Product Developer

This is a 12 month maternity cover We’re Pentland Brands; a dynamic, global family business, and proud owners and licensees of many iconic active and footwear brands. With a community of over 1,300 team members worldwide, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and champion growth and development. Our success is built on teamwork, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

WHAT’S THE MISSION FOR THIS ROLE? As a member of our Product Development team you will be responsible for the development of compelling active and lifestyle products that will delight our consumers. You will be working collaboratively with the Design, Sample Room and Merchandising teams to deliver against the end-to-end product development process timeline. You will be responsible for the development of all apparel using advanced product engineering techniques with the consumer, quality and cost front of mind.

WHAT DOES THIS ROLE DO? As our Product Developer you will be responsible for:

• Creating and maintaining comprehensive tech packs and BOMs to clearly communicate design aesthetics, fit, and construction requirements across the supply chain
• Driving a collaborative approach to product development by partnering with in-house sampling teams and Design to refine concepts prior to vendor engagement.
• Management of associated data files, product taxonomy and CR data
• Confidently leading fit sessions, providing technical feedback and proposing solutions to ensure product brief and creative intent are achieved.
• Providing clarity on cost and proposed changes in design reviews, then instructing vendors on necessary amendments to ensure complete alignment
• Analysing cost of product through feasibility assessments, predictive pre-costing exercises and the thorough examination of prototype cost break down.
• Propose cost-saving solutions to Design teams to meet and exceed seasonal margin targets, balancing creativity, functionality, and profitability.
• Delivering projects on time by meeting key stage gates and departmental deadlines within the seasonal calendar, whilst driving accountability elsewhere.
• Align with key stakeholders throughout the concept-to-consumer process to identify and support process improvement opportunities.
• Work closely with Asia team counterparts to streamline development processes and empower ‘close to source’ decision-making where appropriate
• Building strong relationships with counterparts in Asia and our vendors, understanding their capabilities, negotiating costs and preserving design intent.
• Collaborating with the QA team to implement a quality feedback loop, ensuring products are fit for purpose through ongoing risk assessments, consistency checks, and functionality reviews.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with the Design and Global Materials teams to develop and implement new trims for New Product Development (NPD) styles
• Ensure consumer needs are central to all development and engineering decisions.

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE ROLE? To stand out in this role, you should have the following skills and experience:

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, Outlook
• Strong working knowledge of PLM systems (is an advantage).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High level of attention to detail adnd technical expertise in garment and fabric construction, particularly performance apparel
• The ability to balance creativity and cost, with excellent financial acumen and analytical skills

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Competitive Salary + discretionary bonus 25 Days Holiday: Increases with length of service and the option to purchase additional days to suit your needs. Discounts: Brand discounts (including friends and family and JD Sports), Sample Sales, and other retail discounts and perks. Family-Friendly Benefits: Generous enhanced parental leave policies Health Perks: Choose from a variety of health-related perks including medical cash plan, critical illness cover, life assurance, gym and fitness discounts, dental insurance, eye care, and health screening to maintain your wellbeing. Travel Perks: Take advantage of our season ticket loan, cycle to work schemes, electric car schemes, and discounts on home charging units to support eco-friendly commuting. Flexible Working: We offer hybrid working and flexible working hours, allowing you to start your day earlier or later to help with commute costs or personal commitments. Chance to join our Charity, D&I and Sustainability employee networks. As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive culture across our business, stores, and office environment. We want you to live our company principles, bringing a strong consumer focus, while always looking for ways to improve and grow in your role. Take ownership of your work and be proactive in solving problems whilst communicating openly and treating everyone with respect and kindness. And, of course, let your creativity shine by bringing your unique style and individuality to the Pentland Brands Team.