Product Development Manager

Scruffs Workwear Ltd; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Optional holiday purchase scheme

Employee discount

Job summary

A leading workwear manufacturer is seeking a highly motivated Product Development Manager to join their team. This role involves designing innovative products, overseeing the product lifecycle, and collaborating with various departments to ensure product quality and alignment with brand strategy. Ideal candidates will have experience in Product Development, strong skills in Adobe Illustrator, and an understanding of garment construction. The position offers a full-time schedule with benefits including a pension and employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Product Development or Design, ideally within workwear or performance apparel.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to balance innovation and cost effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, functional products aligned with brand identity.
• Oversee the product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Conduct trend and market research to inform product direction.

Skills

Product Development experience

Garment construction knowledge

Adobe Illustrator skills

Photoshop skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Project coordination skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical path management

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative Product Development Manager to join the Scruffs Team. This role will play a key part in driving the design and development of innovative, functional, and commercially successful products that meet the needs of the Scruffs customer. Working closely with the Category Managers, Garment Technologist, and Sourcing Office, the Product Development Manager will oversee the product lifecycle from concept through to production, ensuring product quality, cost effectiveness, and alignment with brand strategy.

Main Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Design and develop innovative, functional products that align with Scruffs’ brand identity and customer needs.
• Oversee the full design process from concept to production, ensuring design intent, quality, and cost targets are achieved.
• Create and maintain detailed tech packs for all product designs.
• Manage and monitor the product critical path, leading CP meetings to ensure timelines and ex‑factory dates are maintained.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Category Managers, Garment Technologist, and Sourcing Office to ensure design feasibility and commercial viability.
• Partner with the Sales and Marketing teams to support product launches, storytelling, and visual presentations.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal departments through regular communication and collaboration.

Product Review & Approval

• Review and approve all design submissions, including samples, lab dips, bulk fabric, trims, and print approvals.
• Support the approval of labelling and packaging in line with brand standards.
• Lead product development meetings to ensure designs are executed to the highest standards.

Research & Trend Insight

• Conduct trend, competitor, and market research to inform and inspire product direction.
• Undertake regular store visits and online research to identify opportunities for innovation and range improvement.
• Consider sustainability and ethical practices when selecting materials and designing products.

Administration & Organisation

• Support with wear trials and feedback analysis to inform product improvements.
• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant safety standards and compliance requirements.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in Product Development or Design, ideally within workwear, outdoor, or performance apparel.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong critical path management and project coordination skills.
• Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creative and commercially minded, with an ability to balance innovation and cost effectiveness.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Awareness of sustainability, ethical practices, and industry compliance standards.
• Willing and able to travel as required.

Schedule

Full time: Monday‑Friday

Job Type: Full‑time

Location

Either our Yeovil or Nottingham offices

Benefits

• Company pension.
• Optional holiday purchase scheme.
• Employee discount.