Product Development & Production Manager

We are hiring a UK-based Product Development & Production Manager for a new label advancing contemporary menswear through the lens of technical utility. The brand unites progressive design, sustainable materials and elevated construction to create clothing with understated confidence, grounded in quality, function and purpose.

Now in its early development phase, the brand is building a modern menswear wardrobe that moves fluidly between the city, travel and the outdoors. Each collection is rooted in elevated timeless form, blending performance detailing with effortless wearability. The intention is to create clothing that feels instinctive to wear while remaining refined enough for any setting. 

The Role

The Product Development & Production Manager will work in close partnership with the Founder and Head of Design to translate creative ideas into commercially successful product. The role carries responsibility for managing the end-to-end production process, sourcing and onboarding small-volume menswear factories, and building a robust critical path from sampling through to production and delivery.

This position is central to ensuring the brand is set up with strong foundations from day one, with a clear focus on managing margins, pricing, quality and delivery. Playing a key role in shaping how the brand operates behind the scenes in a start-up environment to establish structure, process and best practice, demonstrating hands-on experience.

The successful individual will have 7+ years of experience in men's ready-to-wear development and production across tailoring, outerwear, denim, wovens jersey and knitwear. Comfortable to execute and manage, operating autonomously, while collaborating closely with a small founding team and essential freelancers.

Key Responsibilities

• Set, manage and maintain the seasonal critical path for development and production, working closely with the founding team to align creative milestones with production realities.

• Own and track all aspects of the development and production budget, ensuring cost control and commercial discipline at every stage.

• Source, assess and onboard accredited, fully factored menswear factories, with a focus on product specialism, small minimums, quality, pricing and ethical standards.

• Negotiate and put commercial terms in place with factories and suppliers.

• Manage product from initial prototype through to SMS, pre-production and final production samples.

• Travel to factories as required alongside the founding team.

• Track and manage all samples in line with the seasonal calendar, ensuring orders are placed, developed and delivered within agreed timelines.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all styles, costings, product data, codes, pricing, lead times and specifications.

• Monitor sample development and manage production progress, maintaining clear, consistent and proactive communication with suppliers.

• Uphold and maintain high production and quality standards across all categories.

• Identify and resolve production risks and issues proactively, offering solutions that protect timelines, quality and margin.

• Support the establishment of production workflows, processes and systems suitable for an early-stage brand.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Product Development & Production Manager with a minimum of 7 years’ experience specialising in contemporary or luxury menswear.

• Strong multi-category experience in outerwear, denim, shirts, jersey, trousers, jackets and knitwear.

• Recent experience working with menswear factories and agents in the UK, Portugal and Europe.

• Proven ability to guide a new or early-stage brand, embedding best practice and building strong, respectful supplier relationships.

• Highly skilled in setting, managing and delivering against a critical path.

• Excellent organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering against margin, quality, price and delivery targets.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders clearly and calmly.

• Confident problem solver and negotiator, able to manage complexity and change.

• Software proficiency in Excel and G-Suite.

Additional Requirements

• Full permanent UK working rights.

• Living within a commutable distance of Holland Park or Latimer Road stations in London.

• Comfortable working in a hybrid start-up environment where accountability, transparency and initiative are essential.

• Strong alignment with the brand’s values around quality, sustainability and thoughtful design.

Compensation

• Compensation in line with experience.

📩 How to Apply:

Please apply via our website or the job (not by email), submitting your CV and a short cover note. We review all applications, and we appreciate your cooperation with our process.