Product Development Assistant
Self-Portrait is seeking a motivated and detail-driven Product Development Assistant to support the Product Development and Design teams in bringing collections to life. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about multi-category womenswear across the product development lifecycle.
Working closely with the Product Development and Design teams, this role plays a key part in ensuring accurate administration, organisation, and coordination throughout the development process. The successful candidate will support the smooth execution of collections from initial design handover through to sample sign-off and bulk production, while maintaining the brand's high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This role is full-time and based in our Central London office.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development Support
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Product Development team across seasonal collections.
• Assist with managing the product development lifecycle, from initial style launch through to sms.
• Support the tracking of key milestones against the critical path to ensure timelines are met.
Design & Cross-Functional Coordination
• Work closely with the Design team to support the accurate execution of design concepts throughout development.
• Assist in organising fittings, documenting fit comments, and tracking updates to styles following design input.
• Help prepare information for internal handovers and reviews.
Data, Systems & Documentation
• Accurately input and maintain product data including style information, fabrics, trims, colours, and BOMs within internal systems.
• Assist in the preparation, updating, and organisation of BOMs, development trackers, and product summaries.
• Ensure all development documents, approvals, and sample records are clearly organised and easily accessible.
Sample Management
• Support the organisation, tracking, and storage of development and selling samples.
• Ensure samples are correctly labelled, logged, and prepared for fittings, reviews, and presentations.
• Assist with coordinating sample dispatches and deliveries with suppliers and internal teams.
Supplier & Office Coordination
• Support communication with suppliers and the Hong Kong office by sharing information, tracking requests, and following up on samples and approvals.
• Help ensure clear documentation supports efficient communication across all stages of development.
Project & Team Support
• Provide administrative support on seasonal and ad-hoc product development projects.
• Assist with compiling product information for internal teams, including sales support where required.
• Contribute to improving processes, organisation, and efficiency within the Product Development function.
Skills & Experience
• Degree in Fashion, Textiles, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Product Development within luxury or contemporary womenswear.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident working with data, trackers, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); PLM or Zedonk exposure is advantageous but not essential.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and eager to learn.
• A collaborative team player with a strong work ethic and passion for fashion.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK.