Equipment Product Developer Wanted!

Are you ready to turn your passion for the outdoors into an exciting career? At Alpkit, we're known for sustainable and innovative outdoor gear. We're on the lookout for an Equipment Product Developer to join our dynamic team. If you're enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and eager to learn, this is your chance to help us create the next generation of adventure-ready products!

What You'll Be Doing:

Listen to our customers, understand their needs, and help deliver a product range that perfectly suits their activities.

Product Development:

Establish detailed design and material specifications for new products.

Prepare and maintain accurate tech pack documents for each product, including design sketches, materials lists, measurement charts, and more.

Develop and maintain style and costing information.

Critique all prototypes and pre-production samples for fit, quality, design accuracy, and functionality.

Collaboration:

Work closely with the Product Director and Head of Product to develop products based on range briefs and target costings.

Provide the Buying team with relevant product specifications, style codes, and costing information according to the development timeline.

Clearly communicate product briefs and technical features to the Marketing team for consumer communication tools.

Key Skills:

Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.

Proficient in Word, Excel, Mac-based apps, and Adobe Illustrator.

Technical apparel/accessory creation skills.

Experience with PDM or related tech pack systems (preferred).

Understanding of the outdoor sports market and trends.

Fluency in written and spoken English.

Personal Attributes:

Assertive, tenacious, and a self-starter.

Problem solver with a youthful mindset.

Strong attention to detail and enthusiastic about the outdoors.

Able to work and communicate effectively in culturally diverse environments.

Willingness to travel for sourcing and research trips.

What You'll Learn:

Immerse yourself in the outdoor industry and gain invaluable experience in designing, sourcing, and bringing to market a wide range of products. With dedication and enthusiasm, you could develop the skills to become a product manager.

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of related industry experience or relevant project/degree work.

Key Tasks:

Approve pre-production samples and packaging.

Issue prototype comments and confirm QA processes.

Conduct further product testing and monitor lead times.

Source and test trims, monitor production issues, and ensure continuous improvement from returns data.

Conduct factory visits and investigate QC issues.

Research market trends, create product briefs, and explore opportunities for innovation.

Engage in fabric technology research and testing, design equipment/products, and apply colour palettes.

Communicate product briefs to marketing, assist store and CS staff training, and gather customer feedback.

Ensure compliance with CSR and sustainability pathways.

Qualifications:

Technical training or factory experience in apparel/accessories product design/development.

Active participation in outdoor sports is a plus.

Why Alpkit?

At Alpkit, we believe in living life to the fullest, embracing the great outdoors, and creating products that make every adventure better. We're not just a company; we're a community of passionate individuals dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and fun. Join us, and help people go nice places and do good things.

Perks of the Job:

Ability to buy extra holiday, Alpkit discount for you, your family and friends, life insurance, critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme, enhanced pension contributions, paid volunteer days, green commuting scheme and much more. We're proud to be environmentally and sustainability conscious and we promote a learning culture.

We value all cultures, backgrounds and experiences, be yourself, join our community and help us "go nice places and do good things." If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please just get in touch.

Ready to Join?

If you're ready to take the next step in your design career with a company that values creativity, sustainability, and adventure, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and become a part of the Alpkit family.

We can't wait to meet you!

Closing Date: 29th August
Salary: £24,960