Job Description
Product Development Assistant
Contract Role | Luxury Fashion Brand
Location: London - Fully Site Based
Contract Length: 6.5 Month Contract
Start Date: ASAP / June 2026
Day Rate - PAYE: £125 – £140 per day
A leading luxury fashion brand is currently seeking a Product Development Assistant to support the RTW (Menswear/Womenswear with a focus on tailoring) product development team. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with design, merchandising, and factories throughout the full product lifecycle — from initial concept through to final production.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing critical paths and product development timelines
* Communicating daily with vendors and factories
* Tracking delivery of prototypes and showroom samples
* Coordinating prototype fit sessions
* Supporting vendor and factory management activities
* Managing proto reviews from start to finish
* Supporting show preparation, organisation, and cross-functional communication
* Maintaining accurate product development data including:
* Bill of Materials (BOM)
* Sampling and production information
* Purchase orders and invoicing
* Department tracking documents
* Shipping paperwork
* Supporting ad hoc reporting and analysis
* Assisting with budget management and risk assessment processes
* Ensuring product quality from prototype stage through to production
* Supporting collections in line with brand and legal requirements
* Supporting wider team coordination and people management activities
Candidate Profile
* Previous experience within RTW product development
* Experience working with raw materials and tailoring categories
* Strong understanding of the product development calendar
* Experience working closely with factories and vendors
* Excellent stakeholder management skills across design and merchandising teams
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Comfortable working within a fast-paced and pressurised environment
* Strong communication and influencing skills
* Team player with a proactive attitude
* Italian language skills would be advantageous
If shortlisted, a recruiter from the team will contact you within 24–48 hours for an initial discussion. The call will come from a Manchester number (either 0161 or +44 161).