People Marketing's client, a leading manufacturer of high-quality workwear with small on-site production and established offshore manufacturing routes, is recruiting for an experienced Senior Garment Technologist/Product Developer or Technical Manager ready for a new challenge! 

As part of the team in Leeds, the Technical Product Manager will have overall accountability for all stock across finished and raw materials, identifying supplier and purchasing strategies to meet key objectives and manage risk, and have a commercial focus on product development to ensure suitability and fit for purpose.

Product Development Team Manager – Responsibilities:

• Manage initial design development for new styles and continuity of existing
• Manage sample and fit development from concept to QC production, working closely with in-house production, mills and offshore manufacturers.
• Source cost-effective cloth/trims for product development
• Analyse scale of price increases, MOQs and lead times against market trends, and work with senior management to identify and implement a robust supplier strategy to manage risk.
• Product analysis for cost efficiency, ensuring quality is key
• Ensure all suppliers meet performance against SLAs, ethical trading and company standards
• Travel offshore to oversee production/new developments – cloth development and finished garment.
• Oversee cloth development from sourcing/approval submissions to bulk ordering
• Troubleshoot product & quality issues, find a solution and action changes
• Create and manage critical path to ensure production deadlines are met for new developments
• Maintain close communication with suppliers, building strong relationships to enhance cost-effective outcomes
• Support the development and progression of the product developers.
• Manage special measures and on-site customer support.

Product Development Team Manager – Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a senior garment technologist/product development or technical manager level.
• Confident understanding of garment construction/manufacturing experience. 
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships with material suppliers and factories and internally with all departments.
• Good commercial awareness, ability to develop the right product/quality and to identify trends and opportunities
• A confident and collaborative people manager and team player – you will be part of the senior management team
• Exceptional organisation and time management skills. 
• Ability to manage the detail.
• Excellent communication and good negotiation skills.
• Proficient with Excel and Illustrator.
• A Team player, and a team leader, ability to support and manage others.