Product Development Manager

Job Title: Product Development Manager

Reports To: Head of Product

Main Purpose of Role

As Product Development Manager, you will manage development and sourcing for Wovens & Homeware collections, ensuring collections are commercially viable, operationally deliverable and aligned with long-term brand growth objectives.

Reporting to the Head of Product, you will partner cross-functionally with Design and Production to shape collection development, safeguard critical path integrity and deliver product at optimal margin, quality and cost efficiency.

The role plays a key part in financial forecasting, supplier strategy and risk management, proactively identifying cost-saving initiatives, margin opportunities and process improvements that strengthen overall business performance while upholding luxury standards.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the seasonal Product Development strategy for Wovens and Homeware, delivering seasonal collections and special projects from concept through to bulk approval, aligning creative vision with commercial objectives, margin targets and long-term brand growth.

• Contribute strategic insight to new projects and growth initiatives, evaluating resource requirements, critical path implications, liabilities and potential revenue opportunities.

• Manage seasonal budget tracking, cost forecasting and spend analysis, identifying efficiencies and margin-enhancing opportunities.

• Own and manage the full development critical path, ensuring alignment across Design, Merchandising and Production to meet all seasonal deadlines.

• Identify opportunities to streamline Development & Design processes, improving team efficiency, clarity and workflow.

• Partner with Design to develop collections in line with the creative brief, brand positioning, sustainability objectives, margin targets and overall business strategy.

• Collaborate closely with Head of Product on collection planning, price architecture and wholesale targets to ensure commercial viability from early development stages.

• Research and onboard new suppliers and mills, assessing fabrication innovation, technical capability, pricing structures and scalability, prioritising sustainability and cost efficiency.

• Build and nurture strong supplier relationships through clear communication, negotiation and performance management.

• Oversee landed cost analysis to support pricing strategy, margin optimisation and informed commercial decision-making.

• Lead fit reviews and provide clear technical direction to vendors, proactively identifying and mitigating development and production risks.

• Work cross-functionally with Production to ensure a smooth transition from development to bulk, reducing risk and safeguarding timelines.

• Maintain launch of Made-to-Order initiative.

Leadership & Development

• Coach and support junior team members, fostering technical excellence and commercial awareness.

• Engage confidently with senior leadership, aligning product development strategy with overarching business objectives and brand growth plans.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of Excel

• Strong organisational and data management skills

• Knowledge of Adobe Suite

• Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g., Zedonk)

• Previous experience managing development from Design through to finished product

• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a focus on process and operational improvement

• Self-starter

• Excellent technical knowledge of garment construction

• Positive attitude

• Willingness to take ownership of tasks

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Eagerness to learn and grow within the business

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with Bespoke and Made-to-Order (MTO) product

• Experience managing Critical Path and budgets

• Grading knowledge

• Interest in sustainability, fashion operations, or product lifecycle management

To apply, please send your CV to ona.simpson@bellafreud.com.