Product Development & Production Manager

Fashion Heaven; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent fashion brand is seeking a Product Manager to oversee the development and production of lifestyle apparel. The role involves managing the critical path for product drops, sourcing suppliers, and ensuring high-quality standards are met. Ideal candidates will have 5-6 years of experience in apparel, strong organizational skills, and a proven track record in managing production timelines.

Benefits

28 days holiday (including bank holidays)

Nest pension scheme

Competitive salary based on experience

Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an independent brand

Qualifications

• 5–6 years’ experience as a Product Manager in lifestyle or streetwear apparel.
• Full product lifecycle management from development to delivery.
• Strong track record in critical path management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the seasonal critical path for development and monthly production drops.
• Source and trial new suppliers/factories, negotiating terms and pricing.
• Oversee sample development from prototype to production sign-off.

Skills

Organisation

Time Management

Communication

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

We’re looking for a Product Manager with hands-on experience in the end-to-end development and production of lifestyle apparel, ideally within a fashion brand. You’ll be responsible for owning the critical path from development to delivery, ensuring on-time, on-brand, and on-budget monthly product drops for this direct-to-consumer fashion brand with a strong community following.

Working closely with the design team, you’ll help bring collections to life, sourcing and trialling small-volume suppliers and factories, managing prototypes, tracking samples, and ensuring production aligns with quality, price, and margin expectations.

About the Brand

This is an independent UK-based fashion brand with a focus on bold graphics, trend-led styles, and simple silhouettes. Core product includes unisext-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, and soft accessories, all designed with a strong community voice and sold online and via pop-up experiences.

What You'll be Doing:

• Manage the seasonal critical path for development and monthly production drops.
• Track all aspects of the development and production budget.
• Source and trial new suppliers/factories, negotiating terms, pricing, MOQs and lead times.
• Allocate styles based on factory capabilities and margin targets.
• Oversee sample development from prototype to production sign-off.
• Collaborate with a freelance garment tech to attend fittings and resolve technical issues.
• Monitor and track raw materials, ensuring timely ordering and delivery in line with the calendar.
• Maintain high production quality standards and troubleshoot proactively.
• Manage daily communication with suppliers to ensure timelines and quality benchmarks are met.

About You:

• 5–6 years’ experience as a Product Manager in lifestyle or streetwear apparel.
• Full product lifecycle management: from development through to delivery.
• Experienced in sourcing and managing small-volume production partners.
• Strong track record in critical path management.
• Proven ability to optimise margins while maintaining quality and meeting delivery targets.
• Exceptional organisation, time management and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Solution-focused.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Additional Info

• Role is office-based in the Bristol area, easily accessible by car or via Yate railway station.
• Open to freelance or permanent candidates with relevant experience.
• A great fit for someone who thrives in a growing brand and collaborative environment.

Perks & Benefits:

• £ Competitive salary (based on experience).
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
• Nest pension scheme.
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth ofan independent brand.

How to Apply:

Ready to shape standout collections with impact?

Please submit your CV and a short cover note detailing your relevant experience.