Product Developer

People Marketing Fashion Recruitment; Tamworth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

People Marketing Fashion Recruitment is seeking a Product Developer to manage end-to-end workwear product development, translating design concepts into technical specifications, drawings and documentation. You will work closely with design, sourcing and offshore manufacturers to ensure fit, durability and compliance with brand standards.

You will lead prototype development, fittings and supplier communication, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to cost targets.

Qualifications

• Degree in Apparel Design, Textile Technology, Garment Technology or related.
• 3–5 years' experience in product development in fashion/workwear.
• Strong garment construction, pattern cutting, fit and tech spec knowledge.
• Proficiency in Illustrator; Photoshop and CAD systems.
• Experience with Lectra marker making and basic pattern development.
• Knowledge of performance fabrics and safety standards for workwear.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Commercially aware with cost-conscious product development.
• A proactive, collaborative approach focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Translate design concepts into technical specs, drawings and documentation using Illustrator.
• Manage end-to-end product development from concept to bulk production.
• Develop prototypes ensuring fit, functionality, construction and quality.
• Conduct garment fittings and provide feedback to suppliers and manufacturers.
• Identify, research and source fabrics, trims and components meeting requirements.
• Manage fabric and trim development, including lab dips, approvals and testing.
• Ensure materials meet durability, safety and PPE standards.
• Liaise with offshore factories and suppliers to implement specifications.
• Monitor product quality and resolve issues.
• Manage critical path timelines and budgets.
• Maintain accurate technical specs and development docs.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality and processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver commercially viable products.

Skills

Garment construction

Pattern cutting

Fit and sizing

Technical specification development

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Analytical problem solving

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Apparel Design or related

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

CAD systems

Lectra (marker making/pattern)

Job description

As Product Developer, you will manage the end-to-end development of workwear apparel, translating design concepts into high-quality, commercially viable products that meet brand standards, cost targets and critical deadlines.

Working within the Product Development team, you will collaborate closely with design, sourcing, suppliers and offshore manufacturing partners to ensure products meet the required standards for fit, functionality, durability and performance. With access to onsite sampling and production facilities, you will play a hands-on role throughout the development process, from initial concept through to bulk production.

We are looking for a collaborative and commercially minded individual with strong technical knowledge, excellent attention to detail and a passion for product innovation and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate design concepts into detailed technical specifications, drawings and product documentation using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Manage the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept and prototyping through to final approval and bulk production.
• Develop prototypes and samples, ensuring garment fit, functionality, construction and quality meet brand requirements.
• Conduct garment fittings and provide clear technical feedback to suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring fit and construction issues are resolved efficiently.
• Identify, research and source suitable fabrics, trims and components that meet the functional and performance requirements of workwear.
• Manage fabric and trim development, including lab dips, material approvals and quality assessments throughout the development cycle.
• Ensure materials and finished products meet relevant durability, safety and performance requirements, including applicable PPE standards where required.
• Liaise with offshore factories and suppliers to ensure product specifications are accurately understood and implemented.
• Monitor product quality throughout development, identifying potential issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Manage critical path timelines, coordinating development milestones to ensure products are delivered on time and within budget.
• Maintain accurate technical specifications, product data and development documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, construction methods, material performance and development processes.
• Work cross-functionally with design, sourcing, production and other internal teams to deliver commercially viable products that meet business objectives.

Skills & Qualifications

• A degree in Apparel Design, Textile Technology, Garment Technology or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years' experience in product development, ideally within fashion, workwear or a related apparel environment.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, pattern cutting, fit and technical specification development.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, with experience using Photoshop and other relevant CAD systems.
• Experience with marker making and basic pattern development using Lectra would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of performance fabrics, technical materials and relevant safety standards, particularly within workwear, would be beneficial.
• Understanding of garment testing, quality assurance and product compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities within tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, alongside strong analytical, technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A commercially aware and cost-conscious approach to product development, balancing quality, functionality and value.
• A proactive, collaborative approach, with a genuine interest in innovation, continuous improvement and developing high-performance products.