Product Developer

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Product Development · Head Office

Product Developer

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Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role

Accountable for the development of seasonally relevant in-line and SMU apparel collections which align to the commercial brief and line-plan whilst implementing the creative direction. 

Understands and adheres to key dates and gates so that orders can be placed on-time and according to the seasonal calendar.

This role is on a nine-month fixed-term contract

Responsibilities 

• Develop products from initial tech pack stage through to final bulk production buy-ready, ensuring quality, fit, testing and price targets are met, and the product is fit for purpose.
• Manages the successful completion of delivery priorities within allocated collections.
• Responsible for seasonal price negotiations in line with target prices, delivering on time information within the department to the senior product developer and Head of PD as part of the seasonal sign off.

• Meets output of work and key event stages within the critical path framework, raise delay concerns to line Manager and wider business in a timely manner ensuring impact to delivery can be minimised.
• Works with the designers, category management and materials team on the most appropriate fabrics, trims, fit and construction selection to ensure end products are fit for purpose and engineered to maximise efficiency both technically and from a cost perspective.
• Build and maintain a thorough understanding of the supply base and ensure awareness throughout the broader team.
• Develop and foster effective working relationships with suppliers.
• Manage individual workload and timelines.
• Assist in the design process by identifying opportunities for improvement or efficiency.
• Use the line plan to ensure all target prices are adhered to.
• Ensure accurate tech packs, enabling easy understanding for factories.
• All styling details are to be added to the tech pack, graded and point of measures diagrams correct and updated at all times, ensuring a smooth process so that measurements are clear at all stages including development/ proto, SMS/ presentation, size sets if requested, Pre-production samples, shipment samples and AQL inspection.
• Understand the fabrics used in the products allocated, approving bulk fabrics and testing with assistance from the materials team.
• Review all sampling stages to ensure fit is in line with Castore standards, working with the fit and block manager to ensure precision fit.
• Approval of all care instructions in line with CP dates.
• Responsible for range wearer trials and testing to ensure that the product is fit for purpose for the end user and professional.
• Liaise and find solutions to manufacturing issues during the production process keeping production merch up to date before approving the AQL to allow shipment.
• Discuss any in bound quality concerns with the Senior Product developer to arrange next steps with DC Technical lead.
• Liaise with Compliance Lead to ensure product meets Castore’s global health and safety standard requirements, communicating effectively to external partners or internal colleagues.
• Contribute to Castore innovation agenda, identifying new ideas within the supply base.
• Work with the supply chain team to ensure clarity of product development information both internally and externally.
• Builds knowledge on specific sport calendars and governing body regulations to improve one’s own understanding of product requirements, restrictions, and delivery timings.
• Ensure up to date with all costing regulations like Duty preferences to maximise optimal sourcing of both fabrics/trims and finished goods and liaise to PD team.
• Undertakes mentoring and coaching junior colleagues and counterparts within other business areas when necessary to help improve knowledge of category area.
• Ensures the accurate and timely upkeep of status tracking documents tracking sample approval, lab dips, prints and accessory approvals.
• Ensures packaging meets business and global requirements and is communicated promptly to vendors.
• Be a role model, maintaining a positive attitude and supporting the broader team.
• Contribute to protection of Castore’s intellectual property.
• Complete any ad-hoc tasks as required by your line manager.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in a similar product development or garment tech role.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in textile/fashion.
• Consumer-focused with deep product and range understanding.
• Experience with price negotiations.

• Ability to work cross-functionally, liaising with peer groups across the business.
• Ability to work within strict deadlines and able to be adaptive to changes.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills.
• Flexible approach and willingness to further learn & adapt in a fast pace growing business.
• Advanced user of MS Office suite of products.

• Excellent attention to detail & a natural problem solver.
• Organisation, planning, able to juggle multiple projects at once.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Good Presentation skills at all levels both internally and externally.
• Able to make decisions on work issues that impact the successful completion of tasks.
• Ability to analyse data and trends and use as a basis to solve problems.
• Confidence in own ability
• Be a team player.
• Be results driven.
• Share our ambitious outlook.
• Ability to travel and work effectively across multiple cultures as and when required.
• Have a Better Never Stops Attitude.

What We Offer

•Competitive salary
•Discretionary bonus scheme
•25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
•Modern city centre offices in Manchester
•An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
•Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
•A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
•Employee assistance programme
•Generous staff discount

Department

Locations

Employment type

Contract

Head Office

About Castore

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

Founded in 2015

Co-workers 800 plus!

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Product Development · Head Office

Product Developer

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