Assistant Product Developer

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative sportswear brand in Manchester is seeking an Assistant Product Developer to support the development of new apparel. The role involves managing sample tracking, assisting with product briefs, and communicating with suppliers. Ideal candidates are university graduates with a passion for clothing and experience in product development. The company offers a dynamic work environment with flexi hours, an on-site gym, and a generous holiday policy. Join a team that's redefining the market!

Benefits

Flexi Hours

On-site gym

Free refreshments

Free on-site parking

Generous staff discount

Pension contribution

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Laptop and phone provided

Travel expenses covered

Qualifications

• University graduate, ideally in a related field.
• Eager to learn about product, fabric, and construction.
• Detail-focused and disciplined.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Developers with administrative and operational tasks.
• Manage the critical path and communicate risks or delays.
• Attend fit sessions and communicate feedback with suppliers.
• Assist with sample briefs and manage purchase orders.
• Research market trends, competitor ranges, and product performance.

Skills

Passionate about apparel

Strong interest in sports and athleisure

Highly organised

Confident communicator

Education

Degree in Garment Tech, Buying, or Merchandising

6-12 months of experience in a relevant field

Job description

Assistant Product Developer | North West | £26,000 - £30,000 | Flexi Hours

This fast-growing, design-led sports and athleisure brand has nearly tripled its turnover in the past year alone and is quickly becoming one to watch. With standout collaborations, strong relationships with major retail partners, and a focus on accessible, high‑quality product, they’re not just keeping pace with the market – they’re redefining it.

As the product team continues to expand, they’re now looking for an Assistant Product Developer to play a key role in supporting the development of innovative, commercial apparel ranges.

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about sportswear and athleisure who is looking to grow within product development. You’ll support the product team across the full development lifecycle, from initial concept through to delivery, ensuring processes run smoothly and deadlines are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Product Developers with day‑to‑day administrative and operational tasks
• Manage the critical path, proactively communicating any risks, delays or concerns to the wider team
• Own and track sample management, including lab dips, approvals, swatches and garment movement
• Attend fit sessions, capturing feedback and actions and communicating clearly with suppliers
• Liaise confidently with the supply base in a clear, professional and timely manner
• Assist with sample briefs and the delivery of new samples into the business
• Gather initial costs on new styles ahead of each season
• Manage purchase orders accurately to support the Product and Merchandising teams
• Maintain accurate SKU, barcode and product data across systems
• Support Monday trade notes and key actions for Product, Design and Merchandising
• Actively research market trends, competitor ranges, launches and collaborations
• Produce weekly competitor shop reports and like‑for‑like product comparisons
• React quickly to trading updates and support the team with insights on product performance
• Work closely with Marketing and Content teams, sharing product information and managing samples
• Attend product reviews, trade meetings and supplier reviews, supporting with notes, prep and follow‑up actions
• Build understanding of fabrics, garment construction and performance materials

About You

• A university graduate, ideally with a degree in Garment Tech, Buying, or Merchandising, or you may already have 6–12 months of experience and would like to move companies.
• Passionate about apparel, with a strong interest in sports and athleisure.
• Inquisitive and eager to learn about product, fabric and construction.
• Friendly, approachable and upbeat.
• Highly organised, disciplined and detail‑focused.
• Confident communicator who builds strong supplier and internal relationships.

What's in It for You

• Flexi Hours
• On‑site gym
• Free refreshments
• Free on‑site parking
• Generous staff discount
• Pension contribution
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Laptop and phone provided
• Travel expenses covered