ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a commercially minded, organised and proactive Technical Product Developer to join our growing womenswear team, specialising in contemporary occasion wear, evening wear and bridal party collections.
This role is responsible for managing the overall product development process, working closely with Design, Production, Garment Technology and our offshore manufacturing partners to bring new collections from initial concept through to production readiness.
You will take ownership of product development coordination, supplier communication, fabric and trim development, product costing, sample management and seasonal critical path milestones.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of fashion production and supplier management, ideally with experience working with Chinese manufacturers. You will be confident negotiating pricing, managing supplier relationships and ensuring products are developed within target costs, quality expectations and delivery timelines.
We are open to candidates from production, sourcing, supplier management or product development backgrounds who have a good understanding of garment manufacturing and a strong commercial mindset. Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) is essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Product Development & Design Execution
Lead the product development process from initial design concept through to final production handover.
Work closely with the Design team to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products.
Coordinate the development of new styles, fabrics, trims, colours and finishes.
Liaise with suppliers to ensure design requirements are clearly understood and accurately executed.
Review development samples against design briefs and provide feedback to ensure the original creative direction is maintained.
Identify suitable fabric, trim and construction options to achieve the desired aesthetic, quality and target cost.
Recommend alternative materials or manufacturing solutions where required.
Identify opportunities to improve product quality, development efficiency and commercial viability.
2. Fabric, Trim & Material Development
Lead fabric and trim sourcing and development with offshore suppliers.
Research and identify suitable fabrics, linings, embellishments, trims and finishing options for upcoming collections.
Work with suppliers to source and develop materials that meet design, quality and target cost requirements.
Assess fabric suitability, availability, quality and commercial viability.
Coordinate fabric and trim sampling, approvals and supplier submissions.
Maintain accurate fabric, trim and supplier records.
Identify opportunities for new materials, improved sourcing options and cost efficiencies.
3. Supplier & Offshore Factory Management
Build and maintain strong working relationships with offshore manufacturers, suppliers and production partners.
Communicate regularly with suppliers throughout the product development and production process.
Lead supplier discussions relating to development requirements, pricing, sampling and delivery timelines.
Negotiate supplier pricing, lead times and manufacturing arrangements to achieve competitive commercial outcomes.
Coordinate development samples, supplier submissions and outstanding product requirements.
Monitor supplier performance in relation to communication, pricing, quality and delivery.
Identify and resolve supplier or development issues and proactively communicate any risks.
Work closely with Garment Technology to ensure technical requirements and fit corrections are implemented by manufacturers.
4. Product Costing & Commercial Management
Own product costing discussions and negotiations with suppliers and manufacturers.
Review supplier quotations, fabric consumption, trims and manufacturing costs.
Negotiate pricing to achieve target costs and margin requirements.
Identify opportunities to reduce costs through alternative fabrics, trims, sourcing options and manufacturing methods.
Assess the commercial feasibility of new product concepts and development options.
Work closely with Design and Production teams to balance creative requirements with commercial objectives.
Maintain accurate costing records and communicate cost changes or potential margin impacts.
Support value-engineering initiatives and ongoing cost improvements across collections.
5. Sample Development & Coordination
Coordinate all product development samples, including prototypes, fit samples, sales samples and pre-production samples.
Manage sample requests, submissions, tracking and follow-up with offshore suppliers.
Monitor sample progress and ensure development deadlines are achieved.
Work with Garment Technology to coordinate fit sessions, technical reviews and required sample corrections.
Communicate design, material and development amendments to suppliers.
Ensure samples reflect the approved design direction, materials and quality expectations.
Maintain accurate sample records, development trackers and approval documentation.
Coordinate outstanding development requirements to ensure products are ready for production approval.
6. Critical Path & Development Management
Own and manage the seasonal product development critical path from initial concept through to production handover.
Establish and monitor development milestones, sample deadlines, material approvals and supplier delivery dates.
Maintain accurate product development trackers and progress reports.
Follow up with suppliers to ensure all development requirements are completed on time.
Identify potential delays, production risks and development challenges, proactively communicating solutions.
Coordinate cross-functional activities between Design, Garment Technology, Production and Merchandising.
Ensure all product development information is complete and accurate before handover to Production.
7. Production Readiness & Quality Coordination
Coordinate the transition of approved products from development into bulk production.
Ensure all required design, material, costing and development information is finalised before production handover.
Work with Garment Technology to ensure technical fit and construction approvals are completed.
Confirm suppliers have the correct approved samples, fabrics, trims and development information.
Support the resolution of material, supplier and production-related quality concerns.
Ensure development documentation is accurate and accessible to the relevant teams.
Identify opportunities to improve the overall product development and production handover process.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) is essential.
Minimum 2 years' relevant experience in product development, production management, supplier management, sourcing or a similar fashion-related role.
Experience working with offshore suppliers and manufacturers, ideally within China.
Experience managing supplier relationships, product development processes and manufacturing timelines.
Experience with product costing, pricing negotiations, supplier quotations and commercial discussions.
Good understanding of fabrics, trims, garment construction and manufacturing processes.
Experience coordinating product development, sampling, material approvals and production handovers.
Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and development requirements.
Commercial awareness and an understanding of cost, quality, margin and delivery requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills, initiative and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer-based systems.
Experience within women's fashion, particularly dresses, occasion wear, evening wear or bridal party, will be highly regarded.
Knowledge of garment technology, technical packs, garment specifications and patternmaking will be advantageous.
Experience working with premium fabrics, embellishments and more complex garment construction will be beneficial.
Familiarity with product development systems and Adobe Illustrator will be advantageous.
Existing relationships with Chinese garment manufacturers and fabric suppliers will be highly regarded.
WHY JOIN ELLIATT?
Elliatt is a growing Australian fashion brand with an established international presence, supplying leading department stores and retailers around the world.
This is an opportunity to join a creative, fast-paced fashion environment where technical expertise plays an important role in the quality and success of our collections.
You will work across a diverse range of styles, collaborate with experienced creative teams and international manufacturing partners, and have a direct impact on the fit, construction and finish of the garments we deliver.