About: Founded in 2011 by brothers George and Mike Heaton, Represent is a British luxury fashion label.Their garments are the embodiment of relentless effort, refinement and constant progression. Each piece is the result of a meticulous design and production process, with expert craftsmanship being an unremitting factor running throughout every collection, silhouette and individual garment.The mission is simple, to build the best brand in the world.
Represent is looking for an organised, proactive Junior Menswear Product Developer to join our dynamic team in Bolton.
The successful applicant will support the Product Developer and wider team in taking styles from concept through to final launch, helping to ensure that products meet the brand’s high standards for quality, fit, and aesthetic. This will include working closely with the design, technical, and merchandising teams to help manage the day-to-day product development process, from sample management to costing support, and play a key part in delivering high-quality products to market on time.
What the Junior Product Developer will do:
Support the end-to-end execution of product styles from concept to launch, helping to ensure adherence to timelines, quality standards, and product specifications.
Manage day-to-day operational tasks across the business unit with growing independence, working towards the objectives set by the Product Manager and Product Developer.
Expertly create Bill of Materials (BOMs) with strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and clarity for factories.
Coordinate daily communication with suppliers, providing clear and consistent updates on progress and addressing any challenges or issues that arise.
Support the product team with the development of new fabrics, trims, and logo designs, ensuring they align with the brand’s aesthetic and market positioning.
Interact frequently with factories and fabric mills, conducting regular video meetings to progress day to day tasks, chase and review new development, and resolve issues as they arise.
Help monitor factory performance, feeding back to the Product Manager & Technical Manager to ensure production standards are met.
Help ensure the current supply base remains compliant with the brand’s ethical and operational standards, supporting transparency across all processes.
Take ownership of sample tracking with minimal oversight, keeping all sample statuses and details accurately up to date and chasing suppliers for updates as needed.
Provide general administrative support to the product team as required.
Raise and manage SMS purchase orders with suppliers to keep sampling on schedule.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date product data in the PLM system.
Prepare for team and supplier meetings, including agendas, samples, and follow-up actions.
Support lab dip and wash development, liaising with suppliers to progress approvals.
Support development across all product types within the range.
Support the Product Developer in obtaining costing breakdowns and analysing cost components to help achieve target prices, while upholding product quality and margin requirements.
Experience Dependent: Take ownership of small product categories, managing the full development cycle for selected styles or collection from initial concept through to launch, with guidance from the Product Developer.
What Represent is looking for:
At least 2 years' relevant experience
A passion for menswear design and the branded market.
A relevant degree.
An openness to travel to factories and fabric suppliers.
A good working knowledge of garment construction
Branded apparel and accessories experience.
Knowledge and passion for sustainability.
Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities
Own the role and make things happen.
A developing commercial awareness, with a willingness to flag product risks and suggest solutions
Experience in a fast-paced environment
Love Product!
Collaborative, non-political approach
Demonstrate a pro-active approach to problem solving
Flexible and open to evolving business needs and priorities
Experience in a fast-paced environment
A developing commercial awareness, with a willingness to flag risks and suggest solutions
Some exposure to target prices and obtaining initial cost prices (desirable).
A relevant qualification in fashion or textiles or equivalent work experience
Substantial experience working in a product creation function
Exposure to luxury or branded apparel is an advantage
A good understanding of garment construction
Sound understanding of fabrics, particularly in jersey.
Knowledge of pattern making is an advantage but not essential
Good working knowledge of Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint & Word
Hands-on when required. Be prepared to assist at all levels
