Product Developer - Clothing & Accessories

We are a fast‑growing vintage retail business with stores on Brick Lane and Portobello Road, with new locations opening this year and we are now looking to introduce new product categories to sit alongside our vintage offering. You’d be the first person we’ve hired specifically to own product development, working directly with the founder and brand manager to take ideas from concept through to in‑store. We’re not looking to build full collections, we’ll start with accessories and singular clothing designs and take it from there.

The Role

You will be the first hire of our product development team and lead the development of small‑scale product categories, ensuring products are designed, produced and launched efficiently and to a high standard. This role is hands‑on and execution focused. You will be expected to manage the production process end to end and take ownership of getting products live. This role is focused on developing and testing products quickly and commercially, not designing full collections. You will be expected to work on a number of products at a time and prioritise speed and learning over perfection. You will be working in an early‑stage product function, so processes will be built as you go.

Responsibilities

• Product Ideation & Concept Development – Translate brand direction and customer insight into product ideas by researching trends, analysing in‑store behaviour and referencing existing vintage pieces to create commercially viable concepts.
• Moodboarding & Direction Setting – Build clear and focused moodboards for each product idea using visual references, materials and finishes to define exactly what is being made before development begins.
• Product Specification & Tech Packs – Create detailed tech packs including measurements, materials, trims and finishes to ensure suppliers can accurately produce samples to the required standard.
• Supplier Sourcing & Management – Identify, contact and manage suppliers by requesting quotes, negotiating costs, confirming lead times and maintaining consistent communication throughout the production process.
• Sampling & Product Development – Oversee the full sampling process by reviewing samples, identifying issues, requesting revisions and ensuring final products meet quality, fit and design expectations.
• Costing & Commercial Viability – Calculate product costs and recommended retail prices by assessing margins, production costs and perceived value to ensure each product is commercially viable.
• Production & Timeline Management – Manage production timelines by tracking orders, following up with suppliers and ensuring products are delivered on time and ready for launch.
• In‑Store Testing & Feedback – Launch products in selected stores or events and gather feedback by observing customer behaviour, sell‑through rates and team input to inform improvements.
• Iteration & Product Refinement – Refine or discontinue products based on performance data and feedback by making clear decisions on what to improve, repeat or stop.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Work closely with the founder and brand manager by aligning on product direction, packaging and in‑store presentation to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.

What We’re Looking For

• 2 years’ experience developing products from concept through to production, with a clear understanding of how to move from idea to finished product.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage technical elements such as measurements, materials and finishes.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of pricing, margins and what customers will actually buy.
• Self‑motivated and able to take ownership of projects without needing constant direction.
• Strong interest in Gen Z female fashion and culture, with an understanding of what our customers are naturally drawn to.
• Comfortable working across both accessories and clothing, and adapting to different types of product development.