We understand that our people are what makes us successful in our goal of being the leading global provider of PPE, workwear, and safety solutions.
You’ll be joining a company where personal growth is promoted and where equal opportunities for progression are offered to all members of staff. We strive to create a supportive working environment for all of our employees.
It’s our integrity, passion and work ethic that brings the Beeswift team together.
Beeswift is a manufacturer and wholesaler of personal protective equipment, workwear and medical supplies. As a leading supplier and manufacturer within our industry, we provide quality PPE from head to toe, offering customers superior durability and improved comfort. From our 144,000 sqft Headquarters in Birmingham, we distribute globally from stock.
We pride ourselves on our ethical standards, holding a number of accreditations and associations including the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), EcoVadis (Gold standard), members of Sedex, BSIF (British Safety Industry Federation), RSSS (Registered Safety Supplier Scheme) and BHTA (British Healthcare Trade Association). We also hold ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications.
About the role
As a Product Developer, you will be responsible for technically developing all products in line with design requirements and quality protocols driven by the client, design and business standards. Working within a busy technical team, and across a variety of multi product categories: (workwear and other safety products). For executing the assigned product development and technical requirements driving the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of developments. Control the quality of all products in line with the approved standards, working with the internal teams, suppliers, and factories to maintain and improve the approved quality standard across the supply chain. Staying up to date on relevant regulations & standards to ensure all products meet required compliance.
The role is an office-based role, reporting into our Head of Product Development.
Working hours for this role are fixed between 8am-5pm Monday to Friday (for example, 8am-4pm, or 9am-5pm), totalling 37.5 hours per week with a daily 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
The Candidate
Requirements
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, self motivated and performance driven.
Excellent level of IT knowledge especially Excel, Word, Illustrator & Photoshop.
Excellent technical ability across a wide range of product types including technical drawings, size charts, grading rules, patterns, product fitting.
Excellent fabric technical knowledge.
Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders including customer presentations.
Good knowledge of Critical Path and PLM systems.
Factory process knowledge is essential.
Garment technical qualifications are essential.
Strong Knowledge of Statistical QC systems.
Excellent level of mathematical ability.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Good PPE clothing knowledge.
Change management and problem solving skills.
A minimum of 3 years’ experience within a similar garment technologist position or product developer role
Ability to travel for periods, including overseas.
Duties and Responsibilities
To ensure each product / range is fit for purpose, practical, comfortable, durable and meets company standards
To improve and support innovative technical solutions to improve product quality, fit, cost and speed of delivery
To work in line with the standard operating manuals and processes to ensure consistency of approach within the technical team
To accurately generate product specifications in an efficient and effective manner whilst achieving a right first time discipline in information transference
To technically develop the products in line with business critical path milestones from initial design concept to production AQL / QC check
To continually work with the supply base to maintain the approved quality standard and achieve best practice and technically superior products in line with cost parameters
To develop all raw materials in terms of quality, colour, and performance to achieve the business standard and coordinate the comments/approvals.
To manage and maintain the ongoing raw material quality, colour continuity and test performance against the approved standard
To communicate all technical information directly to the factory and resolve the queries across the supply chain
Build and nurture internal sales team/client relationships ensuring that a best in class customer experience is delivered with each interaction.
To provide the supplier technical performance data to support the supplier audit
To liaise with Commercial Team, QC and Returns department to resolve any complaints and return’s queries and create corrective action plans with the relevant factories for improvement
Travel to the factories for any technical related process when required
To create innovation in fabrics, product value engineering/cost reduction, technology, sustainability, fit, and constructional improvements.
To advise the business on new developments and opportunities that would enhance its commercial appeal.
Identifying current and emerging market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activity to inform product selection and pricing.
Proactive R&D including attendance at trade shows, fabric fairs, and supplier product launches to stay up to date with industry trends.
Staying up to date on relevant regulations & standards to ensure all products meet required compliance.
Key performance measures
Achievement of critical path dates.
Cost saving target achievement through technical innovation.
New business generation through sourcing and product development innovation.
Variance in supplier vendor assessment results.
Ensure correct application of process and terms & conditions.
Level of risk exposure.
Accuracy of Specifications.
To achieve right firsttime sampling for garment, fabric/ trims and lab dips.
Overall quality levels at 2.5 AQL levels.
Product certification status.
Accuracy of relevant system information.
Package and Benefits
Other benefits include:
33 days’ annual leave per annum, including Bank Holidays (increasing to a maximum of 38 days’ annual leave through our long service recognition scheme)
A competitive benefits package, including enhanced family leave
Enhanced pension package, with an employer contribution of 8%
Life insurance of 5x annual salary
Health insurance cover in the event of long term sickness
Employee wellbeing scheme, including an Employee Assistance Programme
Our office is newly refurbished and there is free on site parking.
The ideal candidate will embody Beeswift's values and demonstrate a commitment to integrity, passion, team work and work ethic.
Please be aware that the successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of their settled status in the UK.
We are "Focused On Safety."
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