Product Manager (18 month Mat leave)

ROLE PURPOSE
The role of Product Manager / Buyer is to create, range, and deliver a balanced product assortment that is relevant, meets the needs of our customers, maximises commercial opportunities & delivers continuous profit growth for the business. You will step in quickly, keep the existing categories moving without disruption, and bring fresh energy and ideas to the range for the length of the contract.

POSITION: PRODUCT MANAGER/BUYER (PARENTAL LEAVE COVER)
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME, 18 TO 20 MONTHS
REPORTS TO POSITION: BUYING MANAGER
DEPARTMENT: PRODUCT TEAM
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

▪ Take over and strategically manage existing product categories, keeping current seasons on track while planning future ranges
▪ Design Led Product Development
▪ Maintain existing supplier relationships across multiple geographies and build new ones where they add value
▪ Partner with production team to manage all phases of the range/product lifecycle including fabric, wash, colour, strike off, trim, artwork, fit (QA), PP and shipping sample approval
▪ Identifying key trends, colours and prints for the new seasons
▪ Cost price negotiation and intake margin
▪ Trial product and trade categories
▪ Range collaboratively with team to deliver the best product for our customers
▪ Hand the categories back in a strong commercial position, with clear documentation for a smooth return to work

Responsibilities:
  • Get up to speed quickly with in-flight ranges, critical paths and supplier commitments through a structured handover
  • Understand our customers and their evolving needs
  • Live and breathe the company’s culture and values
  • Production Planning with suppliers
  • Strategically manage a selection of categories (apparel and accessories) from a collaborative product selection, sourcing, price negotiation, order placement to warehouse delivery
  • Responsible for managing a commercial and desirable range that meets sales budgets, margin targets, proposed range mix and customers’ expectations
  • Continuous product development for your categories using a combination of current trends and proven product knowledge – design led product development
  • Ability to trade your range in season and are accountable for core lines with the planners
  • Ability to run core line cards
  • Intake Margin
  • Identify new trends and products relevant to our customers through overseas travel, online research, and local market awareness
  • Put together key looks for brand campaigns and digital content
  • Monitor your product at retail level, collaborate with repeats and markdowns in weekly meetings
  • Ensure the OTB is filled, and product deliveries are phased correctly.
  • Work closely with textile graphic designer and external sources to develop prints that are within the brand’s copyright guidelines.
  • Work closely with the production team in daily fittings and approvals to ensure accurate and on-time delivery by managing the critical path
  • Understand and keep up to date with the key competitors and their position within the market (product assortment, pricing marketing, customer profile)
  • Update and maintain product range books, create product guides & manage attributes for all selling channels
  • Own product from creation, fitting, production to stores
  • Support and coach junior team members, helping them understand our customers, products, and ways of working
  • Keep clear records of decisions, supplier agreements and range performance to support a seamless handback at the end of the contract
KEY COMPETENCIES
▪ Able to hit the ground running – quickly absorb existing ranges, processes and relationships with minimal ramp-up
▪ Collaborative – a team player with the ability to provide leadership and motivation to broader team
▪ Results oriented – driven and motivated, accountability is taken for performance and outcomes
▪ Strong creative eye, passion for product, expert knowledge of current and emerging fashion trends
▪ Exceptional organisational and time management skills – able to prioritise, multitask, and deliver within deadlines and remain composed
▪ Comprehensive knowledge of garment manufacturing and fabrics – a proven track record sourcing from multiple geographies
▪ Communicate clearly, concisely, professionally and in a timely manner
▪ Able to meet new challenges with an open mind and thrive in a fast-paced environment
▪ Ability to set up new ways of working & processes in a simple, efficient way, while respecting established systems
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