Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience in Watford. This critical role involves managing product development, supplier relationships, and sourcing strategies across global apparel collections. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in apparel product development, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage product development calendar and ensure deadlines are met.
• Negotiate competitive costs and ensure margin targets are achieved.
• Act as the daily point of contact for suppliers.

Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

Negotiation

Job description

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Senior Product Developer with Sourcing experience, Watford, Hertfordshire

Client:

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 5

Posted: 12.05.2025

Expiry Date: 26.06.2025

Job Description:

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 depending on the needs of the company's business to adapt to changing market conditions.