Product Developer

ABOUT FINISTERRE

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre is proudly B Corp certified and a leader in its field; designing functional and sustainable products for those that share a love of the sea and adventure. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall or in one of our eleven retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.

Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes’ Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.

Our people are at the very heart of the Finisterre brand, wherever they may be in the world, sharing our values and vision to make the world a better place. Culture and team are everything here. We take care to create a working environment where our people are valued and can thrive and grow with us. It’s a buzzing place to work, and we are privileged to enjoy the natural environment and ocean on a daily basis.

As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are, if you embody our values to be Brave, Honest and Driven, if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our purpose in the Product Development team is to bring Finisterre’s latest seasonal designs to life by managing the development process from design handover of the 2D CAD to the creation of 3D samples across our menswear, womenswear and accessories ranges.

The PD team manages the prototype sampling up to P2/SMS stage, ensures cost margins are met, builds relationships with our much valued suppliers and guarantees that the fit, materials and quality of our products meets our customer expectations and compliancy commitments.

As the Product Developer you will report into the Head of Product Development, in a highly collaborative role working alongside the Product Development team and in collaboration with the Fabric, Design, Technical and Buying & Sourcing teams.

The Product Development department at Finisterre is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our team for a period of three to four months from December 2024 until the end of March 2025 (must be able to start by the beginning of January 2025).

This fixed term contract presents an exciting opportunity to gain hands on experience working with an apparel and product development team and be exposed to the behind the scenes of building a Finisterre collection. We would welcome all applicants from varied levels who feel that they align with our Finisterre values and that they could bring their unique and relevant experience to this opportunity!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work on select categories from design handover through to 2nd proto/SMS stage.
• With guidance from the PD team you will support with the following: building initial prototype tech packs, sending P1 requests to factories, inputting size charts, inputting BOM, ensuring component information is updated for impact reporting, fitting P1 samples, sending P1 comments to factories and requesting P2/SMS, sending bulk BOMs.
• Collaborate with the Fabric, Design, Buying & Sourcing and Technical teams on the development of new products across Finisterre’s range, working across men’s, women’s and accessories.
• Be able to confidently communicate via phone, email and videocalls with our suppliers.
• Support with tracking and checking in samples to ensure that all proto samples are to hand when needed cross functionally.
• Attend 1st and 2nd proto sample fit sessions for your select categories, taking fit notes on our PLM systems with close support from the PD team.
• Following fit sessions send clear and concise fit and construction comments with annotated fit photos to our suppliers with close support from the PD team.
• Create size specs with support from the technical team at handover stage.
• Create and amend BOM’s with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Contribute to the presentation of your category at proto 1 review.
• Provide support to our Fabric Developer with requests and approvals for both components and trims, ensuring consistency across suppliers and that our compliancy standards are upheld.
• Assist with the general upkeep, admin and running of the PD team and workspace.
• Adhoc requests from the Head of Product Development.

Requirements

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTERRE

• You will possess a positive, can do attitude, willingness to learn and an eagerness to get stuck in a support the PD team with varied tasks.
• You will either have some formal training and/or industry experience related to the product design/development field.
• An understanding of garment construction, fabric knowledge, bill of materials, pattern cutting, fit, quality.
• Interest or experience in knitwear or swimwear preferable.
• Able to work both autonomously and within a team, be self motivated and demonstrate commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Ideally have prior experience using a PLM system such as Backbone or Centric.
• You’ll have excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially using Excel.
• Competent using Adobe Illustrator for tech pack comments.
• You’ll demonstrate excellent communication skills, networking and interpersonal skills. You’ll be able to communicate clearly and articulately, both in writing and verbally to colleagues at all levels, suppliers, and collaborators.
• Strong numerical skills and appreciation for accuracy within this role.
• Possess organisational skills with a thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Willing to learn and demonstrate a proactive approach to tasks and projects.
• A positive can-do attitude, will welcome change in a fast-moving environment and be able to manage yourself under pressure.
• You’ll bring passion, energy and aspiration to your work and have a strong alignment with Finisterre brand values, products and customers.
• You’ll demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, and social and environmental sustainability.

Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

Benefits

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE

We are offering a Full time (37.5hours a week) or Part time (minimum 3 days a week), three to four months fixed term contact from December 2024 until March 2025 (must be able to start by the beginning of January) based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall. We’ll invest in you with a competitive salary, reflective of your skills and experience.

But it’s not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:

• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance
• A pension scheme with Nest
• 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays
• Additional holidays for length of service
• Your birthday day off
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use
• 30% Friends and Family product discount
• Life assurance with access to an employee assistance program
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing programs, including counselling services, headspace membership, eye tests, yoga, cycle to work and a range of perks
• Regular company social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes
• Various discounts from our B Corp community
• Individual training and development plans
• Sea Tuesday companywide updates
• And so much more!

Closing date: Friday 1st November. We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so we’d encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.

Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.