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.
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