UMENCO is recruiting a highly technical Product Developer to join an Australian fashion brand that is grounded in an appreciation of considered design.

In this role, the Product Developer will extend their technical expertise across all of the development and fit process for seasonal product ranges.

They will be responsible for developing products of the highest standard and maintaining a customer perception aligned with outstanding value.

Through their work, they will consistently ensure that the brand vision and creative direction are at the forefront of their output, as well as constantly adhering to the brand’s quality, cost, and safety standards, traceability strategy, and legal requirements.

The responsibilities of the Product Developer include the creation of technical packs for all new seasonal ranges, including bill of materials, specification sheets, construction guidelines, dye routes, and sourcing of fabrics and trims. They will also brief suppliers on any new developments and communicate clear timelines and cost expectations.

They will be skilled at leading the fit development process from initial design concept to proto samples, salesman samples, and pre-production samples, executing ranges in line with lead time and cost requirements.

They will have high-level systems proficiencies across the Adobe suite and CAD programs, through which they will be able to create thorough and detailed technical development packs for new seasonal ranges, including the bill of material, specification sheets, and construction guidelines.

The talent we seek will have a strong understanding of how to create care labels for each product, in line with Australian standards, as well as experience building line sheet data including the style number, style name, dye routes, composition, FOB price, and RRP price.

In this cross-functional position, the successful talent will support the production team in checking shipment samples for styling detail, measurements, fit, and adherence to commercial standards. They will also collaborate with the marketing, eCommerce, and retail teams to communicate product information, and will monitor fit and quality feedback from customers/retailers and implementing changes to fits if necessary.

The successful Product Developer will have experience reporting on supplier performance and hit rates at the end of each season, and developing and implementing continuous improvement plans. They will be able to clearly communicate to suppliers about new developments, problem-solving/concerns, and communicating clear timelines and costing expectations.

They will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role, and a broad range of experience in multiple product categories, i.e.: Knitwear, kidswear, denim, etc with technical garment expertise, including construction, pattern making, fit, fabric and colour knowledge.

Our ideal talent will have an exceptional eye for detail, possess strong problem-solving skills, be able to work in a fast-paced environment, and will thrive in a culture of process improvement.

They will also have an appreciation for movements in fashion, design, and architecture, and have a natural creative leaning towards minimalist style.