Product Developer

Product Developer | Manchester | £30,000 - £38,000 DOE | Hybrid Working (2 Days WFH / 3 Days Office Based)

We are recruiting for a Product Developer to join a fast-paced and growing fashion business based in Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and commercially minded individual with experience across product development, accessories, or fashion categories within a large UK high street or lifestyle brand.

As Product Developer, you will take ownership of your product categories from concept through to production, working closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising, and international suppliers to deliver trend-led, commercially successful collections. You will play a key role in driving product innovation, improving quality and fit, and ensuring products are developed in line with customer expectations, brand direction, and margin targets.

This role would suit someone who thrives in a collaborative and fast-moving retail environment, enjoys balancing creativity with technical expertise, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products to market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage product categories from initial concept through to final production
• Create trend-led, commercially successful fashion and accessories collections
• Translate market trends, customer insights, and creative direction into commercially viable products
• Develop seasonal concepts including colour palettes, materials, trims, finishes, and styling details
• Produce clear CADs, specifications, and tech packs to support development and sampling processes
• Work closely with Product, Buying, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to align product strategy and customer needs
• Collaborate with UK and overseas suppliers to manage quality, costings, margin, timelines, and production
• Support the full product development lifecycle including fittings, sample approvals, and bulk production
• Ensure all development and sales samples are delivered to a high standard and within critical path deadlines
• Analyse customer, wearer, and sales feedback to drive fit, quality, and product improvements
• Use AI and digital tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and product development processes
• Visit trade shows, retail environments, and key cities to stay ahead of trends and competitor activity
• Champion sustainability through improved materials, packaging, and responsible sourcing initiatives
• Ensure products comply with current and emerging UK compliance and regulatory standards

Skills & Experience:

• 2+ years' experience within accessories design, product development, or buying for a large UK high street lifestyle, fashion, or home brand
• Strong product development and garment technical knowledge including fit, grading, construction, and bulk production processes
• Experience developing products to cost and margin targets while maintaining quality and brand integrity
• Good understanding and experience using PLM systems to manage fittings, feedback, and development progression
• Strong understanding of materials, product engineering, garment construction, and manufacturing processes
• Confident presenting concepts, product ideas, and seasonal direction to internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Experience working with overseas suppliers and international product development teams
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across Buying, Design, Merchandising, and Supplier teams
• Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer behaviour, market trends, and competitor activity
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach

Personal Attributes:

• Creative, innovative, and commercially driven
• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Positive, collaborative, and adaptable approach
• Strong team player with excellent relationship-building skills
• Reliable, accountable, and able to work proactively
• Passionate about product, fashion, and emerging trends
• Ethical and sustainability-focused mindset

BH36179