Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd based in Alfreton, Derbyshire specialise in the design and marketing of technical outdoor clothing and equipment. Our experienced and enthusiastic team develop innovative designs, manufactured to the highest standard and brought to market throughout the world. Equip Outdoor Technologies own and operate two leading aspirational outdoor brands, Rab and Lowe Alpine. For further information on Equip please visit our website at www.equipuk.com

Our team is based at our Head Office just outside The Peak District National Park off jct28 of the M1 corridor.

Great opportunity to join our team as an Equipment Developer! This is a full time role on a 12 months fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.

This role involves managing the seasonal product development process and product cost management of our equipment collection. Working closely with our design team and vendor base to develop products from initial design sketch through prototype phases to SMS and production sign off.

You will ensure products are developed in collaboration with Design to achieve the highest quality standards, ensuring fit-for-purpose and achieving optimal target cost through proactive product and cost engineering. You will maintain accurate records across all company systems and at all times follow the seasonal critical path delivering each milestone on time.

Key Responsibilities of Equipment Developer (including but not limited to):

• Set-up and continual maintenance of seasonal development tracker
• Review Equipment design sketches, undertake cost feasibility, making relevant technical comments and recommendations to ensure production efficiency.
• Build the initial product specification and communicate construction and aesthetic to the overseas supplier to develop patterns and prototype samples.
• Tech Pack creation and maintenance throughout the development phase.
• Analyse and challenge the supplier product cost breakdown and consumptions; update cost tracker in advance of key seasonal meetings to allow predication of margin. Provide alternative methods/options/constructions to hit target cost where needed.
• Follow samples through from initial request ensuring all timelines are met and samples are received and reviewed in-line with the Critical Path (CP).
• Arrange review sessions with designers and relevant stakeholders to assess prototype aesthetics, construction and cost. Providing technical input on cost engineering and production feasibility. Provide feedback to supplier and manage resubmission of prototypes in line with CP and SMS deadlines.
• Coordinate with Materials team, Design team and suppliers to ensure raw materials are selected and available to produce samples.
• Build and own the development Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Update and maintenance of style information in company systems/Navision (RM and colour information to allow the Buying team to place SMS orders in-line with seasonal CP).
• Ensure all seasonal styles are costed correctly, checking construction & raw material consumption to ensure quality & the most economical/practical methods have been used in manufacturing the garment.

To join us as Equipment Developer you must have:

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Product Technology
• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of product construction
• Previous experience working with overseas factories
• Full understanding of product specification (building specs, adjusting, grading)
• Full understanding of QC process & procedures (AQL inspections and reporting)
• Hands-on factory experience and knowledge of manufacturing
• Experience of reviewing test reports and good understanding of performance standards
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to manage the pre-production approval process with suppliers in line with the Buy calendar
• Creative thinking to industrialise and improve product quality & cost through construction engineering
• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Very high attention to detail with the ability to accept and meet critical deadlines

Desirable

• Previous experience of outdoor-wear and similar sector/industry
• Experience working for a brand or retailer
• Ideally a personal interest in outdoor performance clothing
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office suite)
  

Benefits:

· Salary range £33,210 - £38,745 per annum, commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience

· Contributory company pension scheme, subject to qualifying conditions

· Life Assurance Scheme

· Hybrid working (discretionary basis, determined by business need) as well as an early finish on Fridays!

· Employee Wellbeing Programme

· Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning training resources

· Great staff discounts on our Rab and Lowe Alpine products

· Reciprocal trade discounts on climbing, bikes, camping, sailing and running equipment

· Casual dress code

· Modern office facilities with free on-site parking and we are proud to be a climate neutral company

Closing date for applications is 06 May 2024

For general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Strictly No Agencies please

Our people are part of one team that is geared to achieving success for the company, and we are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff.

We are looking for people who are passionate about and can help live our values of

Synergy, Ingenuity, Ambition, Determination and Integrity.