Our Client, a leading Brand of Outdoor Clothing, Footwear and Accessories has a vacancy for a Product Director responsible for the Design, Sourcing and Technical functions of the business.
The Product Director will report into the Board and would suit candidates from a Technical background with sound experience of manufacturing and costing efficiencies. A personal interest and experience working with Outdoor clothing would be a distinct advantage.
The position offers a rare opportunity to work at a strategic level whilst maintaining contact with the product.
Role Objective
The Product Director will effectively manage the Technical, Production and Fabric technologists and have overall responsibility for the Design team; ensuring all functions work cohesively and deliver high quality and on time deliveries.
The successful individual will explore developing markets to improve cost pricing and expand the supply chain to move away from reliance on agencies. A key objective will be to reduce costs on new or carry-over pricing so experience in pricing efficiency is an essential skill.
Responsibilities
Responsible for managing and leading the Technical Team.
Be the ‘go-to’ person for problem solving technical construction issues
Support the technical team to ensure their training and coaching requirements are met and they are constantly growing
Ensuring the right level of resource is in place to meet the demands of the business
Understand existing issues within the team and work to resolving these
Work with Accounts to create and manage budgets.
Run the technical team to budget
Responsible for ensuring reliable planning, processes and systems
Focus on improving the product database, whether on Excel or PLM/ PDM
Research and recognise gaps in processes and continually find areas for improvement
Make sure that the correct process and planning is in place for the Technical Team
Begin working toward a TQM manual to support the existing processes
Responsible for the development of product
To ensure that the product team are working within the specified time frames / critical paths
Ensure the technical team develop products of the highest quality and performance
Improve the critical path overview and increase transparency of this timeline for other internal and external stake-holders
Report any issues regarding delay in production or sampling to production and design teams, and where applicable, MD
Negotiate target prices for new and carry-over items with suppliers and report on key issues
Ensure the interface between the suppliers and the technical team is running smoothly and communication is kept strong and supported
New and carry-over products are developed to or under target cost
Responsible for the quality of product
Lead the development of the TQM manual
Work to creatively improve each product through leading an inspired technical team
Ensure a consistent fit across all categories is maintained and continually improved
Investigate and study technological advancements and advise on improved construction techniques
Ensure the consistent quality and performance of the testing program
Responsible for delivering technical dept and product costs to budget
Maintain a sound relationship with all suppliers
Create and implement ethical sourcing plan within ETI framework. Keeping Directors aware of issues and progress.
Work with group Sourcing Director, MD and Product Team to establish history, strengths and weaknesses in the supplier base
Grade suppliers for their performance on cost, delivery and quality
Establish a dual-development program where reliance on one supplier for a product category can be reduced
Explore the long-term goal of transitioning away from agency-based production
Ensure the cost of all finished products and raw materials are analysed to support the financial objectives of the Product team
Assess the existing raw material supply chain and look to expand this
REF: 101151