Product Developer - Outdoor Hardgoods & Camping Equipment

Application Deadline: 1 January 2027

Department: Buying

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: London

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of seasonal category strategies across Camping, Rucksacks and Outdoor Equipment.
• Identify opportunities for new product development through customer insight, market trends, competitor analysis and product benchmarking.
• Work directly with suppliers to develop innovative products, improve existing ranges and deliver commercial benefits.
• Create and manage detailed product briefs, specifications and technical requirements.
• Own product development projects from concept through to production, ensuring products meet performance, quality and cost requirements.
• Analyse sales performance and customer buying patterns to identify opportunities and drive continuous product improvement.
• Review stock, sales and forecasting information, making recommendations to maximise sales, stock turn and profitability.
• Support buying for multiple international markets including the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating costs, specifications and development timelines.
• Manage the critical path through the entire development process, ensuring products are delivered on time and to specification.
• Coordinate product testing, performance evaluation and compliance requirements.
• Work closely with Quality Control, Design, Merchandising and Supply Chain teams to ensure products meet business and customer expectations.
• Manage the product sample process from prototype review through to final approval.
• Attend product reviews and supplier meetings, providing feedback and recommendations on product performance, functionality and design.
• Regularly review competitor product ranges and identify opportunities to strengthen our market position.
• Support and develop Assistant Buyers and Buying Administrators within the team.

We would like to meet someone who is

• Has experience at Product Developer level
• Has experience within outdoor equipment, camping, sports equipment, travel products, hardgoods or a related technical product category.
• Is passionate about product and enjoys understanding how products work, how they are made and how they can be improved.
• Has experience managing critical paths and working with suppliers throughout the development process.
• Demonstrates strong commercial awareness and can balance product innovation with business requirements.
• Is confident analysing data and using insights to make product and ranging decisions.
• Has excellent relationship-building skills and can work effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Has strong organisational skills and can manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Is highly proficient in Excel and comfortable working with product, sales and forecasting data.
• Has a strong understanding of customer needs and can translate these into commercially successful products.
• Is curious, proactive and solution-focused, with a genuine interest in the outdoor industry.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working, 3 days in London based office & 2 working from home
• Holiday allowance
• 50% staff discount & 25% for family and friends
• Pension scheme