Product Development Associate

Role overview

This contract role is based in Dublin and focuses on supporting product development and creative approvals for fashion and home retailers. The position combines hands-on creative input, review of submitted designs and samples, and close coordination with internal and external partners to help deliver products that reflect brand direction and commercial goals.

Core duties

• Partner with the DTR Softline’s Hub to support the best possible outcomes across projects.
• Create tailored creative support materials such as DTR briefs and point-of-view boards to inspire key fashion retailers.
• Develop concept CADs and provide product and design development input for selected DTR fashion retailers as needed.
• Assess samples and design submissions to confirm they align with brand standards and legal obligations.
• Represent the brand in approval decisions, judging submissions against creative direction, product quality, and brand strategy.
• Approve or decline submissions in line with the set creative and legal criteria.
• Review and comment on concept, pre-production, and final samples using knowledge of manufacturing, company procedures, and brand rules.
• Provide feedback on product, packaging, marketing, and point-of-sale materials submitted by licensees.
• Maintain close working relationships with EMEA counterparts, designers, product development, commercial teams, franchise teams, and other stakeholders to keep approvals moving smoothly.
• Drive fresh, trend-led product ideas that help support KPIs, revenue goals, and wider business objectives.
• Carry out research with the product development team to stay informed about competitors and the market landscape.
• Support the London creative team with mood boards, toolkits, comparative shopping reviews, and fashion graphics for licensees when required.
• Visit retailer offices as agreed to provide onsite guidance and approvals.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants should have at least 3 years of experience in product development or design. Experience across both fashion and home is essential, and prior exposure to high-street fashion retailers is preferred. A design degree or similar qualification is preferred.

Skills and knowledge

The role calls for strong PC skills, including Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel, along with working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. You should be able to process information quickly, identify priorities, and learn and apply brand guidelines, intellectual property rules, and approval procedures. An eye for detail, strong visual judgement, and the ability to describe imagery accurately in writing are important, as is familiarity with art production, manufacturing processes, digital images, and AI-generated images. Strong spelling, grammar, punctuation, and overall English usage are also required.

Working style

You will need to work independently, communicate clearly and tactfully with people at all levels, and manage a busy workload in a fast-moving environment. Strong organisation, professional stakeholder handling, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are key expectations.

Additional notes

The manager may update or amend duties and job requirements at any time.