Senior Product Developer
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Featured Childrenswear Product Developer
Senior Product Developer
As Senior Product Developer you will be working from concept to SMS to produce premium multi-category gym and activewear for women. Product Development is key to the Product Creation process, this exciting role combines expertise with passion to bring the product to life working in a close-knit team with the designer, materials manager and garment technologist, founder and managing director to achieve 6 annual high calibre capsule collections of around dropping every 2 months.
The successful candidate will be expected to deliver the highest calibre of work, taking products from conception through to production. This will require an exceptional senior product development skillset, with a passion and drive to develop innovative, market-leading products comprising premium performance gym apparel and activewear, (tops, jackets, leggings, shorts, joggers, sports bras, sweats).
This inspiring premium brand comprises a multi-cultural international female team based in Dubai and London. Dubai is a highly progressive country with many cultural synergies to the West. Work-life balance is important to the team which compromises a number of single female members very much enjoying the lifestyle benefits, climate and social scene Dubai has to offer.
The role:
- To build a balanced and commercial range in line with the company strategy, working collaboratively with internal team and suppliers.
- Collaborate with the UK Product team on seasonal range planning offering competitive analysis and trend insights to inspire product development and the evolution of product.
- Create the Product strategy.
- Own and manage the critical path, from development through to production, ensuring design, development, fit and photoshoot samples and raw materials achieve key calendar milestones.
- Define product metrics, objectives and key results to guide and measure the success of the product strategy.
- Demonstrative market knowledge in athleisure and active apparel with an eye for product, colour, shape, sizing, performance and comfort.
- Quality control of production and daily communication and follow up on production status with factories to avoid delays or air freight.
- Manage the approval process of samples, lab dips, strike-offs and trims from development to production in line with the critical path and communicate approvals or rejections to suppliers.
- Ensure all labelling, packing, testing and shipping requirements are met.
- Work closely with the Managing Director on pricing, production and quality.
- Raising PO’s for greige, sampling and production working closely with the Managing Director.
- Attend fit meetings and collaborate closely throughout the development process with the UK based designer, materials manager and garment technologist to achieve the optimum product offering, fit and quality.
- Sourcing of new supply chain resources.
- Continuously evaluate new material suppliers and garment production vendors to ensure that the brand has a diverse and efficient network of suitable vendors in place to support growth.
- Troubleshoot quality and technical issues with factories and technical teams in order to maintain aesthetic and product performance expectations.
- Oversee the onboarding of internationally accredited production vendors.
- Oversee production currently with ISO and Oeko-Tex Certified and bluesign® accredited factories in Portugal and Thailand to ensure that goods are delivered on time, on budget and in line with high-quality standards.
- Ensure that all aspects of production are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable manner possible.
- Continually assess supply base, building strong relationships to ensure 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 / Sportswear.
- Approximately 5+ years of industry experience developing technical sportswear or premium gym and activewear for women.
- Excellent knowledge of premium workout apparel with awareness of competitor products.
- Exceptional knowledge of construction suitability and costing consequences.
- Ability to cost engineer product.
- Elevated understanding of the manufacturing processes involved in creating performance workout apparel including seamless, for all shapes and sizes of leggings, tops, bralettes, vests and shorts, etc.
- Passion and aptitude for delivering flawless quality.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Solutions-based mindset.
- Highly organised and inquisitive personality.
- Determined and supportive team player with the ability to partner effectively at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.
- An active sports enthusiast with a passion for performance sports.
- Proficiency in Mac, Excel and Adobe Suite.
Hours & Benefits
- Working hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
- Salary in line with experience, tax free
- 1 month paid holiday split across the year
- 1 flight home a year following a successful 6-month probation
- Medical insurance
- Visa and relocation package
- Clothing allowance
- Employee discount