Robert Chatwin Email & Phone Number

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

Enderby

Melbourne, Australia

Sri Lanka

Product Manager in a dynamic, independent buying office, servicing retailers worldwide across a wide range of products. Clients ranged from discounters to fashion brands, requiring a highly targeted approach to development.Sourcing new fabrics, wash, embellishments to market to customersDeveloping ranges from customers own design direction and original ideas for saleWorking closely with merchandising teams to ensure samples are made to spec, with correct appearance and on timeDeveloping directly with fabric mills, printers and wash plantsConsidering approach in conjunction with the wider group to secure businessNegotiating with vendors, both on pricing and securing sampling and production capacity

Responsible for all aspects of garment development for sale to mens and boys jersey divisions, in the sourcing arm of Next Plc., including;Fabric sourcing and developmentDeveloping trims and embellishmentsEnsuring buying samples are made on time, with correct handwritingNegotiating with suppliersWorking closely with design teams to deliver required productWorking with other regional offices to ensure orders remain within the groupStrategy planning with UK teams to offer best route to customer2 direct reports, also work closely to provide direction to development and production merchandise teamsSuccessfully sold own designed product into kids ranges

Buyer, older boys and baby/toddler boys, woven and jersey. Part of the team that grew Next kids wear to market leader in the UK.Responsible for managing all aspects of the buying process, from design presentation through to product launch.Working closely with the design team from garment inspiration to final fit, providing direction to ensure the right balance of product is designed.Placing product with the right supplier, in the appropriate region, to ensure quality, price and delivery requirements are met.Broad experience of negotiating prices with garment manufacturers and fabric suppliers to achieve target margins.Responsible for introducing new suppliers to the chain to offer better product and price to the range

Hilton Design and PrintExperience in designing and preparing artworks for screen production and programming embroidery machines, in a small embellishment supplier.