Conner Ives Ltd - Product Manager

Conner Ives Ltd is seeking a Product Manager to join our team. This is a full-time position based in our studio in N15, London, and will oversee the full product lifecycle from concept through to delivery.

General

• Oversee the Development and Production of 2 seasons annually, as well as capsules, exclusives, and bespoke projects.
• Build and manage the annual critical path, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met throughout each season and project.
• Oversee the management, training, and development of two direct reports; a Product Development Assistant and a Junior Production Coordinator.
• Support with the recruitment and training of interns for the Product Team.
• Manage the pattern archive, ensuring graded patterns are organised and stored digitally at the end of each season.
• Build and improve processes across the department, ensuring clear documentation is in place for the wider team.
• Regularly visit factories in the UK, and overseas as required.
• Responsible for all product-related stock in the studio: raw materials, samples, patterns, equipment. Maintain a high level of organization at all times.

Development

• Work closely with the Creative Director to ensure designs and concepts are developed to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
• Source and order all raw materials for the collections, including fabrics, trims, and deadstock vintage.
• Liaise with print designers, embroidery designers, and other freelancers, to ensure collection elements are developed on time and in line with budget.
• Work closely with the Product Development Assistant on the creation of tech packs and BOMs, ensuring high levels of accuracy and consistency are maintained.
• Manage factory allocations, ensuring sufficient capacity is booked at the beginning of each season.
• Oversee collection pricing, ensuring BOMs and ratings are accurate in Zedonk at all times.
• Manage the development budget, processing invoices and tracking against expected costs.
• Responsible for prototype and SMS deliveries, communicating clearly on any delays or issues with the samples ahead of fitting or delivery.
• Manage the in-house atelier schedule, ensuring machinists and freelance pattern cutters are booked as needed, and working as efficiently as possible.
• Build strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers, acting as the main point of contact for all product-related communications.
• Lead fittings throughout the season, ensuring clear comments are communicated back to factories/pattern cutters according to the critical path.
• Work on margin improvements as defined with the Managing Director, negotiating prices as required.