Job Description

Salary: Competitive with benefits

About us

Alonuko, founded by British-born Nigerian designer Gbemi Okunlola, is a luxury women's fashion brand renowned for its luxury handcrafted bridal pieces. Established in 2012, the brand has grown significantly over the past decade, earning international acclaim from prestigious publications such as Vogue, Insider, Huffington Post and Essence - attracting a distinguished celebrity clientele across the globe.

Celebrated as a leading British bridal label, Alonuko is known for its intricate hand-designed embroideries and expertly matched illusion tulles, with a unique focus on representing women of colour who are often overlooked in the bridal industry. Gbemi's vision consistently pushes creative boundaries to deliver unique and luxurious pieces catered to each individual woman's style.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Product Development Manager to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the entire product development process from initial concept to final delivery. You will be responsible for the timely launch of high-quality products that reflect our core brand values. You will work closely with design, manufacturing and other internal and external teams to bring innovative ideas to fruition while adhering to set budget and quality requirements. You will handle multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating between production timelines and merchandising goals.

About you

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, fashion design, business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. An MBA can be a plus. 3-5 years of relevant experience in either production line management or merchandising, preferably in the luxury fashion sector. You have an understanding of both the production processes and the merchandising strategies that drive sales. You have a strong ability to analyse sales data, market trends, and production metrics. You have an understanding of budgeting, cost management, and financial performance metrics related to product lines. Experience in managing projects from concept through to execution, whether in product development or merchandising strategies. You have an exceptional understanding of the design process, materials, and manufacturing processes. Excellent interpersonal skills for working collaboratively with teams across design, marketing, and sales. You have strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate ideas and strategies effectively. Ability to adapt strategies based on market feedback and production realities. Willingness to pivot strategies based on changing market dynamics or production capabilities. Proficiency in data analysis tools, Excel, and production or inventory management software. Familiarity with visual merchandising tools is a plus. You are proficient in analysing market trends, managing supply chains, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure smooth product development and delivery. You have a solid foundation and experience in the fashion industry, you are dedicated to contributing to innovative and successful product development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the existing manufacturing base to optimise service levels for product development. Build and maintain close partnerships with the design team to develop the collection from initial concept through to finished product. Manage vendor relationships, negotiating costs for prototypes and samples while ensuring effective communication between customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Drive product innovation by researching and exploring new materials and techniques that enhance product quality and performance without compromising brand values. Act as the technical partner for design, attending fittings, providing feedback on technical feasibility, and brainstorming solutions to ensure the design vision is effectively translated into the final product. Manage the sampling process from start to finish, ensuring delivery dates are maintained according to the sampling critical path. Organise and confirm costings for products, checking and approving fit samples while ensuring all product costs meet margin requirements. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and challenges throughout all stages of product development. Attend production meetings to ensure a smooth handoff of all products to the production team. Build and manage the critical path from concept to pre-production with design and manufacturers. Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all prototype/sample issues to resolve and drive to completion. Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages.

What we offer

Competitive salary with benefits. A supporting & friendly team of hard-working people. 28 days holiday per year excl. Bank Holidays. Team events & socials. Private healthcare. Pension.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Enhanced maternity leave Private medical insurance
Schedule:

Flexitime Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

What is your salary expectation per annum? What is your notice period?
Experience:

Product development: 5 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/07/2025