Job Description
Our Client, a Designer luxury brand is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Product Developer to join their team and lead the development process across all categories of the collection. As Product Developer, you will be collaborating with the design team, ensuring their concepts are represented for each collection. You will be required to supervise the product development process from the handover of the range plan through to submission of selling samples; ensuring styles are constructed cost effectively, meeting strict deadlines. A key part of the role includes liaising with manufacturers daily, ensuring requests and deliveries are met through the critical path.Knowledge, skills and experience requiredProduct Developer with relevant experienceExpertise in developing multi product womenswearAbility to work both independently and part of a team and able to assist others when necessary Methodical, analytical, and driven to make solutionsAbility to work under pressure whilst having a calm approachHighly organised, good negotiator and influencer both within external & internal aspects of the businessStrong communications skills with clear and professional approachProfessional, dedicated, hardworking and committed person willing to invest long termDemonstrates taste level that aligns with the brandExperience of dealing with offshore suppliersExperience working in a fast-paced environment, ensuring critical path is honouredExperience within a luxury womenswear brand with fashion week experience preferredHighly organised in pre-planning and managing the materials libraryExperience of working in an atelier preferredTravel may be requiredExperience working with ZedonkResponsibilitiesWork seasons in advance to drive innovation and develop / source fabrications prior to each season, working closely with design to capture their vision Support the designers through developing seasonal collections from design concept through to prototypesContinually research raw materials and trims working with suppliers and vendors to build on the materials libraryLiaise with our factory base and suppliers ahead of each season for sourcing, ensuring lead times are discussed in advance and to confirm booking of sampling materials / trimsGood knowledge of fabric and trim testing against testing requirementsTaking responsibility for all fabric selections and approvalsWorking with the designers to deliver technical packs to manufacturersAttend initial and press fittings each season ensuring materials, trims and colours are confirmed with design and to liaise with the factory base on any potential changesContinually manage the range plan during the development stages as this evolvesCommunicate changes after each stage of fitting to the factory base in terms of fabrication and trimsAwareness and management of key dates within the critical path for assigned categories across all fit stagesManage the handover to production – liaising with design and technical department i.e., lab dips approvals and ensuring materials are fit for purpose along with carrying out the approval of raw material submissions. This will be across the entire collection, every seasonWorking closely with the design team, technical team & HK office on all seasonal and exclusive collectionsSupporting sales team with product information