Product and Sourcing Manager

Our client, a multi-branded global sportswear and streetwear business, is seeking an experienced Senior Product & Sourcing Manager to join the business on a temproary basis.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the Product Development and Sourcing function across multiple brands, leading a team of Product Developers, Garment Technologists and Sourcing professionals.

You will oversee the complete product lifecycle from design handover through to bulk production and shipment, ensuring products are delivered on time, within cost targets and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with Design, Commercial, Sales and Operations, you will lead the development of both Inline collections and retailer-specific Special Make-Up (SMU) programmes while driving continuous improvement across sourcing, product development and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Product Development, Garment Technology and Sourcing teams across multiple brands.
• Manage the complete product lifecycle from design handover through development, approvals, production and final shipment.
• Lead the development of Inline and Special Make-Up (SMU) collections for major retail customers.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies across multiple product categories.
• Build, develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and fabric mills.
• Manage seasonal Critical Paths, ensuring development milestones and production deadlines are achieved.
• Review factory Critical Paths and provide regular progress updates to senior management.
• Monitor production schedules and proactively resolve any development or shipment delays.
• Lead fit sessions, garment reviews and technical approvals to ensure consistency of fit, quality and construction.
• Review Tech Packs, Bills of Materials (BOMs), size specifications and garment construction details.
• Oversee garment engineering, fit optimisation, grading and technical development.
• Manage sample development, including prototype, fit, sales, pre-production and shipment samples.
• Coordinate fabric developments, lab dips, trims, testing and approvals.
• Oversee product testing, compliance, labelling and packaging requirements.
• Ensure products meet all retailer, regulatory and quality standards.
• Support cost negotiations with suppliers and monitor product margins.
• Work closely with Design to ensure products are commercially viable, technically achievable and aligned with brand direction.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Sales teams to support customer meetings, range presentations and seasonal reviews.
• Work directly with key retail customers to understand product requirements and deliver retailer-specific programmes.
• Identify sourcing, development and production risks early and implement practical solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement across product development, sourcing and supplier performance.
• Support supplier onboarding and the development of new manufacturing partners.
• Travel internationally to suppliers, factories and customer meetings when required.
• Mentor, coach and develop the Product Development and Technical teams, building capability for future growth.
• Maintain accurate reporting, product trackers, Critical Path updates and seasonal development documentation.
• Ensure all products are delivered in line with brand standards, customer expectations and seasonal deadlines.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the role.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in Product Development, Garment Technology and Sourcing within sportswear, streetwear, activewear or fashion apparel.
• Proven experience managing Product Development and Technical teams.
• Strong experience developing products across multiple brands and product categories.
• Excellent understanding of garment construction, fit, grading, fabrics and manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical knowledge of performance fabrics, jersey, woven, knitwear and outerwear.
• Extensive experience working with overseas suppliers and manufacturers.
• Strong sourcing knowledge across fabrics, trims and manufacturing.
• Commercially minded with strong costing, negotiation and margin management skills.
• Experience managing Critical Paths across multiple seasonal calendars.
• Strong knowledge of testing, compliance, labelling and quality standards.
• Experience working with major wholesale and retail customers, including retailer-specific development programmes.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Hands‑on, proactive and solutions‑focused.
• Comfortable working within a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.

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