Job Description

Role Overview

The Buying & Technical Development Role is responsible for leading the end-to-end development of product ranges across both UK-manufactured and imported supply chains, managing the full lifecycle from initial concept through to bulk production. This role ensures all products are commercially viable, trend-led, and technically sound, working closely with the Managing Directors, Design, Marketing, Merchandising, Sales, Logistics, and a global supplier base.

The role plays a pivotal part in shaping product strategy, driving innovation, managing critical paths, and delivering high-quality ranges that meet customer expectations, margin targets, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Critical Path Management

Own and manage the end-to-end product critical path for UK-manufactured and imported products, ensuring clear timelines, accurate sample tracking, and on-time delivery to all key milestones. Oversee products from initial concept and design through sampling, testing, approvals, and mass production across both domestic and offshore supply routes. Track all samples, prototypes, and gold seals, proactively identifying risks and delays, reporting progress and solutions to senior management. Manage differing lead times, compliance requirements, and production processes between UK and imported manufacturing. Ensure all product, supplier, and technical information is accurately maintained within internal systems.

Buying, Range Building & Commercial Performance

Build and deliver commercially balanced and innovative product ranges appropriate for different customers, channels, and areas of the business. Support seasonal product sign-off, ensuring alignment with trend direction, target margins, and sales objectives. Conduct regular sales analysis to identify slow and fast-moving SKUs, recommending range edits, repeats, or exits as required. Participate in weekly and monthly trading and development meetings with Merchandising to review performance and prioritise development. Maintain a strong understanding of costs, margins, profitability, market dynamics, and customer needs to inform buying decisions.

Trend, Market & Innovation Leadership

Lead the use of trend insights, market data, and competitor analysis to inform design development and identify gaps and opportunities within ranges. Champion the use of internally created seasonal trend packs across the design team and supplier base to drive consistency and innovation. Drive innovation in yarns, raw materials, constructions, and product concepts, balancing creativity with commercial viability. Attend near and far-east trade shows and supplier visits to source new materials, gain inspiration, and identify new manufacturing partners.

Supplier & Manufacturer Management

Identify, source, and build strong, long-term relationships with UK-based manufacturers and global offshore suppliers. Lead negotiations on pricing, MOQs, lead times, payment terms, and delivery schedules across both domestic and imported supply chains. Work closely with manufacturers and raw material suppliers on technical development, feasibility, sampling plans, and production requirements. Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to agreed standards and timelines.

Technical Development & Quality Assurance

Review, comment on, and sign off prototypes, lab dips, strike-offs, and gold seals for both UK-manufactured and imported product prior to bulk production. Liaise with raw material suppliers and factories on technical specifications, testing, and performance standards. Ensure all products meet required quality, compliance, packaging, and labelling standards relevant to domestic and imported ranges.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with the Managing Directors on new yarn development, initial concepts, and long-term product strategy. Partner cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Sales, Logistics, and Marketing to ensure seamless execution of new ranges. Prepare and deliver pre-sale presentations for sales teams, clearly communicating range stories, key features, and commercial benefits. Present new collections to internal stakeholders with confidence and clarity. Maintain and update key development documents including technical packs, photoshoot information, newness trackers, and status reports.

Skills & Capabilities

Strong commercial and analytical ability with confidence interpreting sales data and market insights. Proven experience managing complex critical paths across both UK and imported manufacturing routes. Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.o Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Confident communicator with strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Experience & Knowledge

Significant experience in Buying, Product Development, or Technical Development within fashion, textiles, or consumer goods. Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, costing, margin structures, and production processes. Hands-on experience working with UK manufacturing and near/far-east supply bases. Technical knowledge of yarns, raw materials, constructions, and quality standards. Experience using PLM systems, product data management tools, and reporting systems.
If you are ready to lead our Buying & Technical Development efforts with expertise and enthusiasm, we invite you to bring your talents to Phoenox Textiles Ltd. Join us in shaping the future of textile manufacturing--your next great opportunity awaits!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Scissett: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person