Garment Product Developer

Chilli Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chilli Ltd. is seeking an experienced Garment Product Developer to own end-to-end development from concept to production. You will manage the critical path, coordinate with clients and factories, and drive sign-offs while controlling costs and timelines.

The role requires 8+ years in garment development, deep fabric and construction knowledge, and strong collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers. International travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in garment product development.
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, construction, pattern grading, and measurements.
• Willingness to travel overseas to factories (Far East).
• Excellent attention to detail and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end garment development process from design concept to production.
• Manage critical path, schedules and milestones for product development.
• Coordinate with clients and suppliers on ranges and development.
• Oversee sample process from design to gold seal.
• Provide timely feedback and sign-off with cost considerations.
• Ensure product meets customer specs and delivery deadlines.
• Maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Lead production process and stay updated on technical innovations.
• Ensure test reports align with customer and in-house requirements.
• Respond to queries from customers and factories.

Skills

Garment development

Fabric knowledge

Pattern grading

Measuring & fit

Quality control

Supplier liaison

Travel readiness

Team collaboration

Job description

• Being pro-active to meet the ever-changing needs of the business, whilst remaining commercially aware of not only your area but the rest of the business to ensure your role supports the direction of the business and adds value.
• Fully responsible and accountable for all aspects of the garment development process, making decisions and being responsible for managing all problems, concerns and issues to achieve workable solutions
• Managing the critical path of the product development process of specified products / brands through from the design concept to production
• Ensuring those concerned are aware of the critical path dates, organising key schedules and meetings in-line with the critical path, and implement / communicate any changes as and when they occur
• Constantly working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the product development process
• Liaising with clients and suppliers about new ranges, developments and opportunities
• Managing all stages of the sample process from design to gold seal
• Responsible with Design for all comments and communication to suppliers regarding product sign off and development.
• Giving comments and approvals or feedback quickly and ensure any issues or cost implications are discussed with the rest of the team before signing off on items
• Maintaining effective and positive relationships with the customers and suppliers
• Leading the production process for all aspects of garment construction, keeping up to date with technical innovations to support the development.
• Ensuring test reports are in line with customer and in-house requirements
• Responding to customer and factory queries in a timely manner
• Measuring & fit all relevant garments, ensuring that all comments and fits are done on time and in line with the products critical path.
• Ensuring that product delivered is within tolerance and if there are any discrepancies liaise with suppliers
• Establishing appropriate guidelines and procedures with all suppliers for the QC and sealing process
• Managing the development and production process to meet allocated budgets and timelines
• Ensuring the final product meets customer specifications and in line with the correct delivery deadline
• Seeking ways of continually improving the product development process

Requirements

Regular overseas travel to factories in Far East and work with our account managers in China, ideally this role is based in China.

Garment product development experience at least 8 years.

Have strong knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, pattern grading and measurements.

Good attention to detail and a questioning nature.

Must be a good team worker and have a flexible approach to work.

Confidence to liaise with external parties, different departments, and levels of staff in a professional manner.