Product Developer

Launched in the Summer of 2020, Universal Colours is a new cycling apparel brand that challenges current conventions through progressive design and considerately sourced and manufactured materials. Following the successful, global reception of our first collections, we are now looking for a Product Developer to join our ambitious, growing team to drive, innovate and streamline our processes.

As a performance-led brand with an ever-evolving vision, we look outside of the cycling industry for inspiration. We challenge ourselves to deliver and keep developing the best possible solutions that minimise our environmental impact without compromise on performance. This is our mission: to bring cyclists some of the finest, considerately sourced performance apparel our industry has seen.

About the role

• Line manage a Junior Product Developer.
• Working within a small team alongside Design, Purchasing and Marketing playing an integral role in the development process. Responsible for managing the process from design handover through to bulk production/delivery to Warehouse stage.
• Liaise between the Design team and factories on the translation of design packs into detail Tech Packs.
• Organize and manage fit review meetings with Design, support development team in measuring and fitting proto samples, sending fit and construction comments to factories, ensuring consistency of fit throughout the protos to size sets, pre-production and shipment samples.
• Support suppliers on technical aspects of fabric, trim and fit development by ensuring that all sample garments are properly progressed, in line with the agreed critical path and proven fit for customer’s requirements.
• Create, maintain and manage the seasonal Critical Path. Run weekly meetings keeping teams updated with key information and dates.
• Prepare comprehensive project plans with technical objectives & detailed cost estimates. Work with suppliers to achieve commercial goals.
• Responsible for managing raw materials.
• Conduct performance analysis of all protos received.
• Responsible for the organisation of all samples received and sample archive.
• Handle queries on quality control issues should they arise.
• Responsibilities for collating technical and quality control feedback from customers/stores. 
• Make available key product specification and technical information to Marketing.
• Responsible for updating all files and folders within the shared drive.
• Keep updated with the latest fabric technology and new manufacturing processes.
• Have a keen awareness of relevant sports brands.
   

About you

• A minimum of 4 years of experience working in Clothing Development. Of that at least 2 years of previous experience in performance sportswear development.
• Experience in new product development and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with global partners.
• Understanding of Performance fabrics, waterproof / seam taped constructions, cycling garment construction etc.
• Knowledge of sustainable fabric technologies.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Experience working with a PLM system.
• Experience of working with Garment Technologists and ideally the ability to understand garment patterns.
• Good understanding of Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office and knowledge of pattern making software would be a plus.
• Commercially aware and able to call on experience to meet KPI targets.
• Works collaboratively in a team and where appropriate across or with different professional groups and industries.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders related to project activities.
• Interest and passion for cycling and fashion, culture and trends would be desired.

Universal Colours welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful work environment.