Product Developer / Buying

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

Job summary

A UK recruitment agency seeks a motivated Product Developer to join a dynamic team focused on creating successful lighting and homeware ranges for customers. This role is ideal for junior to mid-level candidates aspiring to grow in product development, sourcing, and buying. You will support product development from concept to presentation and work with various teams to track new concepts. A strong interest in trends and design is essential for success.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support product development from concept to customer presentation.
• Assist with product briefs, quotations, and critical path management.
• Conduct market research and identify opportunities for product range improvements.

Skills

Experience in lighting

Product development

Sourcing & buying

Trend analysis

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.