My client is looking to recruit a Product Specialist/Category Manager/Buyer for their team that is continuously growing. The role of a Product Specialist is for a curious and enthusiastic product lover, responsible for developing best-in-class product ranges, maximising value for money and driving innovation in the marketplace. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for continuous improvement, consistently delivering exceptional products that meet and exceed customer expectations. Key Responsibilities Overall product development working in a four-point approach to product 1. Seasonal ranges by brand * Overall ownership of key categories / brands becoming an expert in your space. * Curating product ranges by season touching all applicable price points and formats. 1. Trend led product * Being an expert in your space, identifying trends or trending products. * Responsible for reacting to trends, working with factories and internal teams to be first to market. 1. Customer specific product * Responsible for reacting to customer specific briefs set by sales. * Sourcing, costing and sampling adhering to short deadlines whilst delivering best cost and quality product. 1. Everyday 365 product * Applying an adaptable approach to continuous development on everyday core skus. Product sourcing / supplier management * Identifying key suppliers and suitable factories understanding the appropriate sourcing route and preferred supplier for product. * Establishing and maintaining good relationships with existing and potential new suppliers. * Completion of new factory profile forms and ensuring all new factories are approved by QA. * Negotiation of trading terms. * Cost negotiation and completion of costing sheets ensuring margin is in line with company expectations. * Ensure products costs are in line with material costs with the support of the head of PD. * Responsible for samples across all lines negotiating samples with factories minimising costs to the business. * International travel as and when required to visit supplier's showroom / factories. * Attending trade shows to meet with suppliers to manage relationships and to source new suppliers. * Regular video calls to maintain and strengthen supplier relationships. * Sourcing of new trends, hot products. * Creating product briefs for suppliers and factories, working with design and QA to ensure we are up to date with standards for products and factoriy Critical path management * Ownership of the product Development Critical Path Management. * Ensuring product critical paths and weekly workloads are on track to achieve deadlines from concept to pre-production with design and factories. * Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all sample issues to resolve and drive to completion. * Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages. * Monitoring order Critical Path with Merch to ensure intake dates are met. * Only relevant candidates will be contacted