Product Developer

Key Responsibilities Product Development * Manage the complete product development lifecycle from initial concept through to pre-production. * Own and manage the critical path, ensuring key milestones and deadlines are achieved. * Deliver prototypes and samples on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. * Identify development risks early and implement solutions to minimise delays or quality issues. * Ensure products meet customer, brand and commercial requirements throughout development. Design Partnership * Build a close working relationship with Design teams, acting as their technical partner. * Attend fittings and provide technical advice on construction, functionality and feasibility. * Develop creative solutions that preserve the original design vision while ensuring manufacturability. * Collaborate with Product Engineering to ensure products meet required testing and performance standards. Vendor Management * Develop strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. * Maintain an in-depth understanding of vendor capabilities and production capacity. * Negotiate costs, technical specifications and aesthetic changes while protecting design intent. * Support production meetings and oversee technical requirements for prototypes and pre-production samples. Technical Excellence * Ensure products are functional, consistent and fit for purpose. * Conduct ongoing technical risk assessments throughout development. * Drive improvements in construction, quality and manufacturing processes. * Maintain accurate product data and documentation within PLM, ensuring 100% data accuracy. Team Support * Coach, support and develop Product Development Assistants. * Foster a collaborative, accountable and innovative working environment. Skills & Experience The successful candidate will demonstrate: * Proven experience managing the end-to-end product development process within the luxury or premium fashion industry. * Strong technical product knowledge within a relevant product category. * Experience partnering closely with Design teams to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products. * Excellent critical path management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple projects. * Strong commercial awareness, balancing creativity with cost and margin objectives. * Experience managing supplier relationships, negotiating costs and delivering clear technical briefs. * Practical knowledge of factory operations and experience working directly with manufacturers. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence cross-functional teams. * Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical challenges throughout development. * A strong understanding of luxury fashion, market trends and consumer expectations. * Proficiency in PLM systems, Microsoft Excel and Adobe InDesign. Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.