Apparel Product Developer

SUCCESS TALENT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

SUCCESS TALENT in London is seeking an Apparel Product Developer to work across menswear and womenswear within a global sportswear brand. You will lead end-to-end SMU development, coordinate with design, factories and internal teams, and manage buyer communications to ensure on-time delivery.

The role requires 3–5 years in the sportswear/athleisure sector, strong Excel skills, and proven experience with costings, pricing strategies and supplier liaising with Far East partners.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in sportswear, activewear, or athleisure across both menswear and womenswear
• Experience working on SMU collections and collaborating with key retailers
• Experience managing buyer relationships
• Strong knowledge of cost/pricing formulas and margin targets
• In-depth technical knowledge of garment construction techniques and pattern cutting
• Experience working with Far East suppliers
• Background in finishes, fabric development and construction details

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of SMU collections, collaborating with design, factories and internal teams while managing buyer communications and finalisation
• Develop and maintain seasonal calendars and Time & Action plans to meet retailer timelines
• Act as liaison with Far East suppliers for material approvals, pricing negotiations and costings
• Create tech packs and measurement charts, lead fit sessions and ensure quality across development stages
• Oversee sample management, buyer approvals and maintain records for stakeholders
• Identify and resolve QC and product issues with factories and internal teams
• Remain flexible to take on additional responsibilities as needed

Skills

Excel proficiency

Costing & margins

Garment construction

Pattern cutting

SMU development

Buyer relationships

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Apparel Product Developer

London

Permanent

Up to £35,000 (DOE and qualifications)

A global sportswear brand is looking for an Apparel Product Developer to join their team and work across both menswear and womenswear product development.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with the design team to ensure their vision is executed accurately and that all deadlines are met.

As the Apparel Product Developer, your responsibilities will include:

• Lead end-to-end development of SMU (Special Make-Up) collections, collaborating with design, factories, and internal teams, while managing buyer communications and product finalisation.
• Develop and maintain seasonal calendars and Time & Action plans to meet retailer timelines, managing multiple projects and ensuring on-time delivery across all development phases.
• Act as the key liaison with Far East suppliers, handling material and trim approvals, price negotiations, and ensuring costings meet target margins and pricing accuracy.
• Create tech packs and measurement charts, lead fit sessions, ensure product consistency and quality across all development stages before bulk production.
• Oversee sample management, buyer approvals, and maintain organised, up-to-date records and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve QC and product issues in coordination with factories and internal teams, ensuring smooth transition from development to final delivery.
• Remain flexible to take on additional responsibilities as needed, adapting to evolving business and market demands.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in the sportswear, activewear, or athleisure industry across both menswear and womenswear
• Proven experience working on SMU collections and collaborating with key retailers
• Experience in managing buyer relationships
• A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and high familiarity with cost/pricing formulas and margin targets.
• In-depth technical knowledge of garment construction techniques and a strong understanding of pattern cutting
• A strong background in costing, margin negotiation and pricing strategies
• Experience working with suppliers in the Far East
• A background in fit, fabric development, finishes, and construction details.

Success Talent Diversity & Inclusion statement:

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Success Talent embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we welcome application from candidates who may have disabilities. We regret that due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.