ABOUT REFLO
Reflo (WWW.REFLO.COM) have burst onto the apparel scene to bridge the gap between sustainable clothing and high-performance premium sportswear.
Our goals are monumental and go beyond selling a lot of gear - we aim to plant 1 million trees and recycle over 5 million plastic bottles in our first 5 years. That is something we can all be proud of.
We are a start-up that has achieved great things in a very short existence; including signing multi-year international collaborations and bringing onboard Harry Kane as our first global ambassador and investor.
We celebrate our vibrant work culture and boast that our external partners are treated well, therefore our internal environment should echo that. We have created awesome initiatives to ensure our team loves working here, including birthday leave, gym memberships, and a set number of “duvet days.” Plus, don’t miss out on asking about “The Dream Machine”!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Product Developer supports the Partnership Product Team in delivering high-quality product and service to key stakeholders and organisations. This role involves working closely with the Product Director, Product Manager, other Developers, Designers and Partners to Develop high performing product for our teams, retail and events. The Product Developer is responsible for the product development process from initial briefing to final sign off, focusing on technical development, fit and performance also supporting approvals, timelines, and communication.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Development & Approvals:
* Support the management of trim development and approvals, ensuring timely progression of samples and pre-production reviews.
* Source and develop fabrics, trims, and components suitable for performance and durability.
* Approving lab dips and bulk fabrics, ensuring they meet quality and brand standards, and escalating issues where necessary.
* Ensure fit, comfort, and performance standards meet or exceed sport-specific requirements.
* Creation and grading of size specs with support from the Technical Manager.
Design Liaison:
* Liaise with the design team to implement updates based on client feedback.
* Work with design to interpret briefs into technically feasible products.
* Ensure all design changes are clearly communicated to internal teams and reflected accurately in the final product.
Client Communication:
* Assist in managing client communications, providing updates, and handling queries with the support of senior team members.
* Collaborate with clients through the development process, offering product suggestions aligned with their needs.
Product Tracking and Timelines:
* Set up and maintain product trackers to monitor development stages.
* Assist in maintaining timelines and flagging any risks to senior management.
* Using PLM to manage development.
Critical Path Management:
* Ensure the critical path is adhered to by tracking progress and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to meet deadlines.
Collaboration:
* Work closely with Suppliers, Product Manager, Designers, and other departments to ensure product quality.
* Assist in coordinating with suppliers and vendors to ensure product development runs smoothly and stays on schedule.
* Liaise with marketing and sales to gather feedback on market trends and performance needs.
* Support the sales team with technical product knowledge and sampling for client presentation.
Technical Documentation:
* Create and update technical packs and BOMs, ensuring accuracy throughout the development stages.
* Accurate record keeping of critical information- size specs, technical data, testing.
Cost Management:
* Assist with the costing process for garments and embellishments, ensuring prices align with project budgets.
Market Research:
* Stay informed of trends in sports apparel and sustainable garment technology, providing relevant insights to the team.
Meetings and Reporting:
* Participate in internal and external meetings to provide product updates.
* Assist with preparing reports for senior management and external stakeholders.
Vendor/Supplier Management:
* Build strong working relationships with domestic and overseas suppliers.
* Manage sample development timelines to meet seasonal deadlines.
* Conduct quality checks and lab tests to ensure compliance with brand and sport regulations.
* Support communication with vendors, tracking performance, timelines, and ensuring factories adhere to required standards.
* Assist in researching new suppliers and maintaining a network of reliable partners.
Sustainable Innovation:
* Identify opportunities for sustainable material use and production processes.
* Keep abreast of innovations in sportswear technology, manufacturing techniques, and materials.
* Contribute to sustainability initiatives, suggesting ideas and improvements aligned with the company's sustainable vision.
General Duties:
* Support the wider team in achieving business goals.
* Attend relevant events to understand product use and gather market feedback.
* Perform additional tasks as needed to contribute to product development.
ABOUT YOU
ESSENTIALS
* 3+ years of experience in product development, preferably in sportswear.
* Strong organisational and communication skills for managing timelines, trackers, and client feedback.
* Strong technical knowledge of fabrics, construction, performance requirements, trim approvals, and technical documentation like BOMs.
* Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage supplier relationships.
* Familiarity with sustainable practices and trends in sports apparel.
* Adaptable, proactive, and detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and Adobe Illustrator.
* Experience working with overseas manufacturing partners.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills
IMPORTANTLY
At Reflo, we thrive on collaboration and expect everyone to dive in beyond their core responsibilities! We believe in rolling up our sleeves and working together to achieve our collective goals.
* Embrace a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, seeking opportunities to enhance the team's success and support the development of the sustainability mission across all areas of the business.
* Contribute feedback on process improvements and workflow optimizations for the company including identifying and integrating AI where possible.
* Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development.