Senior Product Developer

About us

Established in 2015, Rat & Boa is the brainchild of friends Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett. Championing the essence of duality, Rat & Boa is more than a fashion label; it's a celebration of femininity and individuality. With an unwavering focus on women, the designs stand as timeless pieces crafted to elevate every moment of dressing up. Born from a friendship of two distinct aesthetics and a shared desire to create unique pieces, Rat & Boa is a celebration of nostalgic glamour with a modern twist. Each collection tells its own story, interwoven with vivid signature prints, silhouettes and tones. Driven by continued inspiration, we continue to grow, building our Rat and Boa world and exploring new challenges. Rat and Boa have plans to branch into new categories over the coming year, growing into a fully-fledged fashion house.

The role:

We are looking for a highly experienced and innovative Senior Product Developer to join our London studio, where you will play a key role in shaping our collection development & brand growth.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing products from sketch handover to pre-production sample sign-off for all our apparel & accessories collections.

The successful candidate must have technical knowledge of both the production and product development processes, for both garment and accessories construction.  You will report to the Head of Production and work directly with the design team.

The main elements of the role are:

• Manage the entire development process from the initial design concept through to the final product, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met
• Serve as a technical partner by attending fittings and reviews, providing proactive feedback to ensure optimal quality, fit, and alignment with the design vision
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with all manufacturers;  negotiating costs, lead times and technical aspects to ensure the design vision is maintained
• Create and update technical drawings, specifications, and design documentation to clearly communicate product details to manufacturers and suppliers
• Stay updated on market trends, consumer preferences, and industry innovations to inform design and development decisions. This includes conducting thorough market research and trend analysis
• Coordinate product testing to ensure compliance with company quality standards and customer expectations. Identify and make recommendations on risks/challenges at all production stages. Maintain consistency of quality and fit across all collections, regularly updating and introducing standards and procedures through the supplier manual
• Maintain accurate records of all products, including technical and material specifications, sample requests, and production timelines
• Deliver products in line with the company’s sustainability standards and values, ensuring that relevant product data is always accessible and updated for the Sustainability team
• Monitor post-launch product performance and implement improvements based on sales data, customer feedback and market insights
• Work with the in-house pattern cutter to implement fitting adjustments and ensure all patterns are thoroughly checked before being sent to the factories
• Identify opportunities for product enhancements, ensuring that products align with the company’s brand image

We want to hear from you if you can demonstrate…

• Experienced in managing the critical path, ensuring all collections are delivered on time
• Extensive technical expertise across all product categories, from ready-to-wear to accessories, with a strong focus on performance, testing, and functionality
• Budget management skills with strong commercial awareness and a deep understanding of product costing, ensuring a balance between creative vision and commercial viability throughout the development process
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and make informed product decisions
• Proficiency in Product /CAD design software and Microsoft suite

About You:

• At least 5 years of experience in luxury product development, with a focus on RTW, bags, jewellery, and footwear
• Proven experience collaborating with factories globally
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, maintaining a positive attitude and responding calmly and effectively to unexpected changes or challenges
• Exceptional organisational skills with a keen eye for detail
• Strong problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented approach and a proactive 'can-do' attitude
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Staff discount 
• Continuous Personal Development 
• Medical Cashback plan