Senior Womenswear Product Developer

Senior Womenswear Product Developer
Studio Nicholson is looking for a Senior Womenswear Product Developer who will play a pivotal role in the end-to-end development of collections, leading cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless transition from concept to production. Working closely with the design, production, and merchandising teams, you will oversee all stages of product development, from initial concept to pre-production, ensuring that timelines, costs, and quality standards are met. This is a leadership role that requires a deep understanding of the fashion development process, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage complex workflows across multiple departments.

Key Responsibilities

Development Phase

• Lead the day-to-day development process, collaborating closely with the Womenswear Design team to drive collections from initial concept to preparation for bulk production.
• Manage and oversee the critical path, proactively identifying potential issues and risks, and ensuring deadlines are met. Flag any delays early and coordinate resolutions with relevant teams to mitigate production hold-ups.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with Design, Production, and Merchandising teams, ensuring that feedback, design vision, and cost implications are effectively communicated to manufacturers.
• Ensure adherence to the critical path with manufacturers, carefully managing prototype and SMS timelines, and confirming all dates in the shared calendar.
• Oversee the procurement of all sampling fabrics through Zedonk, managing order deadlines, and coordinating the lab dip and SMS fabric delivery process.
• Lead the sourcing and ordering of trims in collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that all trims align with design specifications and timelines.
• Maintain and update the master critical path, including tracking fabric and trim delivery dates, and coordinating with production and development teams to confirm the start of prototype and SMS samples.
• Build and maintain the fabric-to-sketch file, ensuring the collection's fabric information is up-to-date and accurate throughout the season.
• Actively contribute to pricing meetings with the Merchandising team, offering up-to-date cost insights and cost-saving solutions to maintain profitability while ensuring design integrity.
• Work within defined margin targets, continuously evaluating costs and proposing adjustments to optimize cost efficiency without compromising quality.

Tech Pack and Pre-Production 

• Lead the completion of Tech Packs, ensuring that all data (BOM, CAD, Make, Lay plans, Measurements) is accurate and up-to-date across all parties. Track any changes and ensure seamless communication throughout the development process.
• Collaborate with designers, pattern cutters, and manufacturers to ensure that all relevant information is provided to factories for prototype and SMS development.
• Take the lead in design fittings, offering proactive input on finishes, trims, and other key design elements, while ensuring smooth communication and decision-making across multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee the measurement of all prototype and SMS samples, ensuring that all relevant information is captured and recorded on the Tech Packs.
• Lead cost negotiations with manufacturers for prototypes and SMS, working closely with the Product Director to ensure cost targets are met and cost-related issues are resolved promptly.
• Identify and evaluate sourcing opportunities for new techniques and materials, working with suppliers to improve product quality and reduce costs.

  Pre-Production and Handover

• Oversee the smooth handover from development to production, providing clear and concise information to the production team and resolving any issues that arise during or after the development phase.
• Ensure all BOMs, Tech Packs, and relevant tools are accurate and up-to-date in Zedonk or other PLM systems to guarantee a seamless transition to production.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Manage Product Development Assistant.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and creative working environment, ensuring the team remains motivated and focused on delivering high-quality products.

Requirements

• 6-8 years of experience in a similar senior role within womenswear product development, with a proven track record in managing collections from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of cost management and margin targets, with the ability to deliver on-budget, on-time, and high-quality products.
• In-depth knowledge of the fabric procurement process, pattern cutting, and technical garment construction, with expertise in fabrics, trims, and sewing techniques.
• Exceptional project management skills, with experience in managing critical paths in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with external suppliers and manufacturers.
• Experience with Zedonk or other PLM/ERP systems and proficiency in Excel for data management and reporting.
• Proven experience in leading fittings, managing fit comments, and ensuring that garment quality is maintained throughout the development process.
• High level of attention to detail, with a strategic mindset and ability to problem-solve effectively.