Senior Product Developer
Location: London, UK
About UVU
UVU is rapidly transforming the running and sportswear scene, evolving from founder Adi Gillespie’s vision into a global phenomenon defined by the “graceful pursuit of a superior self.” In 2023, the brand made headlines with sell-out pop-ups in cities like Paris, London, and New York. Building on that momentum, 2024 has seen UVU’s reach expand even further, launching a global e-commerce website and hosting sell-out pop-up stores in London and Berlin. With sales accelerating worldwide, UVU continues to push boundaries in sport, style, and community.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting chance to be part of a brand that is redefining the boundaries of sportswear and performance apparel. As a Senior Product Developer, you will play a key role in bringing UVU’s innovative designs to life, working closely with industry-leading creatives and collaborating across design, production, and merchandising teams. This role is ideal for someone with a technical mindset, a passion for sportswear, and an eagerness to contribute to the evolution of a fast-growing, culturally influential brand. At UVU, you will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, develop your skills, and make a tangible impact on a brand that’s shaping the future of active lifestyle apparel.
Key Responsibilities
- Taking ownership of all products, Jersey & Technical from development to bulk production, both apparel and accessories, core and SMU ranges.
- Work on full fabric, trim, packaging and labelling sourcing, ensuring style properties are met.
- Actively sourcing apparel, accessories and packaging suppliers, building supplier strategies.
- Work closely and collaboratively with Design to launch and develop styles while maintaining correct TP information.
- Be the main contact for communication with both EU & FE suppliers, providing feedback on submissions, strike offs and samples at all levels to ensure all product is delivered at correct quality and time.
- Create, amend and finalise spec docs and BOM’s to ensure all important information is mentioned and accurate.
- Accurately measure samples and patterns, whilst ensuring all important POMs are listed on the specs and any measures out of tolerances are highlighted.
- Fit and comment on all samples from proto, pre-production to shipment samples, ensuring block, construction and functionality meet UVU standard.
- Plan, cost, process and approve fabric, trim and garment testing to an advised wash care information along with running wearer testing programs with UVU athletics.
- Maintain up-to-date style information for each style on multiple brand trackers to present at weekly critical path meetings.
- Organise and take ownership of critical path planning for both core and SMU collections while also planning and leading team stage gates and sign off meetings.
- Identify potential delays or supply chain issues and implanting back up plans to mitigate risks.
- Work with Operations on style costings to ensure target costs are hit end to end.
- Review and find resolutions for returns and product issues with Operations and Customer Service.
- Create and update standardisation documents including grading rules and testing and quality standards.
- Knowledge and continued training in product and regulations to the UVU business
- Planning and attending supplier visits and team trips.
- Manage, train and closely collaborate with Junior Product Developer.
- Working in conjunction with Design, Operations and Content teams at all levels.
- To undertake any other relevant duties of which the UVU Owners sees fit.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Sportswear, Fashion, Product Development or a related field.
- Proven industry experience within the product development sector or a similar role within the Sportwear industry,Menswear and Womenswear experience desired.
- Passion for fashion and sports with a keen eye for detail with a technical background.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) & Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) experience with 3D design software is a plus.
- Strong understanding and ability to create and own Development and Production critical paths, from initial design to bulk production.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of fabric, trims and garment construction in both Jersey & Sportwear.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in fitting, patterns and grading – 3D pattern knowledge is a plus.
- Experience and ability to plan and action wearer trails as well as request, process and approve fabric testing.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisation with a willingness to learn is key.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment and take direction from UVU Owners.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with supplier and factories with ability to be key point of contact and willingness to travel.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure to tight deadlines, both collaboratively and independently.
- Capacity to multi-task, prioritise workload and organise full PD department.
- Determined attitude and passion for Product Development with a willingness to take on ownership of multiple disciplines.
- A proactive and positive attitude, with an eagerness to contribute to UVU’s creative vision.
What We Offer
- The chance to work with industry-leading creatives in a vibrant, diverse city.
- An immersive experience in fashion and sportswear product development, with opportunities to shape UVU’s evolving brand aesthetic.
- Access to exclusive industry events, opportunities to network with top industry innovators, and travel visits to suppliers.
- A supportive work environment that values creativity, growth, and initiative.
To apply, please send CV, short cover letter & portfolio (if available) to careers@uvuclub.com