Product Development Assistant

Guidant Global; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Guidant Global is seeking a Product Development Assistant for a London-based contract role. You will manage the product development critical path from concept to production and collaborate with Designers, Vendors and Manufacturers to deliver footwear collections on time.

You will coordinate prototyping, look books, BOMs, purchase orders, and supplier communications, while maintaining data accuracy and supporting budget management in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in footwear/product development across multiple categories.
• Experience sourcing and developing raw materials.
• Experience managing a Product Development calendar.
• Experience working with manufacturers on product development.
• Strong relationship, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Able to adapt to changing business requirements and work under pressure.
• Collaborative, team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage the product development critical path from initial concept through to production.
• Work closely with Designers to develop products across each category.
• Organise and manage prototype reviews and fit sessions from start to finish.
• Track the delivery of prototypes and showroom samples.
• Manage raw materials in partnership with RM Design and vendors.
• Manage press samples and ensure they are delivered on time.
• Review prototypes and coordinate the development process end to end.
• Work closely with manufacturers throughout the shoe development process.
• Ensure products meet the required quality standards from initial prototype through to production.
• Ensure collections are developed in line with brand and legal requirements.
• Communicate effectively with vendors and manufacturers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Design and Merchandising teams.
• Manage vendor relationships throughout the development process.
• Use strong influencing and interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the Product Development calendar and ensure key deadlines are met.
• Prepare Look Books, coordinating all aspects from planning through to completion.
• Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date data on a daily basis, including Bills of materials, Sampling and production, Purchase orders and invoicing, Shipping paperwork.
• Track deliveries and follow up on any delays or issues.
• Complete ad hoc reporting and analysis as required by the Manager.
• Support budget management throughout the product development process.
• Complete risk assessments from initial development through to production.
• Identify and manage potential risks to timelines, quality and delivery.
• Manage and support team members as required.
• Provide clear direction and maintain effective communication within the team.

Skills

Footwear product development

Vendor management

Product development calendar

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Product Development Assistant – Contract Opportunity

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date: 28/09/2026

Location: London, SW1P

Working Pattern: Fully site based

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Manage the product development critical path from initial concept through to production.
• Work closely with Designers to develop products across each category.
• Organise and manage prototype reviews and fit sessions from start to finish.
• Track the delivery of prototypes and showroom samples.
• Manage raw materials in partnership with RM Design and vendors.
• Manage press samples and ensure they are delivered on time.
• Review prototypes and coordinate the development process end to end.
• Work closely with manufacturers throughout the shoe development process.
• Ensure products meet the required quality standards from initial prototype through to production.
• Ensure collections are developed in line with brand and legal requirements.
• Communicate effectively with vendors and manufacturers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Design and Merchandising teams.
• Manage vendor relationships throughout the development process.
• Use strong influencing and interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Planning & Administration

• Manage the Product Development calendar and ensure key deadlines are met.
• Prepare Look Books, coordinating all aspects from planning through to completion.
• Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date data on a daily basis, including:
• Bills of materials
• Sampling and production
• Purchase orders and invoicing
• Shipping paperwork
• Track deliveries and follow up on any delays or issues.
• Complete ad hoc reporting and analysis as required by the Manager.
• Support budget management throughout the product development process.
• Complete risk assessments from initial development through to production.
• Identify and manage potential risks to timelines, quality and delivery.

People Management

• Manage and support team members as required.
• Provide clear direction and maintain effective communication within the team.

Personal Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in footwear/Tailoring/shirting/casual wear/denim/Menswear/Womenswear product development.
• Experience sourcing and developing raw materials.
• Experience managing a Product Development calendar.
• Experience working closely with manufacturers on footwear/Tailoring/shirting/casual wear/denim/Menswear/Womenswear development.
• Strong relationship management skills, particularly with Design and Merchandising teams.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to adapt to changing business requirements.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment.
• A collaborative, team-focused approach.