Careers

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

THE ROLE

We are looking for an amazing new Product Development Manager to join our small, Islington-based team, on a full-time, permanent basis. This role is responsible for taking the Studio Pia product from concept through to production stage, and delivering high-quality garments with excellent fit.

THE DUTIES

General Responsibilities :

• Trend, product and competitor research;
• Fabric and trim sourcing;
• Factories and suppliers sourcing;
• Ordering and organisation of seasonal lab-dips, hangers and fabric developments;
• Requesting and approving raw material and dtm bulk submissions;
• Embroidery design and development;
• Component cost negotiation;
• Manufacturing and raw material price review and negotiation;
• Product design and development;
• Maintaining and updating the ‘Suppliers’, ‘Raw Materials’ and ‘Product Costing’ areas of the Zedonk system as and when required;
• Creating and updating garment costings in Zedonk including manufacturing costs, raw materials;
• Organisation of pattern and grading archive, sample archive and general studio maintenance;
• Pattern cutting - new developments and alterations to existing styles and ensure all patterns are accurately copied and prepared for production to a high standard;
• Pattern grading;
• Toiling and sample making, including design/sales samples;
• Factory sampling ordering and tracking;
• Sample fittings;
• Ensuring all relevant materials, patterns, samples, tech packs and notes are sent to factories ahead of sampling and production;
• Communicating with factories and in-house machinists prior to and throughout sampling and production run to assist with technical queries;
• Component usages/yields for new and existing garments;
• Technical CAD drawings;
• Creating and updating tech packs, ensuring correct instructions, BOMs, yields and measurements are given, and all appropriate notes are included;
• Plan and follow a strict development and production critical path, working to deadlines and provide weekly updates on progress to Director;
• Factory visits to QC bulk production garments at the end of each production drop;
• Raw materials stock management;
• Providing induction and necessary training for Interns;
• Logistics for product-related shipments.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Displaying and taking full responsibility for department;
• Keep up to date with laws and guidelines for department;
• Assist in writing job descriptions and sourcing future team members;
• Interviewing potential candidates, providing induction and necessary training;
• Responsible for overall planning & monitoring workload for junior team members;
• Responsible for carrying out appraisals/performance reviews with Director and junior team members at end of year;
• Developing and implementing new systems and procedures to improve efficiency;
• Annual and seasonal department strategy;
• Collaborating with relevant cross department managers as necessary;
• Writing up and presenting work to wider team;
• Responsible for resolving any errors, issues or disputes relating to department;
• Communicate planned expenditure with accounts team and manage annual department budget.

THE CANDIDATE

To be considered for this role you will have:

• Fashion design technology/contour fashion degree, or equivalent work experience;
• Excellent lingerie-specific technical knowledge;
• Manual pattern cutting and grading skills (Gerber experience desirable);
• Strong time management and critical path management skills;
• Good market knoweldge;
• Good CAD skills (Adobe);
• Meticulous eye for detail;
• Proactive approach to work;
• Advocate for sustainability;
• Right to work in the UK.

This job would suit a lingerie Product Developer looking to take the next step in their career, gaining a high level of responsibility in a rewarding role.

THE DETAILS

• Salary £30-35k pa + benefits
• Full-time
• 35 hours per week
• Minimum 4 days per week in the office (Islington, London)
• Product allowance and 50% staff discount
• Start end of Oct / beginning of Nov 23