Product Developer / Buying

Connections Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a motivated Product Developer to join the Key Accounts team. This role involves supporting the development and delivery of successful lighting and homeware ranges. Ideal for junior to mid-level candidates, full training is provided. Key responsibilities include assisting with product briefs, conducting market research, and collaborating with design teams. Strong interest in trends and product design is essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Experience in lighting, homewares, textiles, décor, or wider home categories.
• Background in design, product development, sourcing & buying.
• Experience working with international suppliers, particularly in Far East/Asia/India.

Responsibilities

• Support product development from concept through to customer presentation.
• Assist with product briefs, quotations, sample follow-ups, and critical path management.
• Conduct market research, competitor reviews, and gap analysis to identify opportunities.
• Monitor sales and customer feedback to inform product range improvements.

Skills

Experience in lighting

Experience in homewares

Background in design

Experience with international suppliers

Job description

We’re looking for a motivated Product Developer to join our Key Accounts team, supporting the creation, development and delivery of commercially successful lighting and homeware ranges for our UK customers. You’ll work closely with national account managers, design teams and international suppliers.

This role is perfect for junior to mid-level candidates looking to grow a career in product development, sourcing & buying.

Full training on all systems, processes, and workflows will be provided. A strong interest in trends, product, and design is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support product development from concept through to customer presentation.
• Assist with product briefs, quotations, sample follow-ups, and critical path management.
• Work with internal and external design teams to brief and track new concepts.
• Conduct market research, competitor reviews, and gap analysis to identify opportunities.
• Attend customer meetings and support new product presentations.
• Identify and build emerging trends across lighting, home décor, home accessories, and wider fashion/lifestyle markets.
• Create trend packs, mood boards, and product direction documents.
• Collaborate with sales teams, QA/QC, logistics, photography, and operations for smooth development.
• Maintain development trackers, sample logs, pricing files, and trend archives.
• Monitor sales and customer feedback to inform product range improvements.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in lighting, homewares, textiles, décor, or wider home categories.
• Background in design, product development, sourcing & buying.
• Experience working with international suppliers, particularly Far East/Asia/India.