury or contemporary womenswear.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Confident working with data, trackers, and documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); PLM or Zedonk exposure is advantageous but not essential.
- Proactive, enthusiastic, and eager to learn.
- A collaborative team player with a strong work ethic and passion for fashion.
- Must be eligible to work in the UK.
Product Development Assistant employer: Self-Portrait
Contact Detail:
Self-Portrait Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at Self-Portrait or similar brands. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to slide into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that Product Development Assistant role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for womenswear! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, share your thoughts on their collections and how you can contribute to the product development lifecycle. This will show them you’re not just another applicant but someone genuinely excited about the brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the ins and outs of the product development process. Brush up on your knowledge of BOMs, sample management, and the importance of organisation in a fast-paced environment. We want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to join the team at Self-Portrait. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Product Development Assistant role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects from your degree in Fashion or Textiles that showcase your passion for womenswear.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this opportunity at Self-Portrait. Share specific examples of how your organisational skills and attention to detail have helped you in past roles or projects.
Show Off Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for fashion shine through in your application. Mention any relevant experiences, like internships or personal projects, that demonstrate your commitment to product development and the luxury womenswear market.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you get the best chance to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Self-Portrait
✨Know Your Product Development Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the product development lifecycle, especially in the context of womenswear. Familiarise yourself with each stage from design handover to sample sign-off, as this will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight your attention to detail and how you keep everything organised, as these are crucial skills for a Product Development Assistant.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your previous experiences. Strong written and verbal communication skills are key, so be ready to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with both teams and suppliers.
✨Be Proactive and Enthusiastic
Show your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team. Prepare questions about the company’s processes and how you can help improve them. This will reflect your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the role.