At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear; “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. That’s because we passionately believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors, whether that be the daily dog walk or hiking Ben Nevis, horse riding or cold water therapy, we provide the best equipment for all outdoor activities, always at the best price guaranteed! Our values aren’t just posters on the wall, we live them every day; ‘One Team ‘we are stronger together’, ‘Responsibility ‘we take ownership’, ‘Passion ‘we believe in what we do’ and ‘Integrity ‘we do the right thing’. Clear values which help us to fulfil our mission to be ‘the nations favourite outdoor retailer’. If you share our passion and want to make a difference join our team to be a part of something ‘unbeatable’!
Junior Product Developer - Outdoors Responsible to: Senior Product Developer Department: Outdoors Product Development Hours: 40 Hours Location: Bury HQ
Role Overview As a branded and own-brand business, we take pride in offering the best outdoor ranges, featuring the latest and most exclusive products across our Outdoor fascias. Our Design and Development team works closely with Buying, Merchandising, and suppliers to create world-class, exclusive products. The Junior Product Developer will play a key role in supporting the development of our successful and established Hard Goods Product Development Team that creates market leading and award winning outdoor products. This position involves assisting the development team with both administration and product development tasks, ensuring that all products are fit for purpose, meet quality standards, and align with margin requirements. Ultimately, this role helps equip our consumers for life outdoors by delivering innovative, high-quality products that reflect our commitment to excellence. This role is ideal for someone in the early stage of their career who is creative, organised, comfortable using systems, and curious about how products are made. What You’ll Be Doing Providing support for the Senior Product Developers to ensure that factories follow company supplier guidelines and product is developed to the critical path. Product Development Support & Systems • Maintaining accurate product information across internal systems and folders keeping the development team running smoothly. • Communicating with suppliers on product queries, specifications and updates. • Updating and organising specifications, costs, samples and documents. • Developing an understanding of costings, margins and how product decisions impact commercial performance. • Taking ownership of data accuracy within PLM and internal systems. • Supporting sample tracking, AQLs and approvals. • Work with buying, merchandising, web and marketing teams to communicate updates on product progress, specifications and photography. • Review and approve artwork and packaging prior to production.
Learning Product Development • Learning about the construction methods and materials specific to outdoor products and hard goods. • Supporting Product Developers with new product ideas, updates and improvements. • Helping review samples and learning how products are constructed and tested. • Getting involved in research, competitor reviews and product ideas. • Gradually taking responsibility for small product tasks or projects as confidence grows. • Supporting the team in maintaining and tracking the critical path to ensure deadlines are met.
Technical, Quality & Compliance Awareness • Supporting management of testing, compliance and quality documents. • Learning how products meet UK and EU safety standards. • Supporting the team in spotting issues or areas for improvement. • Working with Senior developers to run the trial programme, collating feedback and comments from testers. • Supporting improvements that make products more durable, better designed and better for the planet. • Learning about materials, packaging and sustainability choices.
About You Essential • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) • Interested in products, design and how things are made. • Happy in a support role but motivated to grow and develop. • Positive, reliable and keen to be part of a successful team.
Desirable • Experience with design software (Illustrator, Corel) • Understanding of product testing and safety standards • Experience working with overseas suppliers • Strong interest in product development and the outdoor industry.
Due to the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it takes time to review them all. If you don't hear back within two weeks of you applying, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st stage meeting with the talent team. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with the hiring manager. Thank you again for your time
