The Senior Product Developer will be working from design concept to SMS on men's premium active lifestyle apparel including performance knits and natural and synthetic knitted and woven materials.

The successful individual will have a minimum of 5 years of Product Development experience specialising in men’s active lifestyle apparel with a focus on driving the product development process and managing the critical path whilst achieving product excellence in the selection of premium raw materials, fit and quality. 

Premium activewear, sportswear or lifestyle apparel experience is essential.

This independent premium brand offers a curated collection of trend-driven premium activewear and lifestyle apparel to help you walk, run and stretch your way through life with understated confidence. 

Main responsibilities:

• Leading the development of a newly created premium men’s activewear and lifestyle apparel collection working in line with the brand strategy and collaboratively with the creative director, designer, materials manager, product team and suppliers.
• Collaborate with the product team on seasonal range planning offering competitive market insights based on fit, construction, quality, detail and raw materials.
• Own and manage the critical path from development through to production handover, ensuring design, development, raw materials and samples achieve key calendar milestones.
• Define the product metrics, objectives and key results to guide and measure the success of the product development strategy.
• Maintain up-to-date market knowledge of men’s premium activewear and lifestyle apparel including styling, product, sizing, performance, comfort, construction, stitching, taping and seaming, etc.
• Daily communication with factories to mitigate any issues and ensure quality standards are achieved and deliveries are shipped on time.
• Manage the approval process for samples, lab dips, strike-offs and trims from development to production in line with the critical path and communicate approvals or rejections to suppliers.
• Liaise with the factories to ensure all labelling, packing, testing and shipping requirements are achieved.
• Work closely with the commercial team on pricing, production and quality.
• Spearhead fit meetings and collaborate closely throughout the development process with the designer, materials manager and garment technologist to achieve the optimum product, fit and quality.
• Sourcing of raw material suppliers to ensure that the brand has a diversified and efficient network of suitable vendors in place to support growth.
• Troubleshoot quality and technical issues with factories to maintain design and product performance expectations.
• Liaising with ISO and Oeko-Tex Certified and bluesign® accredited factories in Portugal and Thailand ensuring that samples are delivered on time, on budget and to high-quality standards.
• Ensure that all aspects of product development are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable manner possible.
• Assessing the supply base, building strong relationships and ensuring the brand is buying from the correct source and country of origin to deliver the best prices, quality, reliability, flexibility and repeat lead times.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Fashion / Activewear / Lifestyle Apparel / Sportswear.
• Senior Product Developer with a minimum of 5 years of experience specialising in men’s performance activewear and lifestyle apparel including seamless.
• Experience working with natural and synthetic knitted and woven materials.
• Excellent eye for premium product understanding the construction, details and raw materials that elevate men’s active and lifestyle apparel.
• Expertise in achieving optimum construction and fit.
• Experience in cost engineering product.
• Proven track record in building strong partnerships with vendors to ensure products meet margin, fit and quality expectations.
• Solutions-focused, always having a plan B.
• Highly organised, proactive and results-focused with excellent attention to detail.
• A positive, proactive and supportive cross-functional team player.
• Excellent communication skills in working effectively and diplomatically with an international team from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• An activewear and lifestyle enthusiast.
• Proficiency in Mac, Excel and Adobe Suite.

Hours & Benefits

• Working hours: Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9-1pm
• 1 month paid holiday split across the year
• 1 flight home a year following completion of a successful 6-month probation
• Medical insurance
• Visa and relocation package (if required)
• Clothing allowance
• Employee discount