Product Developer
Product Developer | Manchester | £30,000 - £38,000 DOE | Hybrid Working (2 Days WFH / 3 Days Office Based)We are recruiting for a Product Developer to join a fast-paced and growing fashion business based in Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and commercially minded individual with experience across product development, accessories, or fashion categories within a large UK high street or lifestyle brand.As Product Developer, you will take ownership of your product categories from concept through to production, working closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising, and international suppliers to deliver trend-led, commercially successful collections. You will play a key role in driving product innovation, improving quality and fit, and ensuring products are developed in line with customer expectations, brand direction, and margin targets.This role would suit someone who thrives in a collaborative and fast-moving retail environment, enjoys balancing creativity with technical expertise, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products to market.Key Responsibilities:Own and manage product categories from initial concept through to final productionCreate trend-led, commercially successful fashion and accessories collectionsTranslate market trends, customer insights, and creative direction into commercially viable productsDevelop seasonal concepts including colour palettes, materials, trims, finishes, and styling detailsProduce clear CADs, specifications, and tech packs to support development and sampling processesWork closely with Product, Buying, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to align product strategy and customer needsCollaborate with UK and overseas suppliers to manage quality, costings, margin, timelines, and productionSupport the full product development lifecycle including fittings, sample approvals, and bulk productionEnsure all development and sales samples are delivered to a high standard and within critical path deadlinesAnalyse customer, wearer, and sales feedback to drive fit, quality, and product improvementsUse AI and digital tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and product development processesVisit trade shows, retail environments, and key cities to stay ahead of trends and competitor activityChampion sustainability through improved materials, packaging, and responsible sourcing initiativesEnsure products comply with current and emerging UK compliance and regulatory standardsSkills & Experience:2+ years' experience within accessories design, product development, or buying for a large UK high street lifestyle, fashion, or home brandStrong product development and garment technical knowledge including fit, grading, construction, and bulk production processesExperience developing products to cost and margin targets while maintaining quality and brand integrityGood understanding and experience using PLM systems to manage fittings, feedback, and development progressionStrong understanding of materials, product engineering, garment construction, and manufacturing processesConfident presenting concepts, product ideas, and seasonal direction to internal stakeholders and suppliersExperience working with overseas suppliers and international product development teamsExcellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneouslyStrong communication and collaboration skills across Buying, Design, Merchandising, and Supplier teamsCommercially aware with a strong understanding of customer behaviour, market trends, and competitor activityAnalytical mindset with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approachPersonal Attributes:Creative, innovative, and commercially drivenHighly organised and detail-orientedPositive, collaborative, and adaptable approachStrong team player with excellent relationship-building skillsReliable, accountable, and able to work proactivelyPassionate about product, fashion, and emerging trendsEthical and sustainability-focused mindsetBH36179
read more