Junior Product Developer

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

The Role

Development of seasonally relevant in-line and SMU apparel collections which align to the commercial brief and line-plan whilst implementing the creative direction. Understands and adheres to key dates and gates so that orders can be placed on-time and according to the seasonal calendar.

Responsibilities

• Develop products from initial tech pack stage through to final bulk production buy-ready, ensuring quality, fit, testing and price targets are met, and the product is fit for purpose.
• Manages the successful completion of delivery priorities within allocated collections as per the critical path, identifying potential challenges and delays raising awareness with line manager.
• Be involved with seasonal product costing process, be aware of FOB prices and business margin targets.
• Supports Developer and Senior Developer working with the designers, and materials team on the most appropriate fabrics, trims, fit and construction selection to ensure end products are fit for purpose and engineered to maximise efficiency both technically and from a cost perspective.
• Meets output of work requests within the critical path framework, raise delay concerns to line Manager and developers in a timely manner ensuring impact to delivery can be minimised.
• Build and maintain an understanding of the supply base gathering awareness through the broader team.
• Develop and foster effective working relationships with suppliers.
• Maintain the line plan to ensure all target prices are received and work with the Senior Product developer to ensure that they are adhered to.
• Ensure accuracy of tech packs, enabling easy understanding by the factories.
• All styling details are to be added to the tech pack, graded and point of measures diagrams correct and updated at all times, ensuring a smooth process so that measurements are clear at all stages including development/ proto, SMS/ presentation, size sets if requested, Pre-production samples, shipment samples and AQL inspection.
• Understand the fabrics used in the products allocated, approving bulk fabrics and testing with assistance from the materials team and Senior product developer.
• Review all sampling stages to ensure fit is in line with Castore standards, working with the fit and block manager.
• Approval of all care instructions in line with CP dates.
• Have an awareness of wearer trials and testing to ensure that the product is fit for purpose for the end user and professional.
• Work with wider team to find solutions to manufacturing issues during the production process keeping Senior product developer up to date before approving the AQL to allow shipment.
• Discuss any inbound quality concerns with the Senior Product developer to arrange next steps with DC Technical lead.
• Builds knowledge on specific sport calendars and governing body regulations to improve one’s own understanding of product requirements, restrictions, and delivery timings.
• Provides cross category support where required with timely communication of sample, trim, lab dip comments to ensure on time buy-ready and shipment sign off to critical path expectations
• Be a role model, maintaining a positive attitude and supporting the broader team.
• Contribute to protection of Castore’s intellectual property.
• Complete any ad-hoc tasks as required by your line manager.
  
  

Skills & Qualities

Skills and Experience:

• Experience of a similar product development or garment tech role
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in textile/fashion.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, liaising with peer groups across the business to drive efficiencies and results.
• Ability to work within strict deadlines and able to be adaptive to changes.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills.
• Flexible approach and willingness to further learn & adapt in a fast pace growing business.
• Advanced user of MS Office suite of products.
  
  

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent attention to detail & a natural problem solver.
• Organisation, planning, able to juggle multiple projects at once.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to analyse data and trends and use as a basis to solve problems.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to ensure information, facts and figures are accurate and free from mistakes
• Be a team player.
• Be results driven.
• Share our ambitious outlook.
• Ability to travel and work effectively across multiple cultures as and when required.
• Have a Better Never Stops Attitude.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Modern city centre offices in Manchester
• Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
• An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
• A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
• Generous staff discount