Apparel Product Developer

Annual Salary: £33,000 - £38,000
Location: Watford
Job Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking an experienced Apparel Product Developer to join our team on a fixed-term contract. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in sportswear and activewear development, who is skilled in garment construction and has experience managing supplier relationships, particularly in the Far East.

Day-to-day of the role:

Develop assigned styles/collections in collaboration with Designers, internal teams, and suppliers, handling approximately 200 SKUs per season.
Source and develop new fabrics seasonally, ensuring they meet cost and quality specifications.
Maintain day-to-day liaison with factories, coordinating and monitoring all activities related to the development, approval, and communication with fabric, trimming, and accessory suppliers.
Provide clear instructions to factories to ensure samples are made to correct specifications.
Create measurement charts and measure garments for UK and Global teams.
Organise and manage fitting sessions, providing fitting comments to suppliers from the proto stage to production orders.
Propose alternative garment executions to optimise targets of design, quality, and price.
Manage and execute time and action plans to ensure timely delivery of samples in good execution, quality, and fit.
Ensure product finalisation and approval are on time before bulk order placement.
Manage Line list creation and maintenance throughout the season.
Ensure new fabric costing sheets are completed and chase suppliers for cost prices.
Manage the critical path from initial prototypes through to bulk production, ensuring strict adherence to timelines.
Send out PP & shipment samples to buyers for approval or reference.
Resolve QC issues, manage sample housekeeping, and ensure all samples are received for photo shoots and orders.
Arrange sample shipments to agents, licensees, customers, and the brand owner as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Minimum 3 years of experience in an Apparel Product Development role within the sportswear, activewear, and athleisure industry.
In-depth knowledge of garment construction techniques and pattern cutting.
Experience with technical fabrics and performance garment constructions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience working with suppliers based in the Far East and managing wholesale business models.
Experience in sport accessories development is advantageous.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience.
Opportunity to work with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
Exposure to global brands and market-leading products.

To apply for this Apparel Product Developer position, please follow the link