Product Developer - Seasonal

In a nutshell

The Product Developer’s goal is to develop ranges that provide outstanding quality, excellent value, and style that meet our customers’ expectations and set us aside from the competition. This will require collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders across Innovation, Sourcing, Buying, UK Design and Technical teams to ensure our Own Brand products are developed in line with the design briefs and is delivered right first time at the right price.

What I need to do

• Collaborate globally to meet Seasonal and Gifting product development needs, aligning with the global sourcing strategy and GBB Hierarchy standards.
• Hold regular progress meetings with UK teams to understand market trends, competitor activity, and ensure product standards and styles meet market expectations.
• Work with the UK Design Team to understand and share design trends and briefs, encouraging new product ideas in Asia.
• Assist the Product Development Manager by sharing supplier innovations and materials, supporting seasonal intents and range reviews in the UK.
• Support key suppliers by identifying product opportunities and communicating design updates to ensure quality and price expectations are met.
• Deliver outstanding products and ensure first-time sample accuracy by communicating design trends to suppliers and collaborating with merchandise teams.
• Understand the supply base, design direction, and manufacturing costs to guide suppliers and fuel the development process.
• Follow products from briefing to sign-off, liaising with suppliers to meet target costs and product briefs.
• Advise suppliers on product engineering to meet brand standards and market position.
• Identify market opportunities and deliver relevant sourcing projects, filtering supplier proposals for review.
• Support buying trips and manage further development between trips and final selection.
• Strengthen sampling processes across Asia teams to consistently deliver high-quality products.
• Coordinate product development and design briefs across regions and suppliers to meet design and price expectations.
• Attend trade fairs for inspiration, new suppliers, and product opportunities, encouraging innovation and trends.
• Read trend boards and customer preference boards to guide suppliers in curating product ranges for UK teams.
• Spot opportunities and unlock new products with a strategic mindset.

What I need to know

• Experience of variety of seasonal category products – gifting, papershop and stationery ,garden tools, camping, etc.
• Design/ Buying with product development experience on Own Brand range building
• Confident in translating trends and inspiration into commercial product
• High level of commercial acumen & understanding of the UK market, retail price positioning and margin expectations
• Good written and spoken English
• Good Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and basic knowledge of MS Office.
• Stay abreast of UK commercial performance with regular meetings with the UK team
• A good understanding of competitor activity – through comp shops when possible and online research.
• Ability to develop strong external relationships with suppliers and the UK teams
• Independent & able to work autonomously
• Willing & wants to be out in the field & travel
• Strong team work ethic

What I need to show

Our Valued Behaviours are our common DNA that every colleague should live by and provide the benchmark for how we deliver our goals/individual contribution, and how we relate to other colleagues in the organisation.

• Own it
• Make it better
• Be human
• Always do what you say you’ll do and suggest solutions for problems as you spot them
• Ask questions and contribute honestly in discussions or conversations
• Prioritise your work in line with team or project goals
• Willing to try new approaches in order to improve and simplify
• Embrace variety and open to opportunities to transfer your skills to new challenges
• Seek information to better understand your role and how teams around you operate
• Act on feedback you receive and give accurate and timely feedback to others
• Show care and respect to everyone
• Seek opportunities to connect with others and build trusted relationships
• Walk in the shoes of your internal and external customers, considering their needs in all you do

At Sainsbury’s we want to be a truly inclusive retailer, where every one of our colleagues can fulfil their potential, and where all our customers feel welcome when they shop with us. By truly embracing differences we can create a more inclusive workplace for every colleague, regardless of their background. Find out more about diversity, equity and inclusion (D,E&I) at Sainsbury’s, and the difference that you can make - https://about.sainsburys.co.uk/

We understand how important work life balance is and the benefits this brings for you, your role and our business. At Sainsbury’s Argos Asia we have a Working more flexibly policy in place to enable you to choose the best environment to get your job done productively. Exactly how you work will vary from role to role and between teams, depending on the nature of your work and specific goals. You will be able to manage your time better and concentrate on your wellbeing, giving you time to exercise, spend time with your family and friends when it matters or just to simply recharge your batteries.