Product Developer - Wearables

at  KILLSTAR

The KILLSTAR brand-universe is an invitation for people to explore, discover, and become who they are. We help affirm this invitation by creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our team members are embraced exactly as they are.
We are seeking a passionate individual with extensive experience in the full production lifecycle for creating clothing, footwear, and accessories. Reporting to our Product Development Manager, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in a commercial fashion environment, familiarity with industry best practices, and a solid understanding of working with critical paths.
In this role, you will collaborate with the wider design team on tasks such as creating tech packs, liaising with overseas manufacturers, cost engineering, troubleshooting production challenges, checking sample quality, and supporting the team during proto and sizing stages.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you — we would love to hear from you!

YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Previous experience as a Product Developer and/or Buyer, with a strong understanding of all stages of the production lifecycle and development process.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, with solid knowledge of Excel.
• Demonstrated experience working with critical paths, including identifying and resolving issues effectively.
• Skilled in providing clear feedback and outlining next steps to teams during the fit and sizing stages of production.

• Own the development of wearable ranges and products, including negotiating product costings and contributing ideas during range planning.
• Collaborate with Merchandising needs to facilitate and execute Design’s vision by sourcing brand-appropriate fabrics and trims, troubleshooting material, price, and delivery issues, and supporting overall business requirements.
• Maintain the fabric and trims library, supporting the development of raw materials and hardware.
• Share all new fabrics and trims with the Production and Compliance teams to ensure risk assessments and compliance testing are conducted as required.
• Assist in managing priorities during fit sessions, working in collaboration with the Technical Team.
• Liaise daily with factories, suppliers, and agents, managing and maintaining strong personal relationships with key suppliers.
• Own costing and negotiations for delegated categories and collections, including creating target costings, suggesting RRPs, and managing MOQs/projected volumes in partnership with the Merchandising Team.
• Understand target AUC and IMU, ensuring these are achieved for each category and collection, with a focus on consistent improvement.
• Create and review tech packs, collaborating with Design and Garment Technology, and finalising them before sharing with vendors for development.
• Manage the seasonal Critical Path and Buy Roll documents, regularly reviewing them with key stakeholders to implement improvements and updates.
• Update documents and trackers daily, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Work with the Technical Team to ensure the collection handover is completed in full and within the required timeline.
• Support other product ranges and areas as needed.
• Attend all handover and sign-off meetings, collaborating with teams to identify and address potential issues.
• Support and mentor junior team members, fostering growth and development.