Product Development Manager

CAREER141; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced professional to lead and manage end-to-end buying and product execution for international customers. The ideal candidate will have 8–10 years of experience in buying or product development and a strong background in fashion design. Responsibilities include managing product development, supplier negotiations, and ensuring alignment on quality and timelines. Excellent command of English is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Fashion Design, Buyer, or Product Development.
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in Buying/Product Development.
• Proven experience working with international markets.
• Proven experience working with international markets.
• Strong commercial acumen with solid technical product knowledge.
• Ability to manage suppliers, costing, negotiations, and timelines independently.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fashion / Design or related field.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Manage buying and product development activities from concept to production.
• Act as main buyer contact for international customers.
• Drive negotiations with suppliers on pricing and quality standards.
• Drive negotiations with suppliers on pricing, MOQs, lead times, and quality standards.
• Coordinate closely with sourcing, technical, QA, and merchandising teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Track critical paths and proactively manage risks related to materials, sampling, and production.
• Present seasonal ranges, product strategies, and business updates to internal teams and customers.
• Support business growth through strong supplier relationships and market understanding.

Skills

Fashion Design

Product Development

Commercial Acumen

Negotiation Skills

Supplier management

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fashion / Design

Job description

Overview

Lead and manage end-to-end buying and product execution for international customers, acting as the key link between design, sourcing, technical teams, and suppliers. Ensure commercial objectives, product intent, quality standards, and delivery timelines are met in line with buyer and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Manage buying and product development activities from concept to bulk production
• Act as the main buyer contact for international customers, ensuring alignment on design, cost, quality, and timelines
• Review and manage design briefs, technical packs, costing, and sample development
• Drive negotiations with suppliers on pricing, MOQs, lead times, and quality standards
• Coordinate closely with sourcing, technical, QA, and merchandising teams to ensure smooth execution
• Track critical paths and proactively manage risks related to materials, sampling, and production
• Present seasonal ranges, product strategies, and business updates to internal teams and customers
• Support business growth through strong supplier relationships and market understanding

Pre-Requisites

• Strong Fashion Design / Buyer / Product Development background
• Fashion Design or Technical Design foundation is an advantage
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in Buying / Product Development / Product Management
• Proven experience working with international markets
• Strong commercial acumen with solid technical product knowledge
• Ability to manage suppliers, costing, negotiations, and timelines independently
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fashion / Design or related field
• Excellent command of spoken and written English