Senior Product Developer
1 day ago
City of London
Location: London, UK About UVU UVU is rapidly transforming the running and sportswear scene, evolving from founder Adi Gillespie’s vision into a global phenomenon defined by the “graceful pursuit of a superior self.” In 2023, the brand made headlines with sell-out pop-ups in cities like Paris, London, and New York. Building on that momentum, 2024 has seen UVU’s reach expand even further, launching a global e-commerce website and hosting sell-out pop-up stores in London and Berlin. With sales accelerating worldwide, UVU continues to push boundaries in sport, style, and community. The Opportunity This is an exciting chance to be part of a brand that is redefining the boundaries of sportswear and performance apparel. As a Senior Product Developer, you will play a key role in bringing UVU’s innovative designs to life, working closely with industry-leading creatives and collaborating across design, production, and merchandising teams. This role is ideal for someone with a technical mindset, a passion for sportswear, and an eagerness to contribute to the evolution of a fast-growing, culturally influential brand. At UVU, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, develop your skills, and make a tangible impact on a brand that’s shaping the future of active lifestyle apparel. Key Responsibilities • Taking ownership of all products, Jersey & Technical from development to bulk production, both apparel and accessories, core and SMU ranges., • Work on full fabric, trim, packaging and labelling sourcing, ensuring style properties are met., • Actively sourcing apparel, accessories and packaging suppliers, building supplier strategies., • Work closely and collaboratively with Design to launch and develop styles while maintaining correct TP information., • Be the main contact for communication with both EU & FE suppliers, providing feedback on submissions, strike offs and samples at all levels to ensure all product is delivered at correct quality and time., • Create, amend and finalise spec docs and BOM’s to ensure all important information is mentioned and accurate., • Accurately measure samples and patterns, whilst ensuring all important POMs are listed on the specs and any measures out of tolerances are highlighted., • Fit and comment on all samples from proto, pre-production to shipment samples, ensuring block, construction and functionality meet UVU standard., • Plan, cost, process and approve fabric, trim and garment testing to an advised wash care information along with running wearer testing programs with UVU athletics., • Maintain up-to-date style information for each style on multiple brand trackers to present at weekly critical path meetings., • Organise and take ownership of critical path planning for both core and SMU collections while also planning and leading team stage gates and sign off meetings., • Identify potential delays or supply chain issues and implanting back up plans to mitigate risks., • Work with Operations on style costings to ensure target costs are hit end to end., • Review and find resolutions for returns and product issues with Operations and Customer Service., • Create and update standardisation documents including grading rules and testing and quality standards., • Knowledge and continued training in product and regulations to the UVU business, • Planning and attending supplier visits and team trips., • Manage, train and closely collaborate with Junior Product Developer., • Working in conjunction with Design, Operations and Content teams at all levels., • To undertake any other relevant duties of which the UVU Owners sees fit. What We’re Looking For • Degree in Sportswear, Fashion, Product Development or a related field., • Proven industry experience within the product development sector or a similar role within the Sportwear industry,Menswear and Womenswear experience desired., • Passion for fashion and sports with a keen eye for detail with a technical background., • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) & Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) experience with 3D design software is a plus., • Strong understanding and ability to create and own Development and Production critical paths, from initial design to bulk production., • Strong knowledge and understanding of fabric, trims and garment construction in both Jersey & Sportwear., • Extensive knowledge and experience in fitting, patterns and grading – 3D pattern knowledge is a plus., • Experience and ability to plan and action wearer trails as well as request, process and approve fabric testing., • Excellent attention to detail and organisation with a willingness to learn is key., • Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment and take direction from UVU Owners., • Strong verbal and written communication skills with supplier and factories with ability to be key point of contact and willingness to travel., • Ability to work effectively under pressure to tight deadlines, both collaboratively and independently., • Capacity to multi-task, prioritise workload and organise full PD department., • Determined attitude and passion for Product Development with a willingness to take on ownership of multiple disciplines., • A proactive and positive attitude, with an eagerness to contribute to UVU’s creative vision. What We Offer • The chance to work with industry-leading creatives in a vibrant, diverse city., • An immersive experience in fashion and sportswear product development, with opportunities to shape UVU’s evolving brand aesthetic., • Access to exclusive industry events, opportunities to network with top industry innovators, and travel visits to suppliers., • A supportive work environment that values creativity, growth, and initiative.