The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.
Position Overview:
We currently have an opportunity for a Product Developer to join our Menswear team here at our Head Office in South Shields. As Product Developer, you will work closely with and support the Design and Technical teams to develop the Men’s clothing ranges, ensuring we continue to deliver premium product in line with the business’ critical path and budget.
*The expectation for this role is 5 days onsite.*
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Collaborate closely with the Design team to ensure tech packs are well executed, at a high standard and follow key business dates, such as range overview, tech pack send out and sample ex-factory deadlines.
* Manage yarn/fabric selection and ordering process for SMS (FOMs and YOMs) with suppliers.
* Work closely with Fabric Tech to ensure fabric selections comply with Barbour standards and testing requirements pre-development.
* Attend and contribute to range reviews with Design.
* Work closely with the Technical Manager in supplier allocation.
* Oversee wearer trial sample selection.
* Responsible for issuing initial tech packs to suppliers, requesting first proto samples and tracking development process through to SMS stage.
* Request, track, review and approve lab dips/strike off submissions.
* Support creating, issuing, and updating BOMs.
* Attend and contribute to fit sessions with garment tech and design.
* Be main point of contact for supplier queries and communicate clearly any changes or updates to the range.
* Collate initial pricing and work with suppliers and Technical Manager to meet margin targets.
* Maintain and update PLM system with any price, range and product information changes.
* Communicate range changes to relevant stakeholders at various points in the season.
* Monitor seasonal range size targets and ensure targets are not exceeded.
* Collate seasonal supplier performance reviews, in collaboration with Supply Chain and the Technical Manager.
* Supplier visits as and when needed (overseas travel required).
Skills and Experience:
* Previous experience in product development or buying role.
* Previous experience with wovens is desirable.
* Degree in Fashion Design/Marketing or similar preferred.
* A proactive, problem solving mindset with hands‑on approach.
* Ability to prioritise and multi‑task.
* Strong interpersonal skills.
* Computer literate, including use of Microsoft Office, previous use of PLM systems or similar is an advantage.
* Discretionary Company bonus scheme
* Staff shop
* 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata)
* Free onsite parking
* Subsidised canteen
* Access to training and development activities to support your career development
* Operate hybrid & flexible working
* 4pm finish on a Friday
* Refer a friend bonus scheme
* Reward & Recognition Program
* Length of Service Rewards
Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
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