Job Description
Location: MIDLANDS/STAFFORDSHIRE Type: Permanent Salary: £30,000 Per Annum TECHNICAL PRODUCT DEVELOPER / DESIGNER (SPORTSWEAR ) OUTERWEAR BRITISH HERITAGE BRANDWEST MIDLANDS/ STAFFORDSHIREUP TO £35K deoRequirements 3-4 years of experience in the technical design/product development, production or merchandising, preferably in the outdoor/sportswear industryBachelor’s degree in textile/apparel/product design, patternmaking or similarKnowledge and experience of fit, apparel construction, material construction, pattern making, bill of materials and surface applicationsHistory with both European and far-east vendors and manufacturersProficient knowledge of Excel and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Organisational alignment Support Supply Chain through the development processWorks hand in hand with our compliance officerCritical pathOur client is a unique British brand, manufacturer and distributor of protective clothing and accessories. Established in 2011, and has become a globally distributed product with markets including the EU, US and Australia. Our client focusses on collections aimed at different styles that include, protective jackets, trousers, boots, gloves and denim is rigorous in ensuring our products meet the standards they demand for the brand, and the trust levels that their customers have come to expect from them.Their fast-growing business has developed through innovation, creative design and close manufacturing partnerships. As a result, they are now looking to recruit an experienced Technical Product Developer to join their close-knit Midlands based team, to accelerate their product development. About The Candidate The successful candidate will be an expert in outdoor/performance/sportswear development with an excellent knowledge of the market/competitive landscape as well as positional research.Working for a customer-centric brand Understand customer needs and work with the team to create innovative solutions with technologically advanced materials and components Support the brand director in the creation of product by finding growth opportunities through sourcing and strategic opportunitiesMaintain all records in relation to specification, sizing and assist where required in the PPE compliance of products to maintain marketplace qualityHave the opportunity to work within a close supportive team as well as having the opportunity to travel overseasBe high pace, organised, self-motivated, enthusiastic and have a passion for excellence Key Responsibilities The Product Developer in this Multi-Product position will work with the wider brands product, compliance and supply chain team to create commercially viable products that are then sold and distributed through their brands customer network, internationally.The Product Developer will write and manage innovative seasonal product briefs (across multiple categories) Work across multiple development projects ranging from collabs, capsule collections, new ranges, new concepts and tweaks to existing core product ranges to ensure success across the various market requirementsCreate product packs (artwork drawings, graphics, illustrations and technical documents) and co-ordinate with all suppliers throughout the design and development process to ensure successful execution; with hand over in time for launch deadlinesBe part of the prototype reviews with the wider team, evaluating all samples (Proto, SMS, Fit, PP, etc)Maintain all style records and samples associated with each product; ensuring no conflict with other competitorsBe in constant contact with factories and suppliersConsolidate product information and support the creation of marketing and training materials for sales teams, ensuring an accurate reflection of the brand and product within the marketOperate effectively and closely with key functional teams across Compliance, Sales, Finance, Legal, Brand, MarketingMaintain knowledge in developing markets, technologies and design to ensure brand remains at the front of product developmentsThe Product Developer will effectively work with the Brand Director to design, with an opportunity to steer future development, all apparel and accessories; whilst working with a larger network of suppliers. As part of the growing team, drive the brand into new and emerging markets.Head office based in StaffordshireTypical day 9-5Occasional travel flexibility required (dom and int.)20-25 days holiday per year, plus Statutory holidaysPension scheme following 6 months of serviceEquity opportunity following 2 years of serviceSickness packageInvolvement in company events and activities