junior creative strategist jobs

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Junior Menswear Product Developer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you 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. Working closely with the design, technical, and merchandising teams, you will 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 you’ll be doing:

• 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 you’ll need:

• 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 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 Adobe Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint & Word

• Hands on when required. Be prepared to assist at all levels

You have…

• 2-3 years’ relevant experience (luxury and jersey is an advantage).

• 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

You might have…

• Branded apparel and accessories experience.

• Knowledge and passion for sustainability.

We would ideally like you to …

• 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!

Benefits (HQ)

• 25 x days holiday per year

• Enhanced annual leave with length of service

• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

• Wellbeing Day

• Company bonus scheme

• Staff discount

• £1,000 annual company gift card

• On site gym with dedicated personal trainers

• Electric vehicle scheme

• Pension & life assurance

• Private medical insurance

Working Pattern (HQ)
4 days in office 1 day WFH

Location
HQ – Unit 1, Northgate Close, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6PQ