Product Developer | Manchester | £30,000 - £38,000 DOE | Hybrid Working (2 Days WFH / 3 Days Office Based)
We are recruiting for a Product Developer to join a fast-paced and growing fashion business based in Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and commercially minded individual with experience across product development, accessories, or fashion categories within a large UK high street or lifestyle brand.
As Product Developer, you will take ownership of your product categories from concept through to production, working closely with Design, Buying, Merchandising, and international suppliers to deliver trend-led, commercially successful collections. You will play a key role in driving product innovation, improving quality and fit, and ensuring products are developed in line with customer expectations, brand direction, and margin targets.
This role would suit someone who thrives in a collaborative and fast-moving retail environment, enjoys balancing creativity with technical expertise, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products to market.
Key Responsibilities:
Own and manage product categories from initial concept through to final production
Create trend-led, commercially successful fashion and accessories collections
Translate market trends, customer insights, and creative direction into commercially viable products
Develop seasonal concepts including colour palettes, materials, trims, finishes, and styling details
Produce clear CADs, specifications, and tech packs to support development and sampling processes
Work closely with Product, Buying, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to align product strategy and customer needs
Collaborate with UK and overseas suppliers to manage quality, costings, margin, timelines, and production
Support the full product development lifecycle including fittings, sample approvals, and bulk production
Ensure all development and sales samples are delivered to a high standard and within critical path deadlines
Analyse customer, wearer, and sales feedback to drive fit, quality, and product improvements
Use AI and digital tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and product development processes
Visit trade shows, retail environments, and key cities to stay ahead of trends and competitor activity
Champion sustainability through improved materials, packaging, and responsible sourcing initiatives
Ensure products comply with current and emerging UK compliance and regulatory standards
Skills & Experience:
2+ years' experience within accessories design, product development, or buying for a large UK high street lifestyle, fashion, or home brand
Strong product development and garment technical knowledge including fit, grading, construction, and bulk production processes
Experience developing products to cost and margin targets while maintaining quality and brand integrity
Good understanding and experience using PLM systems to manage fittings, feedback, and development progression
Strong understanding of materials, product engineering, garment construction, and manufacturing processes
Confident presenting concepts, product ideas, and seasonal direction to internal stakeholders and suppliers
Experience working with overseas suppliers and international product development teams
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Strong communication and collaboration skills across Buying, Design, Merchandising, and Supplier teams
Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer behaviour, market trends, and competitor activity
Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach
Personal Attributes:
Creative, innovative, and commercially driven
Highly organised and detail-oriented
Positive, collaborative, and adaptable approach
Strong team player with excellent relationship-building skills
Reliable, accountable, and able to work proactively
Passionate about product, fashion, and emerging trends
Ethical and sustainability-focused mindset
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