Position Overview:
We currently have an opportunity for a Product Development & Technical Manager to join our Accessories team here at our Head Office in South Shields. You will be responsible for driving technical development across our non-apparel categories, from concept to production, ensuring the successful delivery of seasonal collections in line with business deadlines – developing fit for purpose, production viable, price appropriate, premium quality products.
*This role is based in our Head Office in South Shields and the expectation is 4 days onsite and 1 day of home working*
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the Head of Accessories to develop and maintain an effective, motivated and appropriately skilled team.
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Oversee the day-to-day activities of Product Technicians, Assistants and interns, ensuring the team’s workload is correctly prioritised and that critical path deadlines are met.
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Work closely with the Design team and manufacturing base to ensure the on-time development and delivery of collections; offer technical guidance, lead sample review sessions, evaluate fit, quality and workmanship, and provide clear sample comments, ensuring the most appropriate construction methods are used according to the products’ intended end use.
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Review and develop new specifications, blocks and size charts.
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Manage consistency across products and fits, and continuously monitor and elevate quality (including overseeing wearer trials where necessary).
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Create and maintain seasonal trackers, BOMs and PLM system.
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Own the risk assessment process and documentation and ensure compliance with product safety regulations and legislation by requesting, reviewing and approving relevant testing and certification.
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Creation and management of product standards and manuals.
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Identify and help solve potential development and / or production problems.
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Support QA / QC – help identify / solve issues as and when needed.
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Support with answering customer service queries as and when needed.
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Learn and understand suppliers’ capabilities and help direct development / production where needed.
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Supplier visits as and when needed.
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General admin – liaise with other departments, sales, suppliers, factories, helping to answer queries and resolve any issues raised.
Skills and Experience:
- Relevant degree level qualification.
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Proven and demonstrable experience in senior level role, specific to accessories.
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Strong technical expertise in accessories development.
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Industry stakeholders’ awareness e.g. test houses, industry federations etc.
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Previous use of PLM systems, or similar.
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Extensive experience working closely with a diverse global factory base.
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Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
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Proactive, assertive, organised, capable of prioritising workload and able to deliver to given timelines.
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
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Computer literate with good Microsoft Office skills.
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Some experience of people management is desirable.
Benefits:
- Discretionary Company bonus scheme
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Staff discount
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Staff shop
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25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata)
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Free onsite parking
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Subsidised canteen
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Healthcare Cash Plan
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Access to training and development activities to support your career development
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Operate hybrid & flexible working
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4pm finish on a Friday
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Wellbeing support
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Reward & Recognition program
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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.
