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Job Title: Product Developer – Lavenham Jackets
Reports to: Operations Director
Location: Central London, UK with regular travel to Lavenham factory, Sudbury. Hybrid working considered.
The Brand:
Lavenham are an artisanal British factory brand, expert in high quality quilted outerwear and committed to incremental improvement to live within the means of the planet.
Founded in 1969, Lavenham invented the world’s first quilted horse rug, two years later our first quilted gilet was made – another world’s first. Back then and ever since every Lavenham item is made in our own factory in Suffolk, England, our current location is just six miles from the site of our original factory in Lavenham village, from where we take our name.
We create two seasonal collections a year, complemented by our Classics and collaborations, including partners such as COMME des GARÇONS, Noah, and BEAMS. We operate a global Ecom business, four Lavenham retail shops in Japan and a network of the very best wholesale partners.
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Product Developer to join our team. The candidate will be responsible for the development of products from concept through to final sample, before handing over to our factory production teams who will execute and deliver the final products. This role entails close collaboration with our Japan-based design team, Suffolk-based factory teams and our Global customer base to ensure alignment with our brand ethos, quality expectations and price architecture.
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Main Responsibilities:
- End-to-End Product Development: Develop products from brief stage, through design, prototyping and final samples before handing over to the factory Production team based in Suffolk.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, factory teams and customers to bring concepts to life and ensure alignment with brand and quality standards.
- Project & Calendar Management: Own seasonal development timelines and manage multiple SMU projects to meet deadlines.
- Supplier Management: Liaise with suppliers, handle material/trim development, order fabrics for samples, seek out newness.
- Technical Development & Fit: Create work dockets and docket packs, join fit sessions, focus on accuracy.
- Sample & Documentation Coordination: Manage and submit samples on time, maintain records and approvals, and ensure all documentation is accurate and up to date.
- Quality Control & Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot issues and ensure final product is fit for production.
- Data building: Set up materials, build and maintain Bill of Materials for every style, manage PLM.
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Personal profile:
- Previous experience in an apparel product development role, hands on experience with fitting and able to suggest fixes for fit issues.
- Proven experience working with suppliers and global teams.
- Solid technical knowledge of garment construction with pattern making experience.
- An understanding and/or experience with Lectra or Gerber would be advantageous.
- A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Illustrator. Experience with PLM preferred.
- Highly organised, proactive, and self-sufficient, with the ability to manage multiple timelines under pressure.
- Commercially aware with the ability to balance creativity and cost throughout product development.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
Benefits:
- Hybrid working considered: opportunity to flex across London HO & Showroom; Suffolk factory and to work from home
- Staff discounts from Lavenham, Fred Perry, Jackman and George Cox
- Support with travel costs
- Pension contribution
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