Bravissimo is a multi-channel retailer with turnover of £40million.It has an established business in lingerie and swimwear. This new role was created in order to develop female clothing, bra sized outerwear and nightwear under the Bravissimo label.
£6 million budget responsibility.
Reporting to Product Director.
My key responsibilities included: -
• Team management and development
• Product Development
• Supplier Management
• Stock Management
• Cross functional communication
Team Management
Recruited technical team to develop styles in-house from first concept to approved graded samples. Devised and managed the processes and critical paths that were needed in order to deliver the clothing plan.
Produced concepts and ideas for 6 capsule collections per year.
Managed the supply and allocation of these products to ensure that they were available to meet customer demand via stand-alone shops, mail order magazine and website.
Researched trends and competitor’s product offer.
Responsible for the day-to-day activities of in-house and freelance specialists (i.e. designers, pattern cutters, sample machinists)

Product Development
Responsible for the selection and management of suppliers, ensuring that they provided the best possible service, price and quality.
Provided all creative direction in terms of the look/feel, the fabric and trim selections as well as the colour palettes for each capsule.

Stock Availability and Supplier Management
Forecast sales quantities, devised size ratios and placed orders with suppliers in line with critical path dates.
Co-ordinated the allocation of stock for 13 stores, web and mail order business; ensuring the best stock availability for each location.
Managed the disposal of terminal stock

This role focuses on the strategic development of the Active and Beachlife product areas (approx 25% of the Speedo business).

My remit was to: -
• Develop a Global strategy for these product areas, including
Sourcing strategy
Developing Licensee Business in emerging markets alongside Regional Business Development Managers
Defining look/feel of new product areas, including communication strategies
• Research market requirements to create global range briefs
• Lead development of breakthrough product with respect to innovation and aesthetic design. Turn market research into easily communicated features and benefits for the consumer.
• Integrate Operations with both the Category team and the Speedo Manufacturing and Fabric Sourcing Strategy
• Manage product development; establishing proper pricing strategies; in store and below the line promotion/packaging; and, with the Sales Director establishing appropriate distribution channels
• Member of SAP implementation team. Involved with all Pentland brands to establish the requirements of new system across all areas of the business.

The role of Category Manager was a strategic extension of the position I held as Head of Product. I liaised directly with the Board of Directors of Speedo and the wider Pentland Group. I was responsible for the strategic business development of the category from a global perspective. I lead a multi functional business team to maintain and grow the profitability of the Category.

• 6 Direct Reports –Category Marketing Manager, Four Product Managers, Secretary
• Key Relationships were with the Speedo Exec, other General Category Managers, Country General Managers/Field Sales Operations, Key Suppliers, Key Customers, Advertising/Research Agencies
• Full financial accountability including P&L and Balance Sheet-Budget Responsibility £950,000

I managed a team of Product Managers, Designers and Garment Technologists.
Within the Beach Category my team was responsible for the design and development of Mens and Ladies Leisure Swimwear and Apparel, Ladies Fitness, Men’s Watershorts, Junior Swimwear and Apparel, Headwear and Bags. We worked on two main season ranges, with supplementary ranges to cover our own retail requirements and the needs of key customers. Developing approximately 600 styles per year.
My key responsibilities included the following: -
• Identify and interpret future trends and incorporate into range plan
• Develop product range
• Source new innovative materials, trims, and accessories
• Identify and develop new product sources-European and Far East
• Approve designs and product specifications
• Ensure quality standards are maintained
• Negotiate prices with suppliers
• Review prototypes-design/fit etc
• Present product range to sales teams, key accounts and international markets
• Liaise with marketing departments to create effective sales aids/catalogues etc
• Manage product development budget

As I have progressed from Senior Product Manager to Head of Department, I have gained considerable experience of design and product management of a variety of product groups. I am extremely versatile and used to working to tight deadlines. My design background has proven very useful in terms of creative direction and technical knowledge (Apple Mac-Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop).

June 2001-November 2002 Speedo International Ltd
Senior Product Manager-Female Leisure (Swimwear and Apparel)

March 1999-June 2001 Speedo International Ltd
Designer/Product Manager-Leisure Product- (Mens /Ladies Swimwear)

Design Company specialising in Textile print and Apparel sourcing for the licensed sportswear market.
My role as manager of a team of graphic designers and production artists included
• Range planning
• Production scheduling
• Price negotiation
• Prototype specifications and fitting
• Hands on technical design-graphic and apparel design
• Range presentation to European and UK Key Accounts
• Co-ordinating licensing approval with Warner Bros, NBA, NFL, UEFA
• Production of seasonal product catalogues
• Manage department budget

Textile Design and Printing Company
This role involved
• Designing textile prints and embroideries
• Colour and trend research for men’s, ladies and children’s markets
• Presentation of designs to key accounts
• Developing new print techniques
• Production liaison from design through to production