Zelus Sport
Apparel Product Developer
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Job Description: Product Developer
About Zelus
Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive global licensee for teamwear apparel and equipment, serving athletes and teams from grassroots to elite levels across football, rugby, basketball, athletics, hockey, and more. Based in Hilversum, we unite creative and passionate individuals to deliver high-quality products for teams worldwide—featuring a Swoosh on every kit.
The Role
As a Product Developer, you will oversee the development of asset or team-specific products, ensuring their successful commercialisation and production. Key responsibilities include managing the entire development process for assigned styles while balancing timelines, quality, sustainability, and profitability. Collaborating closely with Design, Product Management, Materials, and Manufacturing, you will transform design concepts into market-ready, high-performance products that meet rigorous standards.
This role is based at our Altrincham office, with a hybrid working pattern: three days in-office (Monday to Wednesday) and two days remote (Thursday and Friday). Occasional travel to the Netherlands office may be required.
What You’ll Do
- Manage assigned styles from brief to "buy ready" while aligning with critical deadlines, product specifications (including silhouette, graphic elements), sustainability, quality, and performance requirements.
- Engage in concept work and Design reviews, providing expert guidance on design achievability through lenses of quality, manufacturability, and cost, while considering factory capabilities.
- Create, review, and maintain documentation (e.g., product specs, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and progress trackers) for assigned styles.
- Develop and revise cost estimates to ensure target FOBs (Factory Original Bills) are met, liaising with factories and vendors to optimise efficiency and costs.
- Lead sampling, fit sessions, and product/strike-off review meetings, identifying and resolving key challenges throughout the development process.
- Monitor and communicate progress and roadblocks with development teams and cross-functional partners during production.
- Maintain developer tools and records for accurate status tracking and leadership reporting.
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What You’ll Bring
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in apparel design/development, pattern making, textile science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 2+ years of product development expertise in the apparel industry, covering the full development lifecycle (e.g., pattern making, grading, construction, materials, costing, manufacturing, quality).
- Alternative: 2+ years additional experience may substitute for a degree.
- Knowledge of graphic applications, including:
- Sublimation printing
- Screen printing
- Embroidery
- Heat transfers
- Woven patches
Technical & Soft Skills
- Experience interpreting design intent, offering alternative solutions, and acting as a technical resource.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and MS Office programs; Centric PLM experience is a strong plus.
- Ability to work with factories and vendors to enhance manufacturability.
- Strong multitasking, time management, and organisational skills while handling multiple projects.
- Exceptional problem-solving, accuracy, and communication abilities.
- Key soft skills include:
- Influencing and decision-making
- Proactive, self-driven mindset
- Comfort with change and ambiguity
- Collaboration in diverse teams
- Preferred: Experience in teamsport or licensed apparel development.
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Language
- Fluency in English (verbal and written) is mandatory. Additional languages are beneficial.
Why Join Zelus?
Working at Zelus, you’ll:
- Have a direct impact on product development for athletes globally.
- Collaborate with a globally recognised sports brand partner (Nike).
- Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive culture with strong benefits and growth opportunities.
- Be part of a team driving innovation in teamwear across elite and grassroots sports.
Zelus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in all forms and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we’re happy to accommodate.
Key Notes
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
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