Motorcycle Clothing Development Manager

Feridax (1957) Ltd founded in 1957 is the largest wholesale importer and exporter of motorcycle and cycle clothing and accessories brands in the UK. Our own brand, Spada, is designed and developed by the Product Development team at our premises in Halesowen.

We currently have an opportunity for a Motorcycle Clothing Development Manager to join the Product Development team. You will be working closely with and reporting directly to the Managing Director, along with external manufacturers, the Purchasing team, the Marketing and Communications team, and Sales representatives.

The candidate will be responsible for:

Creating products considering features, price points, margins and intro dates
Progressing product lines and ranges by creating comprehensive mood and colour boards
Designing ranges in line with Spada brand guidelines/ethos/DNA
Creating accurate, detailed technical specifications for each product suitable for global manufacture
Liaising with manufacturers to finalise materials, sizing, fit and specification
Regular market visits and range reviews with key sales representatives
Technical feature innovation
Creating and maintaining critical paths
Working with the Purchasing team to ensure timely delivery of samples to maintain product schedule
CE/CA Certification of new products
Investigation of potential new suppliers where required
Working directly with manufacturers to develop new concept prototypes (including physical visits/global travel)
Inspecting received samples and shipments following a QC process
Providing accurate information on all products to the Marketing and Communications team
Preparing all product lines and product presentation packs for sales launch
Presenting all ranges in detail to the sales team, principal accounts, and stakeholders
Mentoring an Apprentice

Ideal Candidate

Experience of product lifecycle from concept, design and development to consumer launch
Knowledge of garment construction and fit across a range of styles and categories
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the key markets in which to grow sales
Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
Capability to balance creative intuition with commercial acumen
Technical knowledge of Excel, Adobe PDF, Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop is essential
Experience of completing the CE/CA process for PPE is advantageous
Passion and enthusiasm for motorcycle and cycle garments and accessories is crucial

Benefits

20 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 5 years
Staff discount
Healthshield Cash Plan
Pension and Life Assurance
Free on-site parking
Hours: 8:45 – 5pm Monday – Friday