My client is looking to recruit a Product Specialist/Category Manager/Buyer for their team that is continuously growing. The role of a Product Specialist is for a curious and enthusiastic product lover, responsible for developing best-in-class product ranges, maximising value for money and driving innovation in the marketplace. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for continuous improvement, consistently delivering exceptional products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Overall product development working in a four-point approach to product

1. Seasonal ranges by brand

* Overall ownership of key categories / brands becoming an expert in your space.

* Curating product ranges by season touching all applicable price points and formats.

1. Trend led product

* Being an expert in your space, identifying trends or trending products.

* Responsible for reacting to trends, working with factories and internal teams to be first to market.

1. Customer specific product

* Responsible for reacting to customer specific briefs set by sales.

* Sourcing, costing and sampling adhering to short deadlines whilst delivering best cost and quality product.

1. Everyday 365 product

* Applying an adaptable approach to continuous development on everyday core skus.

Product sourcing / supplier management

* Identifying key suppliers and suitable factories understanding the appropriate sourcing route and preferred supplier for product.

* Establishing and maintaining good relationships with existing and potential new suppliers.

* Completion of new factory profile forms and ensuring all new factories are approved by QA.

* Negotiation of trading terms.

* Cost negotiation and completion of costing sheets ensuring margin is in line with company expectations.

* Ensure products costs are in line with material costs with the support of the head of PD.

* Responsible for samples across all lines negotiating samples with factories minimising costs to the business.

* International travel as and when required to visit supplier's showroom / factories.

* Attending trade shows to meet with suppliers to manage relationships and to source new suppliers.

* Regular video calls to maintain and strengthen supplier relationships.

* Sourcing of new trends, hot products.

* Creating product briefs for suppliers and factories, working with design and QA to ensure we are up to date with standards for products and factories.

* Manage the performance of suppliers, with support from the head of PD dealing with issues quickly and effectively ensuring minimal impact to the business.

* Working with the sales team on reactive briefs for the customers, ensuring the appropriate sourcing route is utilised.

Critical path management

* Ownership of the product Development Critical Path Management.

* Ensuring product critical paths and weekly workloads are on track to achieve deadlines from concept to pre-production with design and factories.

* Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all sample issues to resolve and drive to completion.

* Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages.

* Monitoring order Critical Path with Merch to ensure intake dates are met.

Only relevant candidates will be contacted