Product Development & Design Manager

Job content

Feridax (1957) Ltd founded in 1957 is the largest wholesale importer and exporter of motorcycle and cycle clothing and accessories brands in the UK. Our own brand, Spada, is designed and developed by the Product Development team at our premises in Halesowen. The Spada range includes leather and textile motorcycle jackets, trousers, jeans, hoodies, shirts, suits, boots, trainers, gloves, over wear and helmets, and an MTB range consisting of shorts, trousers, long and short sleeve tops, jackets, gloves, socks, and helmets.

We currently have an opportunity for a Product Development & Design Manager to lead the Product Development team. You will be working closely with and reporting directly to the Managing Director, along with international manufacturers, the Purchasing team, the Marketing team, and Sales representatives.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing motorcycle and MTB clothing ranges and strategy in line with Spada brand guidelines/ethos/DNA
• Managing strategy in terms of product costing, margins, and intro dates
• Creating, managing, and maintaining critical paths
• Conducting market trends and sales analysis, exploring style and features, and creating trend boards and colour palettes
• Ensuring customer needs are central to development decision making
• Managing a team consisting of Technical Clothing Advisor, Garment Technologist, and Product Developer
• Managing manufacturers/suppliers: MOQs, materials selection, cost negotiation, lead times, sample production/approval etc.
• Investigation of potential new suppliers where required for sourcing initiatives, including physical visits/international travel
• Overseeing creation of accurate and detailed technical specifications for each product including materials, sizing, and fit, alongside the Garment Technologist
• Collaboration with the Product Developer to accomplish seasonal product concepts, fittings, and grade approval
• Leading the quality control process at key milestones in the product lifecycle
• Collaboration with Technical Clothing advisor for early identification through risk assessment on product construction, testing, regulatory and safety and compliance, and manufacturing capability relating to CE/CA certification of products
• Working with the Purchasing team to ensure timely delivery of samples and final orders to maintain product schedule
• Preparing and presenting all ranges in detail to the sales team, principal accounts, and stakeholders
• Providing accurate information on all products to the Marketing team for advertising purposes

Skills and Experience Required:

• Experience of product lifecycle from concept, design and development, to consumer launch
• Knowledge of garment construction and fit across a range of styles and categories
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the key markets in which to grow sales
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Capability to balance creative intuition with commercial acumen
• Technical knowledge of Excel, Adobe PDF, Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop is essential
• Knowledge of CE/CA process for PPE is advantageous
• Passion and enthusiasm for motorcycle and cycle garments and accessories is crucial

Benefits:

• 20 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 5 years
• Staff discount
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthshield Cash Plan
• Pension and Life Assurance
• Free on-site parking