Reebok Apparel Product Developer - SMU

The Retail Partnership Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in lifestyle and performance brands is seeking a Product Developer in their London office. This role is pivotal in overseeing the product development lifecycle for Reebok's European SMU collections, requiring expertise in managing buyer relationships and ensuring alignment with brand standards. Ideal candidates should be proactive, organised, and have a sound understanding of garment construction and production processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in apparel product development role within sportswear and streetwear.
• Expertise in managing buyer relationships and addressing queries.
• Technical knowledge of garment construction and pattern cutting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of SMU collections from concept to final product.
• Manage seasonal development timelines and multiple SMU projects.
• Oversee production process and maintain accurate pricing records.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Proactivity

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We manage a portfolio of leading lifestyle and performance brands, which is rapidly expanding. We are looking for a Product Developer to join our central London office, working across menswear and womenswear collections.
This is a unique opportunity to lead product development for Reebok's European SMU collections, in collaboration with top-tier retailers such as ASOS, ZALANDO, URBAN OUTFITTERS, and SNIPES.
The role requires someone highly independent, organised, and proactive, capable of bringing products to life from concept through to production.

Main Responsibilities Will Include:

End-to-End Product Development: Lead the full lifecycle of SMU collections for menswear and womenswear, from concept to final product, including managing buyer relationships and approvals

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, internal teams, and factories to bring concepts to life and ensure alignment with brand and quality standards

Project & Calendar Management: Own seasonal development timelines, build and maintain T&A plans, and manage multiple SMU projects to meet retailer deadlines

Production Oversight: Manage the entire production process from proto to warehouse delivery, maintaining WIP reports and ensuring timely execution

Supplier & Cost Management: Liaise with offshore factories, handle material/trim development, negotiate costs, and maintain accurate wholesale and margin records

Technical Development & Fit: Create tech packs and measurement charts, lead fit sessions, and ensure consistent sizing and quality across samples

Sample & Documentation Coordination: Handle sample logistics, maintain records and approvals, and ensure all documentation is accurate and up to date

Quality Control & Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot QC issues with suppliers, support production handovers, and ensure final product meets standards before delivery

Person Specification:

Previous experience of experience in an apparel product development role within sportswear and streetwear across both men's and women's categories

Proven experience working on SMU collections and collaborating with key retailers

Proven experience managing buyer relationships, addressing product-related queries, and following through on feedback

Solid technical knowledge of garment construction, with an understanding of pattern cutting

A strong background in costing, margin negotiation, and pricing strategy

Direct experience working with Far East suppliers and managing offshore production

A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and high familiarity with cost/pricing formulas and margin targets

Highly organised, proactive, and self-sufficient, with the ability to manage multiple timelines under pressure

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal