Product Developer
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 depending on experience, plus benefits
Hours per week: 37.5
Location: Manchester city centre – hybrid working between office and home. Check out our Manchester office -Fourways | Manchester (fourwaysmcr.co.uk)
As a Product Developer, you’ll be responsible for managing the product development process from design handover through to production, for both SUDU apparel and apparel designed for our partners, many of whom are huge brands in the sports and entertainment industry.
You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, technical, and non‑technical product, using your expertise to support the creation of innovative collections.
You’ll report to our Head of Product Development and partner closely with our Design and Buying teams to ensure products are developed in line with seasonal strategies, commercial targets, and brand expectations. With real ownership across your categories, you’ll drive consistency in fit, construction, and quality while contributing to continuous improvement across the product development process.
What you’ll do
* Manage the development of styles for assigned categories from design handover through to production, in line with Critical Path timeline
* Collaborate with our Design team to interpret concepts and translate them into viable products
* Lead fit sessions and prototype reviews, troubleshooting design, quality and construction challenges and ensuring clear and concise communication of fit and construction amendments to internal teams and external partners
* Own garment execution, ensuring compliance with measurements, quality, construction, fit, and consistency in line with Levy Merchandising and partner brand standards
* Develop technical product specifications, including tech packs, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and size charts, ensuring all technical documentation is completed and accurately maintained within internal systems
* Provide input into construction methods and recommend improvements to enhance product performance, quality, and cost efficiency
* Work closely with vendors and manufacturers to source materials and trims and ensure quality standards are met
* Ensure all products meet required safety, regulatory, and sustainability standards
* Maintain accurate and thorough documentation across all stages of development, including samples, specifications, and communications
* Track development progress, proactively identifying risks, and implementing solutions to minimise delays
* Contribute to continuous improvement of product standards, processes, and best practices across all categories
* Stay updated on industry standards and new technologies to ensure compliance and drive innovation
What you’ll need
* Relevant qualification or experience in apparel, garment technology, or product development
* Proven experience in a product development role, ideally with experience gained working for a large reputable brand
* Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, materials, and manufacturing processes
* Experience managing product development timelines and critical paths within a fast‑paced environment
* Understanding of sustainability practices, product compliance, and regulatory standards
* Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft packages
* Strong experience in developing detailed tech packs and managing relationships with global suppliers
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical information
* Commercial awareness, with the ability to identify risk and propose solutions
* A proactive problem‑solver with attention to detail, who can remain flexible and agile when priorities shift
* Flexibility to undertake domestic and international travel to supplier locations as business needs require
Benefits
* Competitive salary that recognises your skills and experience
* 31 days holiday including bank holidays (rising with service)
* Contributory employer pension scheme
* Colleague health cash plan to keep you feeling your best
* Life assurance cover of 4 x annual salary
* Employee assistance programme – 24/7 confidential access to expert services including virtual GP, counselling, wellbeing support, and independent legal and financial advice
* Access to high street cashback and discounts
* Discounts on SUDU and other Levy Merchandising products and services
* Enhanced family leave and pay
* Welcoming company culture and opportunities to develop as our business grows
* Twice‑yearly colleague events, payday socials and many exciting activities in between
We’re actively building diverse teams and we welcome applications from everyone. We take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.
If we invite you to take part in the recruitment process for any of our jobs, we’ll ask you if you need any reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate.
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