Job Description

About Us

John Horsfall Ltd is a forward-thinking textile manufacturer at the forefront of supply and innovation in the aviation sector. We are a long-established and family-owned company that has manufactured textiles since 1863, who now specialise in the design and supply of bespoke in-flight products to international airlines and travel companies.

We are currently seeking a Product Developer to focus on the implementation of new commercial products and maintenance of our existing product portfolio. The role expects a highly detail-oriented individual who can successfully execute and elevate our products, while also upholding QA standards in line with our business objectives. The candidate will have a demonstrated ability in shipping finished textile goods, together with the right pricing acumen to spot value-added opportunities. The candidate will work cross-functionally to support a successful and established commercial team and be willing to grow and develop within it.

The Role

Reporting to the Sourcing Director, this is a supplier-facing role to support procurement activities within the John Horsfall Group of Companies. Key responsibilities are:

Create and manage product technical specifications throughout the product lifecycle to a very accurate standard. This will include careful handling of the approval process when preparing new products for initial order, to ensure on-time delivery of product to the correct specification

Assisting the Sourcing Director in driving efficiencies, RFQ completion, and promoting strong working relationships with suppliers to ensure John Horsfall Ltd is competitive at all levels of cabins and budget

Creating and following up on Sample Requests to ensure their receipt on a right-first-time basis. Maintain archive system of control samples in relation to product approvals and side developments

Work closely with the Development Technician to ensure the products perform to the required standards. This will include some involvement in product and textile testing

Assisting the Sourcing Director and Development Technician with sourcing activities, and validating product in advance of on-boarding potential new vendors

An awareness of new product opportunities that fit within John Horsfall Group strategy, including for our sister company, Interweave Healthcare. Conduct benchmarking studies on competitor products

Contribution towards innovation and sustainability developments within the John Horsfall Group. This may include textile products with a medical end use

Occasional travel opportunities within UK and overseas

Other activities as reasonably expected

Experience:

Higher-level qualification in textiles or textile science is essential, and a working knowledge of textile materials, yarns, and fibres. This will bridge across knit, print, woven, and non-woven materials, and their various production processes. The candidate will have a passion in this field, showing initiative with research and development

Minimum of 3 years' experience developing textile product from concept to launch, within a retail or contract environment, and day-to-day liaison with deep-sea sourcing locations

An understanding of textile wash performance and overall durability in service. An ability to comment on changes in appearance of wash samples and potential wear issues

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach to problem solving. They should also possess a high degree of accuracy and eye for detail

A demonstrated ability in project management to achieve the desired results. This will include implementing sound structure and process improvements, often through own initiative and efficient working

An ability to channel multiple points of view

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams to meet deadlines

Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, to collaborate effectively with all team members

Clean driving licence

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/08/2025
Reference ID: INC0015