Mid-Level Product Developer - mat cover

Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement.

Our vision is to make cycling the most important sport in the world, by transforming the lives of millions. And we're on a mission to create the world’s greatest club through the RCC (Rapha Cycling Club). Led by innovation, we embody our love for the sport by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.

Mid-Level Product Developer

The Product Development team is key to the product creation process, combining expertise with passion to bring product to life. We are a dynamic team with a strong work ethic, together with great team spirit that makes working at Rapha as a Product Developer a unique experience.

The Role

• A key role that is accountable for product ranges to ensure all briefs and critical dates are met. Owning the development of a product collection, ensuring functionality and performance requirements.

• Responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our tier 1 and tier 2 vendors with trips and continuous daily communication. Ensuring all critical path dates and KPIs are met by Rapha and our vendors.

• Analysing reports from tracking documents, highlighting when inaccuracies or missed stage gates occur.

• Collaborate cross functionally with design, atelier and supply chain and garment tech teams to ensure that products are risks assessed in a timely manner and that any subsequent risks are mitigated and managed.

• Work closely with the design team on initial pattern development and construction.

• Drive the sample approval process throughout the product lifecycle.

• Experience in cost engineering, ensuring the product is built to meet target costs and margins, working x-functionally throughout the process.

• Communicate constructional comments to our vendors through the PLM system. Collaborate closely with Product Management, Design and Atelier teams to ensure continuity across all areas.

• Take part as a key function in weekly meetings and fit sessions, offering feedback on vendor capabilities and constructional restraints that will impact the development of products.

• Initiate and manage wear testing and lab testing protocols

• Review construction, measurements and quality of all samples.

• Build, maintain and update product tech packs and the product Bill of Materials on our PLM system, across new styles, carry overs and prints.

• Travel to suppliers, trade shows and events as required.

• Ensure that Rapha quality and performance standards are met throughout the sampling and production process.

• Be part of the quality assurance process within Rapha, an ability to understand and assess Quality Control reports from the supplier, identifying product risks.

The Candidate

Reporting to a senior member of the team, this role will ensure that all products are truly fit for purpose, are of the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner. An effective internal negotiator, this person will be a natural role model to the team.

• A graduate, ideally with a degree in fashion / textiles / sportswear or equivalent work experience.

• Experience working for an apparel brand.

• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

• Confident in making decisions within their remit, a strong and natural leader.

• Effective communicator at all levels of the business.

• Strong understanding of costing templates, variables within manufacturing and the impact of construction, materials and patterns to a product.

• A determined team player, who is able to support team members with their knowledge and confidence.

• Ideally has experience working with technical performance materials.

• Must have an excellent attention to detail and be proficient in using Mac OS, Adobe Illustrator and G Suite. Confident working on CAD’s, Lay-plans and print files using Adobe Illustrator.

• Must be able to challenge the status quo and question to ensure the product brief is met and that the vendors are receiving all correct and up-to-date necessary technical information

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, experience and knowledge of working with overseas factories is helpful but not essential.

• Ideally a cyclist or sports enthusiast, who is keen to develop their riding skills and use their passion for sport to improve 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 for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office

• 25 days annual leave

• 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event

• A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme

• 2 Company Bike Ride days per year

• An annual clothing allowance of £1,200 for testing and promotional purpose

• A company bonus scheme

• A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year

• Mental health support with MyndUp

• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office

• Subsidised lunches 3 days per week

• Office social events, talks and Q&As with industry and sporting leaders

• Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry

• A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends

• Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo

• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club

• Cycle2Work scheme

• Company Pension Scheme

• Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay