ABOUT THE ROLE
Our purpose in the Product Development team is to bring Finisterre's latest seasonal designs to life by managing the development process from design handover of the 2D CAD to the creation of 3D samples across our menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges.
The PD team manages the prototype sampling up to P2/SMS stage, ensures cost margins are met, manages the critical path to ensure deadlines are achieved, builds relationships with our much-valued suppliers and guarantees that the fit, materials and quality of our products meet our customer expectations and compliancy commitments.
In the role of Product Developer you will report into the Head of Product Development, in a highly collaborative role working within the Product Development team and in collaboration with the Materials, Design, Technical and Buying & Sourcing teams.
As a Product Developer, you will own the development of assigned product categories, oversee the full development lifecycle while enhancing construction, managing costs to achieve target margins, and ensuring critical path deadlines are met. You will drive sustainable product initiatives, manage sample development, and collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency, while achieving KPIs and supporting the company's sustainability goals.
ABOUT FINISTERRE
Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.
Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes' Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.
As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are and if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Collaborate with the Materials, Design, Buying & Sourcing and Technical teams on the development of new products across Finisterre's range, working across men's, women's and accessories.
* Owning the critical path up to P2/SMS stage, ensuring that internal and supplier deadlines are adhered to keep development of samples on track.
* Managing costing, generating target costs from RRPs supplied by Buying team, actioning sketch costings pre sample development, reviewing open costings from suppliers, negotiating on cost throughout development up to P2/SMS stage and then handing over to the Buying team.
* Own assigned technical categories from design handover through to 2nd proto/SMS stage.
* Working collaboratively with buying & sourcing team on vendor allocation and supplier mapping at sketch review and tech pack handover stages to assess suitable suppliers for each product.
* Lead tech pack handover, building P1 tech packs with size charts, BOMs and comments and sending requests to our suppleirs.
* Tracking samples and ex factory dates, measuring and reviewing costs of P1 samples, leading P1 fit sessions, writing P1 comments and P2/SMS tech pack requests.
* Presenting samples at P1 review to wider product teams and senior leadership.
* Attending P2/SMS fit sessions to oversee any updates to costing, comments and required amendments to BOMs.
* Sending SMS BOMs and bulk BOMs, ensuring these are updated with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail through development.
* Be able to confidently communicate via phone, email and videocalls with our suppliers.
* Provide support to our Materials Developer with requests and approvals for both components and trims, ensuring consistency across suppliers and that our compliancy standards are upheld.
* Assist with the general upkeep, admin and running of the PD team and workspace and adhoc requests from the Head of Product Development.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO FINISTERRE
* Qualification (relevant degree in fashion design, product development, garment technology, buying, product management or a related field) or an applicable background in product development
* 4-5years +experience within a product development role ideally with a performance or lifestyle brand.
* Proven industry experience or formal training in product categories relevant to Finisterre (such as – knitwear, outerwear, insulation, swimwear, wovens, jersey, accessories) with the required technical knowledge of materials, construction and quality.
* Aspiration and interest in being part of a multi-channel retail business
* You will possess a positive approach, resilient attitude, uphold quality standards, work with a high level of accuracy, be agile to change and be driven to elevate product offerings.
* A deep technicalunderstanding of garment construction, fabric knowledge, bill of materials, pattern cutting, fit & quality.
* Awareness of sustainability and industry initiatives, follows design principles, works collaboratively with Impact and Compliance teams to ensure materials, wastage, and decision making all factors in our B corp commitments
* Able to work both autonomously and within a team, be self motivated and demonstrate commitment to meeting deadlines.
* Experience using PLM systems and Excel
* Competent using Adobe Illustrator.
* You'll demonstrate excellent communication skills, networking and interpersonal skills. You'll be able to communicate clearly and articulately, both in writing and verbally to colleagues at all levels, suppliers, and collaborators.
* Strong numerical skills
* Appreciation for accuracy, possess organisational skills with a thoroughness and attention to detail.
* Open to change in a fast-moving environment and able to manage yourself under pressure.
* Confident presenting to product teams and on occasion to wider business
* Willing to travel within UK and globally when required
* Able to follow direction, communicate clearly, be assertive, work collaboratively, keep key stakeholders informed and bring together teams cross functionally
* Driven to elevate product and meet deadlines, working with curiosity, building and reviewing tech packs with meticulous accuracy, showing initiative to solve problems and maintaining a positive, resilient team morale.
Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE
We are offering a full time, permanent contract, based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall. We'll invest in you with a competitive salary depending on your skills and experience.
But it's not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You'll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:
* 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays (pro rata for pat time employees)
* Additional holidays for length of service
* Your birthday day off
* Up to 3 days of paid volunteering – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes
* A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance
* A pension scheme with Nest
* 60% product discount for personal and gift use
* 30% Friends and Family product discount
* Enhanced Family Leave policies to support you in growing your family
* Life assurance with access to an online wellbeing platform which includes, an employee assistance program, virtual GP appointments, digital gym, and a range of perks
* Access to a range of wellbeing resources, including counselling services, cycle to work, eye tests, and wellbeing activities
* Regular company and team social events
* Various discounts from our B Corp community
* Access our online Learning Library and company-wide training sessions delivered by both internal and external trainers to support you in your ongoing development.
* An hour to spend in or by the sea every Tuesday followed by Sea Tuesday companywide meeting
* And so much more!
Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026. We'll be interviewing as we go along, so we'd encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.
Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work
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