Product Developer, Womenswear

What’s the role about? As our Product Developer, you’ll support the development and delivery of our product ranges, working closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising and Technical teams to bring the right product to life at the right quality, price and margin. You’ll take ownership of your categories, helping to shape sourcing strategies, develop new product and ensure every style progresses smoothly from initial development through to delivery. Working closely with our supplier base, you’ll build strong partnerships, negotiate costs and delivery dates, and identify opportunities to improve product and process. You’ll also play an important role in developing more sustainable fabric and trim options, while supporting a collaborative and high-performing Product team. Who you are You’ll have previous experience in Product Development or a similar fashion product role, with a good understanding of the product development lifecycle. Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of costing, margin, supplier negotiation and how to balance commercial targets with the design vision. Confident managing supplier relationships, with the ability to challenge, negotiate and build constructive partnerships across different markets. Strong product knowledge, with an understanding of fabrics, trims, garment construction and the cost implications of product and fit decisions. Highly organised and proactive, with the ability to manage critical paths, multiple priorities and deadlines while identifying and escalating risks early. A collaborative communicator who works effectively across Product, Design, Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Sustainability teams, while supporting the development of more junior colleagues. What you’ll be doing Managing the sourcing and development of your categories, working with suppliers to ensure the right product is developed with the right partner. Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, regularly reviewing performance and supporting progression, corrective action or exit plans where required. Owning product costing and margin across your categories, negotiating supplier costs and identifying opportunities to achieve target margin without compromising the design vision. Working closely with Design and Fabric teams to develop new product, fabrics and trims, including more sustainable options and opportunities to improve product value. Managing product development from initial specifications and material information through to samples, seasonal buy meetings and order placement. Owning category critical paths, tracking key milestones and proactively escalating risks to ensure product is signed off and delivered within the required timeframe. Working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Technical teams following product sign-off, ensuring styles continue to progress smoothly through to delivery. Supporting a high-performing Product team by sharing product knowledge,…