Product Developer & Designer

Studio Ellis is looking for an experienced Product Developer & Designer with strong commercial design ability to join the London studio.

This is a product development-led role with meaningful creative responsibility, working across bridal, occasionwear and eventwear.

The role will be approximately:

• 80% Product Development
• 20% Design

The Product Developer & Designer will take ownership of allocated styles through technical development, sampling, fittings, supplier communication and production readiness, including also contributing original design ideas and supporting the creative development of future collections.

This is an unusual opportunity to work across four distinctive brands and influence product from initial concept through to its approved production standard.

Responsibilities of the Product Developer & Designer

Product Development:

• Take ownership of allocated styles from approved design through to production readiness.
• Create and maintain accurate technical packs, specifications, measurements and construction details.
• Produce clear technical CADs and annotations for suppliers.
• Manage sample development from the first prototype through to salesman sample and final approval.
• Conduct fittings and produce accurate fit and sample comments.
• Assess fit, balance, proportion, movement, comfort, construction and finish.
• Measure garments against specifications and identify the cause of discrepancies.
• Ensure samples follow technical packs and previously issued comments.
• Resolve pattern, fit, fabric, trim and construction issues while protecting the original design intention.
• Maintain accurate technical files, development trackers and decision records.
• Identify potential problems early and reduce unnecessary development rounds.
• Ensure allocated styles are technically complete before being handed into Production.
• Factory and supplier communication
• Act as the principal technical contact during the development of allocated styles.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with overseas factories and suppliers.
• Issue accurate technical instructions, annotated CADs and sample comments.
• Review supplier proposals and resolve misunderstandings before they affect timing or quality.
• Monitor development deadlines and raise potential risks promptly.
• Provide practical solutions that balance design, quality, cost and manufacturing requirements.
• Build productive and professional relationships with suppliers.
• Production readiness and quality
• Prepare a complete and accurate handover into Production once a style has been approved.
• Support the technical assessment of production samples and quality issues.
• Resolve issues involving fit, measurements, specifications or construction.
• Provide clear corrective instructions to suppliers where required.
• Review returns and quality feedback and help implement appropriate technical solutions.
• Ensure approved standards and amendments are properly documented.
• Support production QC on important deliveries where technical expertise is required.

Design:

• Design allocated styles and product areas within the agreed direction of each brand.
• Produce original sketches, CADs and clear design presentations.
• Understand the different customers, aesthetics and commercial purposes of the four brands.
• Research relevant fabrics, colours, silhouettes, construction and market developments.
• Identify commercial opportunities and product gaps within collections.
• Contribute to fabric, trim and construction development.
• Balance creativity with wearability, price, margin and manufacturing feasibility.
• Support the wider design team during collection development and peak design periods.

What Studio Ellis is looking for:

• A minimum of three years’ relevant experience in Product Development, technical design or a closely related role.
• Combine strong technical Product Development experience with a genuine interest and ability in commercial design.
  Experience working with bridalwear, occasionwear, eveningwear or premium constructed womenswear.
• Comprehensive knowledge of garment construction, patterns, fitting and fit issues.
• Experience producing detailed and clearly annotated technical packs.
• Strong CAD and technical drawing skills.
• Experience conducting fittings and preparing accurate sample comments.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
• Commercial design ability and sensitivity to different brand identities.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• The confidence to work independently and take responsibility through to completion.
• A collaborative, practical and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience working with Chinese suppliers and knowledge of Zedonk is a plus.

Application

Apply with a CV, a short cover letter explaining your relevant Product Development and design experience, and a portfolio demonstrating both technical and creative capability.