RTW Product Development Manager ( 1 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Erdem; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion company is seeking an experienced Product Developer to support the Development Director. The role involves managing a team, overseeing garment development, and ensuring product quality and deadlines are met. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in luxury fashion and team management skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Product Developer within luxury brands.
• Management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Develop RTW styles and manage a team of 3 Product Developers.
• Ensure product meets deadlines and quality standards.
• Participate in fittings and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Organised

Analytical

Problem Solver

Initiative

Drive

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Zedonk

SAP Concur

Job description

Job Description:

To support the Development Director in the overall running of the Product Development department and developing garments within the RTW collections.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

PLANNING

• Develop RTW styles within the business’ critical path.
• Manage workload according to fabric delivery and toile development.
• Manage a team of 3 Product developers, distributing and overseeing the team’s workload.
• Supplier management: ensure suppliers meet company deadlines and that they have all components required to make the product.
• Work closely with the pattern team to ensure the product meets the required finish and timescales are kept to.
• Help advise technical construction/finishes to design team and factory when launching the product.
• Participate in fittings and offer solutions to improve overall fit/quality. Supervise the team to accurately take allocation notes for pattern and tech.
• Work closely with the Senior Garment & Quality Technologist to flag any external fabric/product tests required and highlight any potential risks.
• Ensuresamples are QCs prior to fitting and design review.
• Pre-cost garments to identify opportunities for improved margin.
• Ensure collection is developed to meet the required aesthetic, target margin, and construction is suitable for production capabilities.
• Ensure the product has consistency through each Product Developer.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and be reactive to their queries.
• Launch counter samples where necessary for improved cost/make.
• Ensure PD team accurately inputs BOMs in Zedonk and all relevant information is crosschecked before Handover to Production.
• Visit factory premises as and when required.
• Participate in pre-show and photoshoot activities and co-ordinate team responsibility for show week.
• Mentor Junior members of the team and lead team meetings when required.
• Assist Product Development Director in overseeing the critical path.
• Ensure product is sufficiently resolved ahead of the Production Handover meeting.
• Efficient data management: Overseeing of the Development Working tools (ie. FTS, Style Tracker, Master style Coding), ensure fluid communication between PD, Fabrics, Design and checking reports from Zedonk.
• Manage factory invoice approvals in SAP Concur.
• Manage Seasonal RTW Development and Travel Budgets.
• Working hand in hand with Design during Show weeks activities, organizing collections for styling sessions and supporting the process.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a Product Developer within luxury brands with previous management role
• Strong understanding of garment construction/fit, raw materials, and components Understanding of MOQ’s and garment pricing
• Experienced working with manufacturers (preferably London, Europe, and Asia)
• Organised and efficient: ability to work to tight deadlines and follow critical path Knowledge of fabric testing Proficient using Microsoft Excel Initiative and drive
• Analytical and problem solver Efficiency using Zedonk advantageous Management experience required