Product Graduate Program

at  Portwest

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear, and PPE, is currently seeking applications for the position of Product Graduate based in HQ, Westport, CO. Mayo for approximately 12 months, with relocation to our Fuzhou offices after one year.

JOB SUMMARY

The main objective of the one-year secondment to Fuzhou, is to better understand the Fuzhou operation and help instil the Portwest HQ culture. With your knowledge of the global business and product team objectives, we want you to ensure we are working and communicating smartly, thus improving efficiencies, speed to market and cost savings through the Fuzhou office.
The ideal candidate will have recently graduated with a degree in Fashion, Design or relevant field.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Technical garment, fabric, or clothing design related degree
• Motivated, passionate and confident individual with excellent interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge with Illustrator an advantage
• Knowledge of the Chinese language a distinct advantage but not a requirement - language classes will be given

Year 1 - Based in Westport Office

• Work with a specified range team within Portwest, to learn all the best practices of product management and product development.
• Take responsibility for a small range of product, and under the supervision of a Senior member of the team put a plan in place to improve and grow this range.
• Take product development from concept to product launch.
• Present new product ideas to senior team.
• Build product specifications under supervision of the senior team, and learn best practice in terms of product specification.
• General quality checking and administration tasks to support the range team.
• This will be a year full of learning to best prepare for a smooth transition to our Chinese offices

Year 2 - Based in our Fuzhou office

• Act as a link between our HQ design office and China office on new product development.
• Attend the main Chinese fashion and fabric trade shows and identify any new trade shows we should be attending.
• Focus on sourcing new fabrics and trims. You will work closely with HQ procurement on souring and price negotiation.
• Work closely with fabric mills and garment factories to establish most efficient production of new styles.
• Review and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work practices of Fuzhou PM’s and fabric managers, with a view to making things more efficient.
• Observe QC team and suggest improvements.
• Liaise with Senior HQ team to advise on findings around office culture, process improvements etc.
• Other tasks as requested.