Apparel Product Developer
Shape the product. Influence the trends. Move fast. Join JD Sports as an Apparel Product Developer and bring commercially compelling apparel ranges to life across Australia and New Zealand.
WHO WE ARE
Known best as the 'Undisputed King of Trainers', JD Sports reigns supreme as one of the biggest and best global Sports Fashion brands across footwear and apparel.
Founded in 1981 in Greater Manchester, UK, JD Group has achieved remarkable growth through rapid global expansion and is now one of the world's leading sports fashion retailers. With over 3,400 stores worldwide and more than 70 stores across Australia and New Zealand, we continue to inspire the emerging generation through the universal culture of Sport, Music and Fashion.
Working at JD Sports is a state of mind, an attitude and way of challenging the norm. We do not conform; we create our own path and are elite within our field. At JD Sports, we don't follow trends, we help shape them.
As we continue to grow across ANZ, we’re looking for commercially minded product talent who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about product, trends and consumer behaviour.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for an experienced Apparel Product Developer to join our Buying team and help deliver the next generation of product for the JD customer. You’ll work across some of the world’s biggest sportswear and fashion brands while developing exclusive ranges that set us apart in the market.
Reporting to the Senior Apparel Buyer, you’ll combine trend awareness, product development expertise and commercial thinking to build compelling assortments from concept through to delivery.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Develop and manage exclusive and SMU apparel ranges from concept through to delivery
Identify emerging trends and translate market insights into commercial product opportunities
Collaborate with suppliers, factories and brand partners to deliver best-in-class product
Build compelling assortments aligned to customer demand, sales performance and margin objectives
Manage the product development lifecycle, including sampling, fit approvals and product sign-off
Negotiate costs, lead times and minimum order quantities
Monitor performance and identify opportunities for future development and growth
Present product updates and commercial insights to key stakeholders
Ensure products meet quality, compliance and performance standards
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
You’ll be responsible for helping deliver:
Commercially successful apparel ranges aligned to customer demand
On-time product development milestones, approvals and delivery
Strong margin outcomes through effective cost and lead-time negotiation
High-quality, compliant product that meets performance standards
Exclusive and SMU product opportunities that differentiate JD Sports
Clear product insights that support future range growth
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for a hands-on Product Developer who can confidently balance creativity, commerciality and execution.
Experience
3+ years' experience in Product Development, Apparel Buying or Apparel Design
Experience working within a sports fashion, fashion retail or lifestyle retail environment
Proven experience developing apparel products from concept through to production
Strong understanding of fabrications, garment construction and seasonal product development
Excellent stakeholder management and supplier relationship skills
Strong negotiation and influencing capability
Advanced organisation skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
What Will Set You Apart
Experience across both Men's and Women's Apparel
Experience working with global sports, fashion or outdoor brands
Own-label or private-label product development experience
Commercial analysis, merchandising or planning exposure
Strong Excel and reporting capability
WHY JD SPORTS?
Join one of the world’s leading sports fashion retailers and help create product seen in stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Work closely with global brands, suppliers and key stakeholders
Influence product strategy, range direction and exclusive product development
Be part of a high-performing Buying team
Work for a growing business that continues to invest in its people
Generous staff discounts for you, friends and family
Birthday leave and paid parental leave benefits
Pre-Pay Day lunches and monthly culture committee events
Employee Assistance Program
Brand new central CBD offices
Apply now and take the next step in your product development career with JD Sports.
JD values diversity and inclusion and champions a culture where everyone feels valued, included and celebrated. Please note, by applying for this role, you consent to us completing a Work Rights check to verify your working rights where required.
- Department
- Buying & Merchandise
- Role
- Buyer (Mid-Senior)
- Location
- JD Sports Head Office
- Employment type
- Full-time