Social network you want to login/join with:
Senior Product Developer - 12 Month Maternity Cover, London
col-narrow-left
Client:
Rapha
Location:
London, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
-
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
cc029ddc45c8
Job Views:
7
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
THE ROLE
:
THE ROLE
:
* A key role that is accountable for product ranges and direct reports to ensure all briefs and critical dates are met. Owning the engineering of a product collection, ensuring functionality and performance requirements.
* A strong leader who is able to coach/manage more junior members of the team in knowledge and behaviours.
* Responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our tier 1 and tier 2 vendors with trips and continuous daily communication. Ensuring all critical path dates and KPIs are met by Rapha and our vendors.
* Analysing reports from tracking documents, highlighting when inaccuracies or missed stage gates occur.
* Collaborate cross functionally with design, atelier and supply chain and garment tech teams to ensure that products are risks assessed in a timely manner and that any subsequent risks are mitigated and elevated to management levels.
* Work closely with the design team on initial pattern development and construction.
* Drive the sample approval process throughout the product lifecycle.
* Experience in cost engineering, ensuring the product is built to meet target costs and margins, working x-functionally throughout the process.
* Communicate all fit and constructional comments to our vendors through the PLM system. Collaborate closely with Product Management, Design and Atelier teams to ensure continuity across all areas.
* Take part as a key function in weekly meetings and fit sessions, offering feedback on vendor capabilities and constructional restraints that will impact the development of products.
* Support more junior members of the team to measure prototype samples and size sets before fitting to ensure they conform to construction specifications.
* Initiate and manage wear testing and lab testing protocols
* Review construction, measurements and quality of all samples.
* Build, maintain and update product tech packs and the product Bill of Materials on our PLM system, across new styles, carry overs and prints.
* Travel to suppliers, trade shows and events as required.
* Ensure that Rapha quality and performance standards are met throughout the sampling and production process.
* Along with Supply Chain, ensure the manufacturing of the products runs smoothly in sampling and production.
* Be part of the quality assurance process within Rapha, an ability to understand and assess Quality Control reports from the supplier, identifying product risks.
THE CANDIDATE:
Reporting to a Product Development Manager or Head of Department, this role will ensure that all products are truly fit for purpose, are of the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner. An effective internal negotiator, this person will be a natural role model to the team in terms of their professional conduct.
* A graduate, ideally with a degree in fashion / textiles / sportswear or equivalent work experience.
* At least 7 years’ experience working for an apparel brand.
* Excellent time management and organisational skills.
* They must lead by example, encouraging and motivating the team to participate in any task with a positive attitude, to ensure business needs are met.
* Confident in making decisions within their remit, a strong and natural leader.
* Effective communicator at all levels of the business.
* Ability to adapt and help lead change in structural updates of a growing company and team.
* Strong understanding of costing templates, variables within manufacturing and the impact of construction, materials and patterns to a product.
* A determined team player, a strong and encouraging manager who is able to support more junior members with their knowledge and confidence.
* Has experience working with technical performance materials.
* Must have an excellent attention to detail and be proficient in using Mac OS, Adobe Illustrator and G Suite. Confident working on CAD’s, Lay-plans and print files using Adobe Illustrator.
* Must be able to challenge the status quo and question to ensure the product brief is met and that the vendors are receiving all correct and up-to-date necessary technical information
* Be able to work to tight and challenging deadlines.
Working at Rapha
We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer.
* Flexible working hours
* Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office
* 25 days annual leave
* 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
* A company bonus scheme
* A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
* Mental health support with MyndUp
* Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
* Subsidised lunches 3 days per week
* Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
* A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle to cycling through our Getting Started Scheme
* Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
* A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
* An annual clothing allowance of £1,120 for testing and promotional purpose
* Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
* Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
* Cycle2Work scheme
* Company Pension Scheme
* Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay
#J-18808-Ljbffr