At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and launch an exciting new athleisure product range with market insights.
- Company: Join a dynamic team backed by an established business in the fashion industry.
- Benefits: Opportunity for growth, work with experienced entrepreneurs, and be part of a new brand.
- Other info: Be a founding member and enjoy significant career progression as we expand.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the athleisure market and influence product development from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion, sourcing, and a keen eye for trends is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Fashion Product Development & Sourcing Manager to help build and launch the product range for an exciting new athleisure brand backed by an established business. We are preparing to launch our first collection and are seeking someone who can help bring our product vision to life. This is not a fashion design role. Instead, we are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the athleisure market, an eye for emerging trends, and hands-on experience sourcing products and working directly with manufacturers. You will play a key role in identifying products with strong market potential, building relationships with factories, managing the sampling process, and helping create a commercially successful product range.
Key Responsibilities
- Research athleisure, activewear, and lifestyle trends to identify products and styles with strong market appeal.
- Source and develop relationships with suitable factories and manufacturing partners.
- Identify products that align with the brand vision and target customer.
- Manage the sampling process, reviewing products for quality, fit, functionality, and overall appeal.
- Work with factories to refine and improve products including fabric selection, colour, branding, packaging, fit, and feature adjustments.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Oversee the sourcing and product development process through to production.
- Ensure products meet quality, performance, and commercial objectives.
About You
- Background in fashion is essential with experience in buying, merchandising and product development.
- Experience working directly with manufacturers and suppliers.
- Strong understanding of the athleisure, activewear, or sportswear market.
- Excellent product awareness and a keen eye for trends, styling, and consumer preferences.
- Experience evaluating samples and working with suppliers to improve and refine products.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
Why Join Us?
- Be a founding member of an exciting new athleisure brand.
- Play a key role in shaping the initial product range and supplier network.
- Work alongside experienced entrepreneurs with a successful track record of launching and scaling online brands.
- Enjoy significant opportunity for growth and progression as the business expands.
If you have a passion for great products, a strong understanding of the athleisure market, and the sourcing expertise to turn ideas into a successful product range, we'd love to hear from you.
Fashion Product Development & Sourcing Manager (Athleisure) in Norwich employer: Valcora
Join an innovative athleisure brand as a Fashion Product Development & Sourcing Manager, where you'll be instrumental in launching our first collection. With a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to shape the product range while working alongside seasoned entrepreneurs. Enjoy significant growth potential and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a thriving market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fashion Product Development & Sourcing Manager (Athleisure) in Norwich
✨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 Valcora!
✨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 Valcora.
✨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 Valcora.
✨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 Valcora!
We think you need these skills to ace Fashion Product Development & Sourcing Manager (Athleisure) in Norwich
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 Valcora.
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 Valcora!
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 Valcora. 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 Valcora
✨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!
