Director of Product Development

People Marketing Fashion Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

People Marketing Fashion Recruitment is seeking a Director of Product Development (Apparel) to own end-to-end clothing development across creator brands. Based in London with hybrid working, you’ll lead samples, tech packs and supplier partnerships, shaping product direction for activewear and outerwear.

You’ll manage the critical path from concept to bulk production, negotiate costs and margins, build long-term supplier relationships, and ensure quality and timely launches while collaborating

Qualifications

• 8+ years in clothing product development with 3+ years in a senior role.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, fit, grading, costing and critical path.
• Established factory and mill network with long-term supplier relationships.
• Commercially astute with negotiation skills and focus on quality and fit.
• Experience with DTC/creator brands and launching brands from scratch.
• Based in or near London with ability to travel to factories.
• Experience in activewear/athleisure market.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end apparel development from brief to bulk delivery.
• Present samples to creators and advise on product direction.
• Manage tech packs, specs, grading, fit, fabrics and trims.
• Build the critical path and ensure on-time launches.
• Source and manage manufacturers and mills.
• Negotiate costs, MOQs, lead times and terms.
• Own product quality and final approvals.
• Develop supplier base and processes for multiple brands.
• Collaborate with creators, designers, brand managers and supply chain teams.
• Work across activewear and outerwear categories.

Skills

End-to-end development

Negotiation

Garment construction

Fabrics & trims

Critical path

Supplier networks

Activewear expertise

Leadership

London-based

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Director of Product Development to take ownership of clothing development across a portfolio of creator brands.

Based in London with hybrid working, you’ll work directly with some of the world’s biggest creators, bringing their product vision to life and advising on collections, categories and commercial opportunities. You’ll oversee the full journey from concept and sampling through to bulk production and delivery.

Director of Product Development (Apparel)- The Role

• Own end-to-end apparel product development, from brief to bulk delivery.
• Work directly with creators, presenting samples and advising on product direction.
• Manage tech packs, specs, grading, fit sessions, fabrics, trims and sample approvals.
• Build and manage the critical path, ensuring launches remain on time and to standard.
• Source, develop and manage manufacturers and mills across key apparel categories.
• Negotiate costs, MOQs, lead times and commercial terms while managing target margins.
• Own product quality, compliance and final approval across sampling and bulk.
• Build strong relationships with creators, designers, brand managers and supply chain teams.
• Develop the supplier base and, over time, the processes and team needed to support multiple brands.
• Work across exciting categories including activewear and outerwear.

Director of Product Development (Apparel)- The Person

• 8+ years’ experience in clothing product development, including 3+ years at senior level.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, fit, grading, costing and critical path management.
• Established factory and mill network with experience building long-term supplier relationships.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills and a sharp eye for quality and fit.
• Confident working directly with high-profile clients and providing clear product direction.
• Experience taking ranges from concept through to bulk production.
• Strong understanding of the activewear/athleisure market.
• Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable taking full ownership.
• Based in or within easy reach of London, with flexibility to travel to factories.
• Experience with DTC, creator, influencer, celebrity or athlete brands, launching brands from scratch, and sustainable materials would be advantageous.