Product Developer / Garment Technician

We have an exciting opportunity for a Product Developer/ Garment Technician to join the Gym King creative team in Leeds. This is a newly created role which provides a great opportunity to work within a growing area of our business.

The role:

The aim of the role is to drive and develop our product offering by creating an exciting core range that fits within the brands vision. You will aim to build and nurture close relationships with our supplier base alongside internal departments. The successful candidate will be a professional, self- motivated, focused individual who has a real passion for product. Driven and motivated to deliver product end to end.

- Responsible for the execution of core product & repeat SKUS/ colour ups from initial tech pack stages to shipment sign off.

- Working closely with internal Design/ product and buying teams across commercial rebuys and colour ups. Delivering an efficient ‘speed to market’ approach across core product areas.

- Taking ownership of the critical path across core commercial rebuys ensuring end to end process is managed effectively. Handling lab-dip & bulk component approvals & ensuring delivery targets are met. Communicating effectively with our international supply chain to deliver goods of high quality, on time.

- Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure sample requirements are delivered in a timely manner for all launch plans/ photoshoots aligned with the relevant model profile.

- Be commercially aware and have strong knowledge of market trends that can help to strengthen the brand vision

- Continually monitor our core blocks to ensure Gym King fits remain at the forefront of what we do. Design, fit and quality is in our DNA and you would be a key player in ensuring we remain market leaders. You would Identify any block/ design and development update requirements across core product lines by keeping up to date with current trends & market research via comp shops etc.

- Attend fit meetings to review & manage core product lines ensuring high standards are continually met. Driving new design opportunities across core products lines.

- Manage product compliance/testing requirements and ensuring records are continually updated,

- Collaborate with our QC team on quality and standards of product. Sharing relevant feedback with supply chain to deliver continual improvement.

- Continually work with suppliers to source new fabrics/ trims developments that align with the design direction across core product areas.

- Research/ design and develop new and existing accessories inc Caps/ Bags/ Underwear/ socks. Work closely with internal teams and the supply chain to manage end to end process within this product area.

Key Competencies & Behaviours:

- Collaborative approach to work.

- Creative flair with a passion for design/ development and delivery of product

- Degree in the apparel sector or equivalent work experience

- Experience working with a sportswear apparel/activewear

- Excellent understanding of garment construction

- Excellent understanding of apparel end to end process

- strong knowledge / understanding of fabrics

- Keen eye for detail

- Demonstrate a proactive can-do approach to problem solving

- Work in a fast-paced environment

- Extensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Power Point

- Willing to help across all levels of the business

- High affinity to the Gym King brand, with a keen interest in product

- High energy levels & inspiring ability to maintain positive outlook throughout a focused development period

- Flexible and open-minded approach to evolving business requirements

Experience / Credentials

- 5 years minimum experience in a design and development role

- Experience in branded apparel desired.

- Relevant degree in apparel or sportwear

- Expertise in Liaising with international suppliers

- Strong knowledge of garment construction and fabrics

Gym King values:

• Fearless
• Focussed
• Driven
• Resilient
• Team Player

The successful candidate will demonstrate behaviours that are aligned to these values.

Benefits:

• Basic salary of up to £25,000- £27,000 p/a dependent upon experience
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Free onsite parking
• Relaxed and friendly working environment
• 40% Gym King discount for staff, friends & family
• 10 days sick pay (after 12 months service)
• Hybrid working (1 in 5 days)
• GK profit related bonus sheme
• Flexible start (between 08:00-10:00) & finish (between 16:00 – 18:00) times
• Staff shop with heavily discounted sample Gym King products
• Fully paid for annual staff party

Working hours: Due to the nature of this role, the hours will be full time (37.5 hours per week) Monday-Friday, although a flexible approach is required at times to meet the needs of the role.

Location: This role is based at Unit 6 Temple Point, Bullerthorpe Lane, Colton, Leeds LS15 9JL. 2 minutes off the M1 J46.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £25,000.00-£27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Leeds: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Product development: 3 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 09/06/2023