Garment Technologist / Product Developer
Location: Banbury
Job Type: Full Time
Reporting to: Marketing & Sales Director
Salary: £27,500-£35,000 DOE
About Doodlebone
We're Doodlebone.
Since 2014, we've been designing fun, practical products for dogs and their people. From harnesses and collars to coats and accessories, we obsess over the details so dog owners can spend less time faffing and more time enjoying walks, adventures, snuggles and everything in between.
We're growing, launching new products, and continuing to push the boundaries of what pet accessories can be. That's where you come in.
The Role
We're looking for an experienced Garment Technologist / Product Developer to join our Product team.
This is a hands-on role focused on taking products from concept through to production, ensuring they are functional, comfortable, durable and commercially viable.
The successful candidate will have strong technical garment knowledge, experience working directly with overseas manufacturers, and a passion for creating high-quality products.
You'll play a key role in developing products that are not only beautifully designed and commercially successful, but also comfortable, safe and enjoyable for the dogs that use them every day.
Whilst experience in product design is desirable, we're primarily looking for someone with a strong garment technology background who can confidently manage fit, construction, specifications, testing and production.
What You'll Be Doing
Garment Technology & Product Development
- Own the technical development process from concept through to production.
- Create and maintain detailed technical packs, specifications and construction documentation.
- Review development, fit and pre-production samples, providing clear technical feedback to suppliers.
- Conduct fit sessions and wearer trials to assess comfort, functionality and durability.
- Ensure products meet internal quality standards and performance requirements.
- Identify and resolve technical issues throughout development and production.
- Engineer products to achieve target cost prices without compromising quality.
Supplier & Production Management
- Work closely with overseas suppliers and sourcing partners throughout development and production.
- Build strong supplier relationships and maintain consistent quality standards.
- Troubleshoot production challenges and implement practical solutions.
- Review production approvals and quality reports.
- Manage development samples, strike-offs, lab dips and production submissions.
Materials & Testing
- Source fabrics, trims and components for new developments.
- Carry out product testing and performance evaluations.
- Ensure products comply with relevant legislation and safety requirements.
- Continuously improve product quality and construction standards.
Product Design Support
- Assist with product concepts and development ideas.
- Create or review CADs and product specifications where required.
- Support the wider team with technical product knowledge during launches.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience working as a Garment Technologist, Product Developer or similar technical product role.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, pattern cutting and fit.
- Experience creating technical packs and production specifications.
- Experience working with overseas manufacturers and suppliers.
- Excellent understanding of product development and production processes.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel.
- A genuine love of pets and enthusiasm for creating products that improve the lives of pets and their owners.
- Comfortable working hands-on with dogs during fit sessions, measuring exercises and product trials.
Desirable
- Product design or CAD experience.
- Experience within pet products, accessories, apparel or technical products.
- Understanding of materials testing and compliance.
- Experience sourcing fabrics, trims and components.
- Knowledge of sustainable materials and manufacturing practices.
- Understanding of animal ergonomics and comfort considerations.
The Person
You'll thrive in this role if you are:
- Naturally curious and solution-focused.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership.
- Practical and hands-on in your approach.
- Confident communicating with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Passionate about creating products that genuinely improve customers' lives.
Why Join Us?
- Work on exciting new product launches.
- Be part of a growing and ambitious brand.
- Have genuine influence over product development.
- Friendly, collaborative team environment.
- Opportunity to shape the future of a market-leading pet accessories brand.
Pay: £27,500.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Banbury OX16 4SP
