Job Description
A leading sportswear apparel brandhouse is seeking a Product Assistant to join its Product Development team based in Watford.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with 1–2 years' experience within Product Development, Production, Buying Administration, Garment Technology or Apparel Development who is looking to build a long-term career within the fashion, sportswear and apparel industry.
Working closely with Product Developers, Garment Technologists, Designers, Suppliers and Commercial teams, the successful candidate will support the end-to-end development and production process across multiple apparel categories.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Product Development team throughout the seasonal development and production process.
- Create and maintain sampling trackers, production trackers, line lists and critical path documentation.
- Track and chase Proto, SMS, PP and TOP samples with suppliers and factories.
- Coordinate sample shipments and ensure all development milestones are achieved on time.
- Measure samples and prepare garments for fit sessions.
- Attend fit sessions, update development workbooks and communicate fit comments to suppliers.
- Review and manage lab dips, strike-offs, fabric submissions, trims and colour approvals.
- Communicate approvals and comments to suppliers throughout development and production.
- Create and maintain product workbooks, BOMs, tech packs and development documentation.
- Update PLM systems, trackers and internal databases accurately.
- Create shipping and production reports and communicate updates across the business.
- Liaise daily with suppliers and factories regarding samples, fabrics, trims, approvals and production status.
- Ensure brand compliance documentation is completed and uploaded correctly.
- Work closely to critical path deadlines and ensure all development and production milestones are achieved.
- Attend cross-functional meetings with Product Development, Design, Sales and Commercial teams.
- Support costing activities and maintain accurate development records.
Candidate Profile:
Essential
- 1–2 years' experience within Product Development, Product Coordination, Production, Buying Administration, Garment Technology or Apparel Development.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Genuine passion for apparel, sportswear, fashion and product development.
Desirable
- Experience using PLM systems.
- Knowledge of critical path management.
- Understanding of tech packs, BOMs and garment specifications.
- Experience working with apparel suppliers and factories.
- Knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, trims, lab dips and strike-offs.
- Previous experience within sportswear, fashion, lifestyle or apparel brands.
- Degree in Fashion, Fashion Design, Fashion Buying, Product Development, Textiles or a related discipline.
What's on Offer
- Exposure to end-to-end apparel product development.
- Opportunity to work across multiple product categories.
- Exposure to international suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Career development opportunities within Product Development and Apparel.
- A collaborative and fast-paced working environment.
- The opportunity to work with an established and recognised apparel business.
Keywords
Product Assistant | Product Development Assistant | Assistant Product Developer | Junior Product Developer | Product Coordinator | Production Assistant | Buying Admin Assistant | Apparel Product Development | Sportswear | Fashion | Product Development | Garment Technology | PLM | BOM | Tech Packs | Critical Path | Sample Management | Lab Dips | Strike Offs | Fit Sessions | Production Tracking | Supplier Management | Watford | Hertfordshire