Key Responsibilities
Product Development
* Manage the complete product development lifecycle from initial concept through to pre-production.
* Own and manage the critical path, ensuring key milestones and deadlines are achieved.
* Deliver prototypes and samples on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
* Identify development risks early and implement solutions to minimise delays or quality issues.
* Ensure products meet customer, brand and commercial requirements throughout development.

Design Partnership
* Build a close working relationship with Design teams, acting as their technical partner.
* Attend fittings and provide technical advice on construction, functionality and feasibility.
* Develop creative solutions that preserve the original design vision while ensuring manufacturability.
* Collaborate with Product Engineering to ensure products meet required testing and performance standards.

Vendor Management
* Develop strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers.
* Maintain an in-depth understanding of vendor capabilities and production capacity.
* Negotiate costs, technical specifications and aesthetic changes while protecting design intent.
* Support production meetings and oversee technical requirements for prototypes and pre-production samples.

Technical Excellence
* Ensure products are functional, consistent and fit for purpose.
* Conduct ongoing technical risk assessments throughout development.
* Drive improvements in construction, quality and manufacturing processes.
* Maintain accurate product data and documentation within PLM, ensuring 100% data accuracy.

Team Support
* Coach, support and develop Product Development Assistants.
* Foster a collaborative, accountable and innovative working environment.

Skills & Experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Proven experience managing the end-to-end product development process within the luxury or premium fashion industry.
* Strong technical product knowledge within a relevant product category.
* Experience partnering closely with Design teams to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products.
* Excellent critical path management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple projects.
* Strong commercial awareness, balancing creativity with cost and margin objectives.
* Experience managing supplier relationships, negotiating costs and delivering clear technical briefs.
* Practical knowledge of factory operations and experience working directly with manufacturers.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence cross-functional teams.
* Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical challenges throughout development.
* A strong understanding of luxury fashion, market trends and consumer expectations.
* Proficiency in PLM systems, Microsoft Excel and Adobe InDesign.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.