Senior Product Developer in London

Location: London, UK

About UVU

UVU is rapidly transforming the running and sportswear scene, evolving from founder Adi Gillespie's vision into a global phenomenon defined by the "graceful pursuit of a superior self." In 2023, the brand made headlines with sell‐out pop‐ups in cities like Paris, London, and New York. Building on that momentum, 2024 has seen UVU's reach expand even further, launching a global e‐commerce website and hosting sell‐out pop‐up stores in London and Berlin. With sales accelerating worldwide, UVU continues to push boundaries in sport, style, and community.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting chance to be part of a brand that is redefining the boundaries of sportswear and performance apparel. As a Senior Product Developer, you will play a key role in bringing UVU's innovative designs to life, working closely with industry‐leading creatives and collaborating across design, production, and merchandising teams. This role is ideal for someone with a technical mindset, a passion for sportswear, and an eagerness to contribute to the evolution of a fast‐growing, culturally influential brand. At UVU, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, develop your skills, and make a tangible impact on a brand that's shaping the future of active lifestyle apparel.

Key Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of all products, Jersey & Technical from development to bulk production, both apparel and accessories, core and SMU ranges.
• Work on full fabric, trim, packaging and labelling sourcing, ensuring style properties are met.
• Actively sourcing apparel, accessories and packaging suppliers, building supplier strategies.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Design to launch and develop styles while maintaining correct TP information.
• Be the main contact for communication with both EU & FE suppliers, providing feedback on submissions, strike offs and samples at all levels to ensure all product is delivered at correct quality and time.
• Create, amend and finalise spec docs and BOM's to ensure all important information is mentioned and accurate.
• Accurately measure samples and patterns, whilst ensuring all important POMs are listed on the specs and any measures out of tolerances are highlighted.
• Fit and comment on all samples from proto, pre‐production to shipment samples, ensuring block, construction and functionality meet UVU standard.
• Plan, cost, process and approve fabric, trim and garment testing to an advised wash care information along with running wearer testing programs with UVU athletics.
• Maintain up‐to‐date style information for each style on multiple brand trackers to present at weekly critical path meetings.
• Organise and take ownership of critical path planning for both core and SMU collections while also planning and leading team stage gates and sign off meetings.
• Identify potential delays or supply chain issues and implanting back up plans to mitigate risks.
• Work with Operations on style costings to ensure target costs are hit end to end.
• Review and find resolutions for returns and product issues with Operations and Customer Service.
• Create and update standardisation documents including grading rules and testing and quality standards.
• Knowledge and continued training in product and regulations to the UVU business.
• Planning and attending supplier visits and team trips.
• Manage, train and closely collaborate with Junior Product Developer.
• Working in conjunction with Design, Operations and Content teams at all levels.
• To undertake any other relevant duties of which the UVU Owners sees fit.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Sportswear, Fashion, Product Development or a related field.
• Proven industry experience within the product development sector or a similar role within the Sportswear industry, Menswear and Womenswear experience desired.
• Passion for fashion and sports with a keen eye for detail with a technical background.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) & Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) experience with 3D design software is a plus.
• Strong understanding and ability to create and own Development and Production critical paths, from initial design to bulk production.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of fabric, trims and garment construction in both Jersey & Sportswear.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in fitting, patterns and grading – 3D pattern knowledge is a plus.
• Experience and ability to plan and action wearer trails as well as request, process and approve fabric testing.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisation with a willingness to learn is key.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast‐paced environment and take direction from UVU Owners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with supplier and factories with ability to be key point of contact and willingness to travel.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to tight deadlines, both collaboratively and independently.
• Capacity to multi‐task, prioritise workload and organise full PD department.
• Determined attitude and passion for Product Development with a willingness to take on ownership of multiple disciplines.
• A proactive and positive attitude, with an eagerness to contribute to UVU's creative vision.

What We Offer

• The chance to work with industry‐leading creatives in a vibrant, diverse city.
• An immersive experience in fashion and sportswear product development, with opportunities to shape UVU's evolving brand aesthetic.
• Access to exclusive industry events, opportunities to network with top industry innovators, and travel visits to suppliers.
• A supportive work environment that values creativity, growth, and initiative.