REFY is seeking a highly organised and creative Product Development Assistant to join our fast-growing, forward-thinking NPD team.
This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full product development lifecycle.
The PD Assistant will support the team in delivering innovative, trend-led products across a diverse range of categories including accessories, textile-based merchandise, PR boxes, GWP’s, and product exclusives.
This is a collaborative role, working closely with key departments such as NPD, Brand Marketing, PR, Creative and Retail, contributing to innovative high-impact launches.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Product Design & Development team in the creation of accessories, GWP items, exclusive products, PR boxes, branded merchandise, and campaign-related items.
- Assist with trend and material research across fashion, beauty, interiors, packaging, and lifestyle to support concept development and product inspiration.
- Help prepare design and development briefs and specification documents, ensuring key information is gathered and shared with suppliers and factories.
- Assist in managing product samples, tracking their status, organising reviews, and compiling sample feedback with guidance from the team.
- Work closely with the Product Designer to support the development of mockups, prototypes, and mood boards.
- Help maintain and update tech packs, ensuring they reflect the latest sample revisions and comments.
- Assist on fast-paced development timelines and respond to evolving project priorities ensuring communication and escalated to the appropriate team.
- Attend trade shows (UK and international, where relevant) alongside team members to learn about new suppliers, materials, and trends.
- Support the organisation of design files, swatches, materials, and sample archives.
- Work cross-functionally with the Creative, Brand, and Community teams to ensure products align with PR & campaign needs and customer insight.
- Assist with cost tracking and supplier communication, helping compile pricing information and alternatives.
Skills, knowledge and expertise
- A keen interest in beauty, fashion, interior and lifestyle trends.
- Art and design related degree and/or experience in a design or product development related role.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments and external partners.
- Ability to work in a reactive, fast-paced development environment.
- The ability to problem solve and use initiative.
- A can do attitude and responsive approach.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Confidence using Microsoft Office / Google Workspace (Excel, Sheets, Docs, etc.).
Nice to have
- Knowledge of production processes, sampling, and working with suppliers and factories.
- Knowledge of fabric and trim terminology and how fabrics perform. 1 year industry experience.
Benefits
- 25+ Days Holiday: Start with 25, earn one for every year's service (up to 5)
- Extra Holidays: Option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Community First Day: A day to support a cause you love.
- Bonus Scheme: Rewards for your hard work and success.
- Family Leave: Enhanced support for new parents.
- EV Scheme: Drive electric with salary sacrifice options.
- Financial Coaching: Guidance to boost your money mindset.
- Flexible Religious Holidays: Flexibility to honour days that matter to you.
- Flexible Working: Flexi start and finish times with the option to work one day per week from home.
- REFY Product Perks: Annual allowance + exclusive discounts.
- Regular Social Events: Team-Building days and seasonal parties.
- Career Growth: Tailored training and development opportunities.
- Vitality Health Insurance: Health coverage with added benefits.
About Refy
- Aspirational Yet Understated: We are an aspirational brand and workforce that pushes boundaries and disrupts the market in an understated way.
- Community First: We prioritise community and collaboration.
- Lead Don't Follow: We champion innovation and initiative, creating an environment where people are empowered to lead and bring ideas to the table.
- Live. Laugh. Love: We believe in fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment, promoting a healthy work-life balance and encouraging laughter and love along the way.
- Your Most Confident Self: We believe in empowering our team members to bring their most confident and authentic selves to work.