Lead - Apparel Developer

Transforms bold creative ideas into technically high-performance, commercially viable products and acts as a key problem solver across product creation. It drives the development of styles to meet the company's high standards for fit, premium function, innovation, quality and design intent, while supporting team leads in managing workflows and ensuring consistency across the range. The role works closely with Design, Product Management, Sourcing, technical design and Materials teams, and mentors junior developers in construction, materials and performance standards.

• Lead the development of complex, multi-layered or fashion apparel styles with a strong premium emphasis across seasonal collections and special projects, ensuring excellence in function, quality, performance, durability, fit and design execution.
• Drive consistency across the range by aligning construction methods, materials, fit standards and performance principles across categories and seasons.
• Support Development Leads with team operations, including calendar management, workload balancing, product allocation and cross-functional alignment, to enable timely product creation.
• Partner with Design, Pattern Engineering, Tech Designers, Materials, Innovation and Vendors to build creative and technically executable solutions, and collaborate with global manufacturing partners to maintain strong supplier relationships and premium, technically accurate, on-time execution.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to Junior and Mid-Level Developers, upskilling them in construction techniques, material selection, performance requirements and testing standards.
• Resolve complex technical challenges through advanced construction methods and material innovation, maintain fit and design integrity, and facilitate fit sessions with technical authority and clear rationale.
• Identify and address process inefficiencies, implementing tools, templates or workflows that support scalable and consistent development.
• Act as a key point of contact for high-stakes or high-visibility projects requiring senior technical oversight, creative problem-solving and calm navigation of ambiguity, and contribute to risk mitigation and resolution of seasonal development challenges related to materials, construction
• Cost and fit.
• Translate design concepts into robust Tech Packs using PLM tools, providing precise and scalable construction solutions with a premium standard lens, and support cost engineering decisions that meet performance standards and commercial goals without compromising quality or function.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of materials, construction and sustainability requirements, share that knowledge across teams, stay ahead of industry innovations and emerging technologies, and champion a solution-focused
• Collaborative team culture by modelling the company's values and promoting open, constructive communication.

• 8+ years of experience in apparel development across different lifestyle and performance-led products.
• Demonstrated expertise in lifestyle and performance product categories.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior talent.
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence and support teammates across functions, seniority levels and locations.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, PLM tools and technical documentation.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, performance materials and fit, with confidence leading high-level technical discussions with internal teams and suppliers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience navigating and resolving interpersonal or team challenges with professionalism, empathy and clarity.
• Passion for innovation and performance-driven design, with a track record of delivering technically robust and commercially viable solutions.
• Deep expertise in fit engineering, costing and commercialisation, with proven success in margin management and product commercialisation.
• Willingness to travel globally to support development and production needs as required.
• Strong understanding of best-in-class fit practices and standards, with the ability to problem-solve and collaborate with peers.

• Experience in mentoring or managing others is a strong plus.