Apparel Product Developer

About the role

Footasylum is looking for an established, highly motivated and passionate Product Developer to join its in-house "Own Brand" Design Centre team at Head Office in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The team works on Footasylum's own brands such as Zavetti Canada, KWD and Alessandro Zavetti, and sits within a rapidly growing, diverse team that works closely with Apparel Design, Buying and Merchandising.

Key responsibilities

• Work to a critical path so that the development process runs smoothly and ex-factory dates are kept, and highlight potential issues to Merchandising and Supply Chain.
• Control all seal sample stages and ensure they are completed within the critical path timeframe.
• Conduct in-house fit sessions and make confident commercial decisions with the Brand Manager and Buying team.
• Measure and send comments on own-brand samples across all categories, and analyse technical issues clearly and concisely for suppliers.
• Send complete workbooks with accurate specs, grade rules, testing and risk assessments, and ensure compliance with regulations, product safety and legislation.
• Test and analyse product performance, fabric and garment testing and quality control, and act as key point of contact throughout development.
• Manage design handovers, support the graphics team and assist with bulk QC checks when required.
• Work directly with overseas suppliers and travel for production and development trips, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Liaise with Design and Buying on technical guidance for new products and support the teams in delivering innovative, performance-based products.

Required profile

• At least 2 years' experience in the high street fashion industry across mens, ladies, juniors and accessories.
• Self-motivated, with good time management and the ability to adapt to changing demands and tight deadlines.
• Ability to work from the Head Office in Rochdale.