Product Developer/ Merchandiser

My client is an established, leading key supplier of multi licensed products to most major UK and European retailers. They are looking for an experienced Product developer / Sales support / Merchandiser to join their Leicester office.  Candidates must have previous experience working with Apparel in a similar role.  This role requires  maintaining strong customer, supplier relationships, attending customer meetings and ensuring a smooth handover between departments.   Product Developer / Merchandiser - The role  Negotiating prices with factories and customers From customer brief, liaise with designers and factories Trend research Oversea factories sampling & execution of product Looking at new product techniques, fabric types and prints Ensuring approval process for concepts is approved from buying and licensing Managing product development trackers Raising orders Checking details on customer contracts Liaising with factories / in country merchandisers daily, on email & phone with regards to Critical Path order follow up Updating and analysing internal and customer critical paths Conducting weekly calls with In-country merchandisers, factories Managing sample approval – sending lab dips/strike offs/samples to customer Coordinating between licensing department and QA/Tech on sample approvals Liaising with logistics department to ensure goods are delivered on time Liaising with design department, send artworks to factories Checking label artworks and giving approvals to factory Identifying production issues and dealing with issues may arise Ability to read test reports & send production pieces to the lab Maintain strong customer, supplier relationship Attend customer meetings   Skills required Highly organised Ability to work under pressure & cope with tight deadlines Attention to detail Proactive approach Previous experience in licensing would be an advantage Previous experience in Children’s wear, Jersey / Knitted Previous experience in Garment Physical and Chemical testing Familiar with Microsoft Office packages and Outlook Ensuring a smooth handover between departments