Product Engineer Accessories and Hard Goods (mid-level)

Founded in 2004, Rapha exists to inspire the world to live life by bike. We believe that cycling has the power to improve people’s lives but as well as enjoying it for what it is today, we are determined to change cycling and open it up to more people so that they too can discover the joys of riding a bike.

Rapha combines performance, quality and style at the highest level to produce the finest cycling apparel and accessories on the market. Our world class team is seeking a product developer with the ability to engineer the designs of luggage, gloves and other soft accessories to the highest standards, seeking out innovative solutions for new and inspiring products.

We are a diverse and collaborative team, and the ideal candidate will be able to bring their product & cycling passion to help us grow our luggage and gloves range.

The Role

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• Manage end-to-end product development for accessories with a focus on bags and gloves, but covering a large selection of other accessories as well (i.e. headwear, bidons and others)

  
  

• Ensure product functionality, performance, and quality meet standards and timelines.

  
  

• Clear understanding of critical paths and milestones of specific product and component development for the assigned categories.

  
  

• Build strong vendor relationships, providing feedback and support.

  
  

• Collaborate across teams to assess product risks and meet cost targets.

  
  

• Administer PLM for new developments, colours, and product maintenance.

  
  

• Review samples for quality and standards, maintaining tech packs.

  
  

• Engage in wear testing, analyse feedback, and share insights.

  
  

• Source materials based on product concepts.

  
  

• Create measurement specifications, inputting grading and sizing rules where applicable and follow up on these specifications.

  
  

• Monitor colour approvals and component development.

  
  

• Travel as needed for supplier visits and events

  
  

The Candidate

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• The candidate must ensure that products are truly fit for purpose, of the highest quality and developed in a timely manner, balancing a keen sense of quality with cycling legitimacy.

  
  

• At least 3-5 years of experience working for a lifestyle or sportswear brand in bags/accessories space.

  
  

• Effective internal negotiator, this person will be a natural role model to the wider team, as they will be working across various categories.

  
  

• A graduate, ideally with a degree in fashion / sportswear.

  
  

• Strong time management and organisational skills. The ability to roll up your sleeves and participate in any task with a positive attitude.

  
  

• Determined and supportive team player, with the ability to help build more junior members’ knowledge and confidence to benefit the wider team.

  
  

• Has an understanding of costing template variables and the impact of construction, materials and patterns on this.

  
  

• Has excellent knowledge of technical performance materials and their properties.

  
  

• Must have acute attention to detail and be proficient in using Mac OS, Adobe Illustrator and G Suite.

  
  

• Strong experience and knowledge of working with overseas factories.

  
  

• Be able to work to tight and challenging deadlines.

  
  

• Must be able to understand and manage risk and be able to elevate any risks that impact on the delivery of the product toa senior level.

  
  

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

  
  

• Ideally a cyclist or an active outdoor person who is keen to develop their riding skills and use their passion for sport toimprove our product range.

  
  

Working at Rapha 

We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer.

• Flexible working hours
• Support ad-hoc remote working during the week - Minimum 3 days in office
• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
• Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
• We offer a flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle to cycling through our Getting Started Scheme.
• We offer all our employees a 50% apparel discount and a discount for family and friends
• An annual clothing allowance
• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
• Company Pension Scheme