Duties & Responsibilities:
Product Development
- Develop seasonal footwear and accessory ranges aligned with brand strategy and market trends.
- Manage product development from initial concept through sampling and final production approval.
- Approve colourways, materials, trims, branding applications, packaging, and product specifications.
- Conduct trend analysis, competitor research, and market reviews to identify opportunities for product innovation.
- Create and develop product concepts, technical briefs, and development documentation.
- Utilize AI image generation and image editing tools to create realistic product visualizations, colour modifications, concept developments, and presentation materials.
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure product specifications and quality expectations are clearly communicated and achieved.
Quality Assurance (QA)- Conduct Pre-Production, Pre-Bulk, and Bulk Quality Assurance inspections.
- Evaluate workmanship, materials, branding applications, sizing, packaging, and overall product construction.
- Identify, document, and communicate quality concerns to suppliers and management.
- Monitor corrective action plans and ensure quality issues are resolved effectively.
- Ensure products consistently meet company quality standards and customer expectations.
- Assist in reducing recurring quality issues through proactive monitoring and supplier engagement.
Supplier Coordination- Maintain regular communication with local and international suppliers.
- Follow up on development samples, approvals, production timelines, and outstanding actions.
- Ensure suppliers receive accurate branding files, artwork, technical specifications, and packaging requirements.
- Build and maintain professional supplier relationships.
- Support negotiations and problem-solving to ensure deadlines and quality standards are achieved.
Administration & Reporting- Maintain accurate product development trackers and quality assurance records.
- Update approval logs, inspection reports, and development documentation.
- Prepare quality summaries, development updates, and management reports.
- Ensure all product files, approvals, specifications, and records are organized and up to date.
- Track project milestones and ensure adherence to development timelines.
Cross-Department Communication- Work closely with Management, Warehouse, Buying, and Quality Assurance teams.
- Assist with urgent approvals, production decisions, and quality-related matters.
- Facilitate effective communication between departments to ensure smooth workflow and product delivery.
- Support onboarding, handovers, and process improvements where required.
