Canterbury Looking for Product (Apparel) Manager at Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

A full time role reporting to the Global Head of Product, and leading the branded, licensed & Teamwear product design and development process for all apparel products. To develop product that delivers category strategy resulting in commercial return & products that reflect the brands’ DNA.

The role you’d play

• Category ownership of design outputs in line with the seasonal calendar.
• Ownership for all category product feasibility both in terms of price and development ensuring all products are viable re target FOB’s.
• Own and manage the design aspects within the development calendar ensuring all milestones are achieved OTIF
• Oversee the creation of all technical specifications throughout the development process.
• With the support of the Global Head of Product, work closely with the Pentland Asia team to outline future sourcing requirements and appropriate vendors to deliver category KPI’s.
• Oversee all aspects of the garment including trims, prints, embroideries, lab dips, labels in line with CCC quality standards and against key milestone dates.
• Ensure all product data and systems are accurately maintained and updated as appropriate to agreed timescales.
• Oversee maintaining garment fit in-line with global sizing blocks/charts.
• Give early indications to the vendors re development requirements across fabric, trim, labelling etc. Follow up on requests and share findings and developments with the design team.
• Work with the Operations team to determine ETD for all category products and give clarity and direction to the team.
• Have an awareness of the groups CR policies ensuring they are at front of mind during factory /vendor visits. Report back and highlight any issues identified in the CAP.
• Manage the category concept to buy-ready process ensuring timings and best practices are followed throughout the workflow.
• Work closely with the Product team throughout the design and development process giving advice and guidance on product improvement, production feasibility and cost savings ahead of 100% design sign off.
• Be the expert on fit and pattern manipulation-providing solutions to the end use of the garment and relevant cost indicators.
• Be proactive in developing garment engineering to maximise cost benefits, reduce waste and complexity whilst keeping the category at the forefront of innovation.
• Responsible for researching seasonal themes, trends, insights, and colour/mood boards to support brief.
• Provide design brief to the Product team.
• Provide communication tools that share design inspiration, insight, and execution with key stakeholders throughout the calendar.
• Lead the product team to deliver seasonal category strategy resulting in commercial return & products that reflect the brands’ DNA and creative vision
• Work within predefined calendars, milestones, and deadlines to ensure products are delivered on time in full
• Actively contribute ideas and product related information to enhance the seasonal range brief.
• Provide graphic and sales presentations where required.
• Ensure all Salesman Samples (SMS) are ready for seasonal presentations
• Contribute to Teamwear workload where required. Understand and have a thorough working knowledge of the Teamwear WIP system in the build of assets for delivery of orders.

What you’d bring to the role

• Fashion, Textile, Product, Graphic or Industrial design qualification.
• Proven Apparel Design experience in a sporting / lifestyle brand.
• Strong sense of international market trends balanced with the importance of originality through invention.
• Broad knowledge of international sportswear trends across all categories and genders.
• Understanding of sport/lifestyle apparel manufacturing processes and Designer’s role within the product cycle.
• Previous experience working with Far East factories and suppliers and international travel.
• Excellent freehand drawing and rendering skills with conversion to computer.
• Preparation of sublimate artwork files to vendor. Set up sublimate artwork ready for sampling process and production an advantage.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word. Knowledge in Excel a plus.
• Proven leadership skills, personal stature that will inspire through coaching, support & learning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills both on a one-to-one basis and to a group conveying strong brand empathy.
• Working with Product team, communicate pillar objectives identified by the Global Head of Product during the seasonal kick off stage to the rest of the team to ensure they are clear on overall objectives for the season.
• Confident in making decisions to be able to challenge superiors in the appropriate way if needed.
• Very organised, structured, and comfortable working with a minimum of supervision towards meeting short-term and long-term objectives and deadlines with the ability to multi-task.
• Demonstrate the ability to use own initiative, able to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to travel and flexible schedule.

What you’ll get in return

• Free onsite carparking
• Discounted product
• Life Insurance
• Great teammates, who are passionate about the brand

How to apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter addressed to the HR Manager.

About Us

Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904 by John Lane, Pringle Walker and Alfred Rudkin, three English immigrants, turned proud Kiwis, who began producing woollen clothing in the Canterbury province of New Zealand. The three had such a love for New Zealand, they named their clothing company after the place they lived – the proud region of Canterbury. And what did they decide on for the logo? Three Kiwis, of course.

The brand was so well known for making hard-working and resilient garments, the NZ Army asked them to make uniforms that could endure the conditions of the First World War. And whilst Canterbury has been synonymous with rugby and multi sports for the last 118 years, the versatility of our clothing has been seen as a ‘badge of honour’ for anyone who pulls on the iconic CCC logo– from rugby, to sailing, the worksite and everything in between.

Today, we continue to bring our passion and these same values to our extensive product offering, extending our brand proposition and positioning to go beyond the pitch, sharing our pride in the durability, comfort and versatility of our garments and celebrating real people, just doing their everyday thing.

www.nz.canterburynz.com