Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience

Provallar Executive Search; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail apparel sector is seeking a Senior Product Developer with strong sourcing experience. This role involves managing product development, supplier relationships, and cost negotiations across various apparel collections. The ideal candidate will be proactive and organized, with a strong understanding of the apparel lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 5 - 10 years' experience in apparel product development or sourcing roles.
• Strong understanding of knitwear, jersey, and fleece apparel.

Responsibilities

• Own the product development calendar and ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage and develop existing supplier relationships.
• Work closely with design to ensure developments align with brand direction.

Skills

Sourcing

Supplier Management

Product Development

Cost Negotiation

Communication

Job description

Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience

Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

We are seeking a strong, accountable Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience to work across all stages of the product lifecycle. This is a critical role that combines product development, supplier management, and sourcing – supporting the execution of large volume orders across both global and SMU apparel collections.

You will be driving timelines, managing communication with suppliers and internal teams, and taking ownership of the critical path. A sourcing mindset is essential, with experience in supplier management, cost negotiation, and order execution. You must be organised, proactive, and comfortable working across multiple collections at pace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Critical Path & Sample Management

• Own the product development calendar and ensure deadlines are met across proto, SMS, and bulk stages

• Track and manage all sample submissions (proto, fit, PP), including preparation for fit sessions and buyer approvals

• Maintain sample logs and WIP reports for internal teams and commercial use

• Act as the daily point of contact for suppliers, ensuring accuracy, follow-up, and accountability

• Share technical comments, fit amendments, lab dip approvals, and bulk confirmations

• Ensure pre-production checks are complete and that production is aligned with approved specs and brand standards

Sourcing & Cost Management

• Support and implement sourcing strategies to ensure premium, commercially viable product

• Manage and develop existing supplier relationships and identify new sourcing opportunities where needed

• Negotiate competitive costs, ensure margin targets are achieved, and keep CP/PO cycles tightly controlled

Design & Technical Collaboration

• Work closely with design to ensure developments align with creative intent and brand direction

• Liaise with technical teams to ensure sampling is delivered accurately and on time

• Propose engineering or construction changes to improve cost or efficiency, without compromising quality

• Communicate clearly with sales, buying, and merchandising teams on timelines, updates, and order status

• Share product updates and samples for buyer meetings and internal reviews

• Keep internal systems and trackers (e.g., line lists, CP, sample status) up to date and accurate.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5 - 10 years' experience in apparel product development or sourcing roles

• Strong understanding of knitwear, jersey, and fleece apparel

• Experienced in managing global suppliers, POs, and development timelines

• Confident working with both inline and SMU collections

• Comfortable owning cost negotiations and hitting margin targets

• Highly organised, reliable, and proactive – able to take full ownership of deliverables

• Strong communicator – fluent in managing multiple stakeholders and timelines simultaneously.

Huge potential for growth and development.

The scope of the roles and responsibilities may expand or be varied dependent on the needs of the Company’s business to adapt to changing market conditions.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Product Management, Purchasing, and Supply Chain

• Industries

  Retail Apparel and Fashion, Wholesale Apparel and Sewing Supplies, and Textile Manufacturing

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