SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER

SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER

CARAVANA

Department: Product

Reporting to : Product Director

Terms of Employment: Full Time - Permanent

Caravana is an international fashion brand founded in Valladolid, Yucatán, with a strong focus on artisanal craftsmanship and handmade product.

Over the past 12 years, the brand has created collections of apparel and accessories, combining traditional techniques with a modern approach to design.

Craftsmanship is central to the Caravana product, with collections developed through specialist fabrics, embroidery, embellishment and artisanal techniques. The brand works closely with artisans, specialist suppliers and production partners to develop distinctive, highly crafted pieces.

Position & Title: SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER

We are looking for an experienced SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER to join our London team and play a key role in the continued evolution of Caravana.

THE ROLE

Working closely with the Design and Product teams, you will lead and support the development of seasonal collections from concept through to production.

This is a highly hands-on role suited to someone who is proactive, creative and resourceful, and who thrives in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

A deep knowledge of fabrics, embroidery, embellishment and artisanal techniques is essential. You will bring expertise and ideas to the creative process, identifying innovative materials, techniques and suppliers that can elevate the product while remaining commercially viable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with Design to develop seasonal collections and translate creative ideas into exceptional product.
• Manage and coordinate the atelier freelancer workflow, ensuring pattern cutters and seamstresses are appropriately booked, prioritised and supplied with styles in line with the critical path.
• Source and develop fabrics, trims, embroidery, embellishment and specialist techniques.
• Research new materials, techniques, suppliers and artisanal processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with factories, suppliers, embroiderers and artisans. Manage product development, sampling and critical paths from concept through to production.
• Own and manage the seasonal sampling budget, maintaining accurate budget trackers and cashflow projections, monitoring committed and actual spend, and proactively flagging any variances or potential overspend.
• Manage costings, margins and material development. Responsible for registering and maintaining all styles, product information and costs within the PLM system, ensuring data is accurate and up to date.
• Ensure all supplier prices are received, reviewed and negotiated prior to pricing meetings, working closely with suppliers to achieve target costs and margins.
• Proactively identify and resolve development and production issues.
• Ensure product meets Caravana's standards for quality, craftsmanship and finish.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone with:

• 6+ years' experience in fashion product development, sourcing or a similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of fabrics and textiles.
• Strong knowledge of embroidery, embellishment and craftsmanship.
• Excellent understanding of garment construction and manufacturing.
• A strong network of suppliers and production partners.
• A creative eye and genuine passion for exceptional product.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to work independently and thrive in a start-up environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Expert knowledge of Zedonk or similar PLM software & Adobe creative Suite.

Conversational Spanish would be advantageous.

Location: London

Travel: International travel, including supplier and factory visits, may be required.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Caravana at a pivotal stage of its development and help shape the future of a brand where craft, creativity and product are at the heart of everything we do.