Senior Product Developer
Are you an experienced Product Developer looking for the next step in your career?
Do you have a strong interest in streetwear, skate culture, and the development of high-quality, trend-led apparel?
We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Senior Product Developer to support the creation and delivery of our Own Brand ranges at Route One. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established, fast-paced business where your expertise will play a key role in driving product progression, enhancing range performance and shaping the direction of our streetwear and skate ranges.
About Us
Route One is the UK’s leading destination for premium streetwear, skate footwear, and skate equipment. With a thriving online store and a growing network of high-street locations, we bring the best in on-trend fashion to style-savvy customers across the UK. We’re deeply embedded in skate culture, actively supporting events, media, and grassroots projects that give back to the community.
About you
You’re a positive and experienced Product Developer with a solid background in apparel development and understanding of streetwear and skateboarding culture. You thrive in fast-paced environments where accuracy, creativity, and commercial awareness are essential. Whether you’re refining a tech pack or guiding a collection through critical path milestones, you are hands-on, detail-driven, and committed to delivering high-quality, well-executed and on-trend product.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the Senior Menswear Buyer and Trading Team, you’ll develop, manage, and deliver our seasonal Own Brand product ranges. You’ll keep our collections trend-relevant within the streetwear and skate market, while ensuring everything runs smoothly from concept to delivery.
Product Development
Own the full product development process from initial concept through to production and delivery.
Collaborate with the Senior Menswear Buyer to build cohesive, trend-led seasonal ranges.
Present range plans to senior management for review and sign-off.
Review and approve fabrics, trims, lab dips, and fit samples.
Lead fit sessions, ensuring accurate fit, grading, and construction.
Conduct ongoing market and trend research within the streetwear and skate markets to identify new opportunities.
Maintain and manage the Critical Path, tracking key milestones from development through to shipment.
Identify opportunities to improve product quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Coordinate international freight and logistics – obtaining competitive quotes, tracking shipments, and ensuring on-time, cost-effective delivery to our warehouse.
Maintain and update the Route One Supplier Manual and ensure all suppliers adhere to our standards and procedures.
Visit UK and overseas suppliers when required to review production quality, compliance, and maintain strong working relationships.
Create and maintain detailed tech packs for all styles, including:
Accurate flat CAD drawings using Adobe Illustrator
Construction details and finishing
Fabric, trim, artwork, packaging, and labelling specifications
Clear measurement specs and correct size grading
Ensure tech packs are clear, accurate, and up to date to avoid sampling delays.
Update tech packs throughout the development cycle to reflect any design, fit, or branding changes.
Analysis, Reporting & Forecasting
Work with the Trading & Merchandising teams to manage orders, stock allocations, and rebuys through our stock and sales reporting system (Cegid).
Analyse weekly and seasonal sales data to identify bestsellers, forecast demand, and plan re-orders (with support from the Trading team).
Review sell-through and customer feedback to drive continuous product improvement.
Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to stay ahead of trends and performance insights.
Report key development milestones, risks, and challenges to the Senior Menswear Buyer and Senior Management Team.
Product Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure all garments meet UK and international compliance standards, including safety, testing, and labelling requirements.
Create care labels and ensure fibre content, labelling, and legal requirements are correct for all markets.
Ensure products undergo appropriate testing and quality control (e.g. colour fastness, shrinkage, pH, fabric performance) where required.
Interpret textile and fabric test results and act accordingly.
Liaise with suppliers and third-party testing houses to obtain, verify, and file test reports.
Stay informed on changes in legislation and compliance requirements for key global markets (e.g. UK, EU)
Proactively resolve any compliance issues during the development process.
Cross-Team Collaboration
Provide accurate product descriptions and specifications for the e-commerce, store and marketing teams.
Support the Graphics team with Own Brand design briefs, trend direction, print development, and branding.
Work with the Photography team to coordinate photoshoots, ensuring samples and timelines are aligned.
Oversee online and store visual merchandising
Essential Skills & Experience
Experience in apparel product development, preferably within a skate and/or streetwear setting
Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop (for CADs and tech packs).
Good working knowledge of MS Excel (for product specs, costings, and reporting).
Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills with overseas suppliers and internal teams.
Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Commercially minded with a good eye for trend, fit, and brand identity.
Positive, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Own transport is essential due to our rural head office location.
Salary Commensurate with experience in region of £30,000
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
Work Location: In person