Senior Product Developer

This position will deliver the end-to-end product development process for the Apparel Category within R.M.Williams Product Development function, with the assistance of a Junior Product Developer. Reporting to the Head of Product and Design Operations, foster a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration and operate as true product specialist with internal teams and vendors. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Design, Technical, Product Integration, Sustainability and Strategic Sourcing.

The Senior Product Developer provides a critical link between Design and our external vendors, internal Product Integration Team and Leather Vendor Manager, working collaboratively, partnering and communicating throughout the product design development process to ensure that our products align with the brand and design specifications, sustainability and margin requirements, to deliver the collection on time.
Key Responsibilities

Lead the product development process from design concept to SMS handover, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and execution.
Work closely with suppliers and Materials Manager to source materials, negotiate FOB & CMT pricing, MOQs, lead times and monitor development progress to meet deadlines.
Ensure accurate product development documentation, including technical specifications, samples, PLM and development tracking status.
Attend all fittings, focus on any impact on development timelines, costing and quality and report back to Head of Product.
Responsible for all product to be finalised at SMS stage, including garment specifications, BOMs, approved colour standards and quality swatches along with product (marked up), ready for handover to Supply Chain.
Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and Buying to advise costings, minimum order requirements and lead times for all product to ensure their timely delivery.
Assist Head of Product with the planning and execution of sourcing optimization activities, e.g., value engineering through material consolidation and supplier allocation.
Perform internal and external benchmarking among vendors (nominate vendors, cross sourcing)
Drive the Design, Technical and Product Teams to adhere to milestones and gates.
Be proactive to seek opportunities to improve processes, address potential challenges and provide problem solving solutions.
Experience / Technical Requirements
Bachelor's degree in product development, textile engineering, fashion, or a related field
Proven experience of at least 5 years in Product Development or in a similar role within the fashion industry.
In-depth knowledge of apparel product development processes, including design, sourcing, development production, and quality control.
Outstanding technical knowledge of raw materials, construction, fit and product costing with exceptional attention to detail.
Deep knowledge of supplier management and strong negotiation skills.
Proficiency in using software and tools relevant to product development, such as PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, Adobe suite and Microsoft Office suite.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams (at all levels) and external stakeholders both local and international.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset to drive team development and process improvement.
Knowledge of sustainability and ethical practices in product development is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
What we offer
Be part of an established and iconic Australian brand with long term career development opportunities
Generous product allowance
40% employee discount
Annual bonus scheme
Flexible working arrangements
Paid parental leave
Paid volunteer leave
Exclusive private health partnership
About R.M.Williams
Since 1+32, R.M.Williams has answered a call for hardwearing, timeless products that can hold up against the harsh conditions of the Australian outback - and look good whilst doing it. Our bestselling leather boots and belts are still crafted by hand in Adelaide, South Australia, alongside an ever-growing range of apparel, accessories and lifestyle products. At the heart of everything we do is a simple promise of loyalty and endurance; a commitment that our products will accompany their wearer on all of life’s great journeys. Reginald Murray ‘RM’ Williams always said, ‘it’s the people who make a company’ and we stand by that statement today, with a global network of teams that feels like family. A culture of growth, development and team spirit is central to our success.

R.M.Williams appreciates the importance and value of a diverse workforce and is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and to provide employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at R.M.Williams are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, national origin or family or parental status. R.M.Williams will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
If you feel you are suited to this role and want to be part of an iconic Australian Company, please apply below with your resume attached.