Product Developer

Product Developer | Greater Manchester | Hybrid Working | Circa £45,000 | Retail

Overview:

We're on the lookout for a Product Developer who will take ownership of multiple product categories, managing the full lifecycle from concept and sourcing through to launch, trading and ongoing performance!

This role combines product development, category management and supply chain management. Meaning that we require someone who can balance creativity with strong commercial decision-making. The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to deliver commercially successful products and maximise account performance.

What we're really looking for in someone:

• Experience within Product Development or Own Label Buying

• Experience managing products from concept through to launch.

• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing pricing, margins and supplier negotiations.

• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturers.

• Ability to analyse sales and performance data to support decision making.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Confident communicator with strong presentation and influencing skills.

• Experience within hardlines; i.e homewares, gifting, toys, lifestyle or general consumer goods.

• Exposure to international sourcing and supplier management.

Personal Attributes:

• Commercially minded with a strong understanding of product and trading.

• Passionate about creating and developing products that customers love.

• Curious, proactive and opportunity-focused.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

• Ambitious and motivated by personal and business growth.

• Hands-on approach with a willingness to take ownership and drive results.

• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with the humility to learn, listen and work effectively with others.

• Resilient and adaptable, able to manage changing priorities and deadlines.

The Role & Key Responsibilities:

• Own and develop product categories, ensuring ranges are commercially balanced and aligned to business objectives.

• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through to launch.

• Build and manage product ranges with clear pricing architecture and margin targets.

• Manage the full product lifecycle including sampling, approvals, costing and production handover.

• Conduct market research, competitor analysis and trend reviews to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.

• Ensure products meet quality, commercial and customer expectations.Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.

• Work closely with suppliers to create and develop own-label products.

• Manage supplier negotiations covering cost prices, lead times, MOQs and commercial terms.

• Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality, service and delivery standards are maintained.

• Identify new supplier opportunities and manufacturing capabilities to support future growth.

• Travel to suppliers and trade exhibitions where required.

• Monitor category sales, stock and performance on a daily and weekly basis.

• Analyse sales and market data to inform product and trading decisions.

• Identify risks and opportunities within the category and implement actions to maximise performance.

• Manage pricing and margin performance in line with business objectives.

• Support forecasting and range planning activities alongside Merchandising and Planning teams.

BH36349