Bolton, Greater Manchester
Main Accountabilities:
- To manage the execution of styles from concept to launch.
- Attend and contribute at design direction meeting , bringing newness and creative ideas to the team.
- To stick to the critical path with the product team, to execute a well-balanced and commercial range plan. Ensure all timelines are met including tech packs and sample deadlines.
- Bring to market, world class, fit for purpose product, built and engineered to Represent standards.
- Responsible for the day-to-day design and development operational tasks, to deliver the goals and objectives as set by the Head of Menswear – in line with the company vision.
- Independently plan and organise allocated workload . To ensure that all tech-packs are of the highest standard and can be accurately translated by the factory into the best quality 1st Proto’s.
- Co-ordinate daily communication with all suppliers.
- Attend key style capitals for any fabric trade fairs and visit key stores and brands. To be aware of brand adjacencies and key trends.
- To interact frequently with the factories (& fabric mills) ideally through site visits or video meetings. Inspect key Health and Safety aspects of the supplier Manual during factory visits.
- To prioritize sustainable fabrics , trims and packaging , where possible.
- Help to assess and appraise each factory on a regular basis and feed this back to Production Manager and Head of Menswear.
- Be confident that the current supply base is compliant and transparent.
- Provide technical skills and expertise to ensure that all garments are fit for purpose.
- Ability to understand, recommend, and execute commercial construction solutions
- Collaborate with Head of Menswear on new fabric, trim and logo developments.
- Work closely with Creative Director and Head of Menswear to deliver quality products, against target margins whilst maintaining Design aesthetics.
- Expertly create Tech Packs and BOM’s with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Attend fit sessions and proto reviews
- Identify styles that require wear testing, and co-ordinate accordingly
- Identify opportunities to promote agility within product development team particularly with any direct reports
- Analyse wearer trial results (where appropriate – e.g. 247) , formulating action points to present to the rest of the team
- Maintain & update the sample tracker report- accuracy is critical.
Key skills:
- Collaborative, non- political approach
- Appropriate qualification in apparel sector or equivalent work experience
- Substantial experience working in Product Development function
- Experience working with global Activewear / Sportswear apparel brands
- Excellent garment construction and engineering skills
- Sound understanding of fabrics
- Knowledge of pattern making an advantage but not essential
- Demonstrate a pro-active approach to problem solving
- Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities
- Strong commercial awareness with an ability to identify risk and confidently provide solutions
- Experience in a fast-paced environment
- Extensive knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Adobe Illustrator
- Ability to analyse Costing Bom’s and offer viable solutions and ideas
- Hands on when required. Be prepared to assist at all levels
- Target prices
Experience:
- 2 x years Design & Development experience.
- A passion for menswear design and the branded market.
- A relevant degree.
- Travelled to factories and key style capitals.
- Excellent garment construction knowledge
You might have:
- Sportswear or branded apparel experience.
- Knowledge and passion for sustainability.
We would ideally like you to:
- Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities
- Own the role and make things happen.
- Strong commercial awareness with an ability to identify product risk and confidently provide solutions
- Experience in a fast-paced environment
- Love Product!
