Product Development Assistant

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.

As the Product Development Assistant 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.

This role of Product Development Assistant has been created to assist the Product Development team by supporting with the development of Finisterre's apparel, accessories, materials, trims and packaging. This role presents an exciting opportunity to join our product development team, gain hands on experience bringing product to life and to be exposed to the behind the scenes of building Finisterre seasonal collections.

We are seeking an organised & enthusiastic individual to join our team and welcome all applicants who feel that they align with our Finisterre values and that they could bring their unique and relevant experience to this opportunity!

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 es’ 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

• 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.
• 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.
• With guidance from the PD team assist with select categories from design handover through to 2nd proto/SMS stage.
• Assist the Product Development team with building and generating tech packs, updating the materials library and supporting with the creation of new components.
• Support with sample tracking
• Support with measuring samples ahead of fit sessions, where required attending fit sessions to support with comments
• Assist PD team with the preparation for presentations, P1 review and supplier meetings
• Where required support the PD team with sending SMS BOMs and bulk BOMs to suppliers
• Be able to confidently communicate via phone, email and video calls with our suppliers.
• Support with the creation of new component codes and administrative tasks to maintain an up-to-date Materials library
• 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…