Apparel Product Developer
*Annual Salary: £33,000 - £38,000
*Location: Watford
*Job Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
We are seeking an experienced Apparel Product Developer to join our team on a fixed-term contract. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in sportswear and activewear development, who is skilled in garment construction and has experience managing supplier relationships, particularly in the Far East.
Day-to-day of the role:
*Develop assigned styles/collections in collaboration with Designers, internal teams, and suppliers, handling approximately 200 SKUs per season.
*Source and develop new fabrics seasonally, ensuring they meet cost and quality specifications.
*Maintain day-to-day liaison with factories, coordinating and monitoring all activities related to the development, approval, and communication with fabric, trimming, and accessory suppliers.
*Provide clear instructions to factories to ensure samples are made to correct specifications.
*Create measurement charts and measure garments for UK and Global teams.
*Organise and manage fitting sessions, providing fitting comments to suppliers from the proto stage to production orders.
*Propose alternative garment executions to optimise targets of design, quality, and price.
*Manage and execute time and action plans to ensure timely delivery of samples in good execution, quality, and fit.
*Ensure product finalisation and approval are on time before bulk order placement.
*Manage Line list creation and maintenance throughout the season.
*Ensure new fabric costing sheets are completed and chase suppliers for cost prices.
*Manage the critical path from initial prototypes through to bulk production, ensuring strict adherence to timelines.
*Send out PP & shipment samples to buyers for approval or reference.
*Resolve QC issues, manage sample housekeeping, and ensure all samples are received for photo shoots and orders.
*Arrange sample shipments to agents, licensees, customers, and the brand owner as needed.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
*Minimum 3 years of experience in an Apparel Product Development role within the sportswear, activewear, and athleisure industry.
*In-depth knowledge of garment construction techniques and pattern cutting.
*Experience with technical fabrics and performance garment constructions.
*Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
*Experience working with suppliers based in the Far East and managing wholesale business models.
*Experience in sport accessories development is advantageous.
Benefits:
*Competitive salary based on experience.
*Opportunity to work with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
*Exposure to global brands and market-leading products.
To apply for this Apparel Product Developer position, please follow the link