Job Specifications
About The Role
Our purpose in the Product Development team is to bring Finisterre's latest seasonal designs to life by managing the development process from design handover of the 2D CAD to the creation of 3D samples across our menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges.
The PD team manages the prototype sampling up to P2/SMS stage, ensures cost margins are met, manages the critical path to ensure deadlines are achieved, builds relationships with our much-valued suppliers and guarantees that the fit, materials and quality of our products meet our customer expectations and compliancy commitments.
In the role of Product Developer you will report into the Head of Product Development, in a highly collaborative role working within the Product Development team and in collaboration with the Materials, Design, Technical and Buying & Sourcing teams.
As a Product Developer, you will own the development of assigned product categories, oversee the full development lifecycle while enhancing construction, managing costs to achieve target margins, and ensuring critical path deadlines are met. You will drive sustainable product initiatives, manage sample development, and collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency, while achieving KPIs and supporting the company's sustainability goals.
About Finisterre
Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.
Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes' Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.
As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are and if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Materials, Design, Buying & Sourcing and Technical teams on the development of new products across Finisterre's range, working across men's, women's and accessories
Owning the critical path up to P2/SMS stage, ensuring that internal and supplier deadlines are adhered to keep development of samples on track
Managing costing, generating target costs from RRPs supplied by Buying team, actioning sketch costings pre sample development, reviewing open costings from suppliers, negotiating on cost throughout development up to P2/SMS stage and then handing over to the Buying team
Own assigned technical categories from design handover through to 2nd proto/SMS stage.
Working collaboratively with buying & sourcing team on vendor allocation and supplier mapping at sketch review and tech pack handover stages to assess suitable suppliers for each product
Lead tech pack handover, building P1 tech packs with size charts, BOMs and comments and sending requests to our suppleirs
Tracking samples and ex factory dates, measuring and reviewing costs of P1 samples, leading P1 fit sessions, writing P1 comments and P2/SMS tech pack requests
Presenting samples at P1 review to wider product teams and senior leadership
Attending P2/SMS fit sessions to oversee any updates to costing, comments and required amendments to BOMs
Sending SMS BOMs and bulk BOMs, ensuring these are updated with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail through development
Be able to confidently communicate via phone, email and videocalls with our suppliers
Provide support to our Materials Developer with requests and approvals for both components and trims, ensuring consistency across suppliers and that our compliancy standards are upheld
Assist with the general upkeep, admin and running of the PD team and workspace and adhoc requests from the Head of Product Development
Requirements
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO FINISTERRE
Qualification (relevant degree in fashion design, product development, garment technology, buying, product management or a related field) or an applicable background in product development
4-5years +experience within a product development role ideally with a performance or lifestyle brand
Proven industry experience or formal training in product categories relevant to Finisterre (such as - knitwear, outerwear, insulation, swimwear, wovens, jersey, accessories) with the required technical knowledge of materials, construction and quality
Aspira