Product Development & Sourcing Lead (12-Month Contract)

Catering; Watford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering is seeking a commercially sharp Head of Product Development & Sourcing for a 12-month maternity cover contract in Watford. You will lead product, technical, and development teams across a portfolio of global fashion and lifestyle brands, driving end-to-end product journeys from supplier allocation to final shipment.

The role combines big-picture leadership with hands-on negotiation, margin analysis, and mentoring a team of Product Managers, Developers, and Garment Technologists.

Qualifications

• Experience leading product development and sourcing teams in fashion/apparel.
• Strong commercial instincts for costing, margins, and supplier negotiations.
• Ability to mentor a multi-disciplinary team and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to delivery, on spec, on time, on margin.
• Build and manage relationships with international suppliers and manufacturers.
• Drive sourcing strategy, cost negotiation, and margin performance.
• Own quality standards and resolve production issues quickly.
• Lead, coach, and develop a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be the go-to for buyers, customers, and internal stakeholders on product matters.

Skills

Leadership

Supplier negotiation

Product development

Costing & margins

People management

Job description

Catering is seeking a commercially sharp Head of Product Development & Sourcing for a 12-month maternity cover contract in Watford. You will lead product, technical, and development teams across a portfolio of global fashion and lifestyle brands, driving end-to-end product journeys from supplier allocation to final shipment.

The role combines big-picture leadership with hands-on negotiation, margin analysis, and mentoring a team of Product Managers, Developers, and Garment Technologists.