Product Development Manager

We are currently seeking a talented Product Developer Manager to join our team. Based in our Leeds you will play a crucial role in the development of our apparel and tactical products collections and all new product development for tenders. You will be responsible for all product development projects in the company, both propetiery projects and new dev projects for tenders. You will need great attention to detail, good memory and planning/organization skills. There are many different projects we have internally and also in relation to new tender requirements that you will be leading the development on. We design and manufacture tactical clothing and equipment from our own propriatery designs and also we make to spec from different tender requirements. Good verbal British-English is needed for this role, and ideally local to Leeds to be in the office 2 days a week Main Duties: Product Development Process:

• Actively propose alternative garment executions to optimize design, quality, and price targets.
• Collaborate with the sales team on generating ideas and bringing collections from concept to completion.

Sourcing and Liaison:

• Source fabrics and trims.
• Daily liaison with manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
• Coordinate and monitor all activities related to fabric, trimming, and accessory suppliers.

Testing & Lab Management:

• Testing materials and products to different standards
• Daily liaison with testing labls
• Coordinate and monitor all activities related to testing, and ensure we obtain the right results

Marketing & Branding

• Working closely with branding and markeitng to produce product assets
• Market/competitor research and analysis

Regulatory Affairs:

• Ensure compliance with EU regulations and manage regulatory affairs, including product registration, notification, and safety assessments.

Technical Design:

• Produce technical sketches (CADs) using Adobe Illustrator.
• Assist in garment quality checks, labeling, photographing, and organizing samples.
• Obtain approval for designs from key stakeholders.

Project Management:

• Maintain Critical Path & Project planning.
• Assist in time planning for the design and marketing calendar to meet deadlines.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Liaise with global suppliers, factories, and internal departments (marketing, sales, warehousing, and accounts).
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the Product Development team.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Responsible for preparing, maintaining, and following up on all work documents (e.g., tech pack, workbooks, measurements chart, fitting comments).

Key Performance Areas: Design Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrate strong design skills and knowledge.
• Good understanding of garment construction.
• Communication and Software Proficiency:
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Adobe Creative Suite competence is a must.
• Skills in Google Docs, Gmail, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Research and Innovation:

• Proficient and thorough research skills.
• An interest in innovation and creativity.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to use initiative.
• Thorough and detail-oriented.
• Ambitious with a desire to succeed.
• Ability to work in a structured and timely manner under pressure within a team environment.

Educational Background:

• Must have a degree or be currently studying for a degree within the Fashion Industry or material science industry.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £37,500.00-£45,000.00 per year Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme
• Performance bonus
• Yearly bonus

Experience:

• Clothing/textiles: 5 years (required)
• Supplier Management: 3 years (required)
• Product development: 5 years (required)

Ability to Commute:

• Leeds (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Leeds: Relocate before starting work (required)
• Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leeds