Product Manager – Hawick

Competitive Salary + Career Progression + Flexible working + Company Pension + Cycle Scheme + Health/Wellness Benefits

Who are we looking for?

We have an amazing opportunity available for a new product manager to join our world class industrialisation department at Barrie Knitwear. Reporting to our Commercial and Development Director you will become team members of a market leading manufacturer of premium cashmere knitwear. This is a brilliant opportunity to receive world class training as Barrie prides ourselves on the investment we put into our new staff. First and foremost, we are looking for people who have the desire and commitment to learn a new skill.

The Product Manager is responsible for the product approval process, product quality, cost efficiency and works with planning to ensure adherence to product schedule. They are responsible the product lifecycle, including gathering, prioritising product, and customer requirements. They will also define the product vision working closely with internal colleagues in development and industrial functions to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are achieved.

Who is Barrie Knitwear?

We are a premium knitwear manufacturer that is renowned worldwide for our outstanding ability to combine exceptional technical skills and traditional expertise to create complex couture cashmere garments. We supply to some of the biggest and prestigious luxury fashion houses across the world. This is an exciting time for us as we continue to expand and transform. The market and landscape are fast-moving and growing which is creating new opportunities.

What will you be doing?

• Liaise with the design team and client market to ensure the product meets overall strategy.
• Liaise with the design team internally to manage product innovation.
• Collate customer design documentation and ensure all requirements are included in the internal product requirements documents.
• Work in partnership with quality team colleagues to ensure process and product excellence.
• Manage customer approvals before general production.
• Ensure the desired silhouette is achieved through coordinating internally and externally the customer fitting process.
• Develop the product technical specification and work instructions to ensure it is correct prior to production.
• Establish the measures and streamline the relevant processes before the general production of a style.
• Drive best practice techniques to achieve year on year KPI improvements in meeting cost, quality, service, and delivery targets.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with key internal / external customers.
• Foster a working environment and business culture which encourages "continuous improvement" throughout the business.
• Run beta and pilot programs with early-stage products and samples.
• Be a product “expert” with respect to internal and competitor capabilities.

What will you bring to the role?

• A sound knowledge of knitwear and finishing processes in the luxury garment and global high fashion context and environment.
• Hold a degree-level qualification or as appropriate in a relevant discipline.
• Be able to quantify how you have successfully demonstrated product industrialisation and launch processes.
• Has developed good communication, presentation, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Understands and embraces technology keeping up to date with technology innovation relevant to the industry.
• Capable of driving change, providing fresh thinking and an alternative perspective both proactively and reactively as situations arise.
• Always engaged with industry leading practices and ensuring the best standards are implemented in Barrie Knitwear.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Able to bring solutions, manage challenge and implement change.
• Effective collaborator, navigating internal challenges with skill and diplomacy.
• Self-motivated, flexible, able to work on own initiative and under pressure.
• Must be able to travel as business requires.

What benefits can you expect?

• 33 days flexible annual leave including Public Holidays
• Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees
• Early finish on Fridays
• Employer pension contribution
• Life insurance, Health/Wellness programme- Health cash plan
• The opportunity to work for one of Scotland’s leading premium cashmere manufacturers supplying couture garments to prestigious fashion houses
• The chance to live and work in the beautiful Scottish Borders offering a great work/life balance and high quality of life
• Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, promoting Continuous Professional Development

If you are interested in this opportunity, then please apply via our Teamtailor platform and someone will be in touch to keep you updated on your progress.