Apparel Product Developer/Garment Technologist

FOOTASYLUM; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the fashion industry is seeking a motivated Product Developer to join their in-house Design Centre team. This role involves working on the company's own brands, managing development processes, and ensuring product quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in high street fashion and the ability to adapt to changing demands. This position offers excellent opportunities for progression within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in high street fashion industry.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth development processes and maintain ex-factory dates.
• Conduct fit sessions and make confident commercial decisions.
• Liaise with overseas suppliers and manage design handovers.

Skills

Time Management

Adaptability

Commercial Decision Making

Job description

Description

We are looking for an established, highly motivated, and passionate Product Developer to join our in-house "Own Brand" Design Centre team at Footasylum. We are home to multiple brands across men's, women's, kid's, and accessories.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right candidate to work on Footasylum's "own brands" such as Zavetti Canada, Monterrain, Alessandro Zavetti, and more. It also provides excellent progression opportunities.

About You

The successful candidate should have a minimum of 2 years' experience working within the high street fashion industry across mens, ladies, juniors, and accessories.

You will be self-motivated with good time management skills, able to adapt and work to tight deadlines, and deliver results within specified time frames. You must be able to react quickly to changing demands and priorities.

The Team

We are a rapidly growing team of diverse, talented individuals passionate about fashion. Our goal is to create an environment where you can achieve, progress, and develop. You will be supported in your journey, and we will celebrate your progression.

The Product Development Team is part of the larger Design Centre, working closely with Apparel Design, Buying, and Merchandising.

Responsibilities

1. Work to a critical path to ensure smooth development processes, maintain ex-factory dates, and ensure all cost prices are applied correctly, highlighting potential issues to Merchandising and Supply Chain teams.
2. Control all sample stages, ensuring they are completed within the designated timeframe.
3. Conduct fit sessions in-house; make confident commercial decisions alongside Brand Manager/Buying team using your understanding and ability to recommend and execute construction solutions.
4. Measure and send comments on samples across all categories.
5. Analyze technical issues accurately and communicate clearly with suppliers.
6. Send complete workbooks with accurate specs, grade rules, testing, and risk assessments according to the category.
7. Ensure compliance with regulations, product safety, and legislation.
8. Test and analyze product performance, fabric, and garment quality.
9. Serve as a key contact during product development, recording and reporting actionable results.
10. Manage and support design handovers confidently.
11. Work directly with overseas suppliers; travel for production and development trips as needed (may include evenings and weekends).
12. Liaise with Design and Buying teams to provide technical guidance on new product development.
13. Support Design/Development teams to achieve innovative, performance-based products of the highest standard.
14. Assist the graphics team in reporting development or production issues.
15. Support bulk QC checks when required.

Diversity

We recognize and value diversity, understanding it brings different perspectives to our products and services. It helps us create useful, accessible items that our customers will love. Diversity also means building happy, learning, and inspired teams with varied experiences.

Recruitment Process

We review applications individually. If we think you're a good fit, we'll invite you for a call or Teams video chat to discuss the role and see if we're a good match.

We value open, honest conversations and collaboration, providing an informal and friendly environment to learn about us and share why you believe this role suits you.

Please note, this is a head office-based role, and you will need to work from our head office in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.