Technical Product Designer & Product Innovation Lead

Location: Fareham, Hampshire
Working Pattern: Office based, Fareham, UK
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: £30,000 to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Department: Product Development

About Rooster Sailing Ltd

Born from a love of dinghy sailing, Rooster® was founded in 1999 by Steve Cockerill with a simple mission, to make high quality, accessible sailing gear for everyone.

What began as a personal project in a spare room has grown into a trusted technical clothing brand supporting sailors and watersports enthusiasts across the world. While sailing remains at our heart, Rooster® gear is designed for versatility across the water, from paddleboarding and kayaking to foiling and beyond, adapting to changing conditions all year round.

We are a small team of passionate sailors and watersports enthusiasts who design, test and wear our kit ourselves. We are not here for trends, we are here to make kit that works, lasts and performs when you need it most.

Role Overview

Rooster Sailing Ltd is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Product Designer and Product Innovation Lead to take ownership of Rooster’s product development and innovation.

This is a senior and highly influential role responsible for leading the design, development and commercial delivery of new products across the Rooster range. You will manage the full product lifecycle, from concept and material selection through to sampling, testing, cost control and final production.

This role is central to Rooster’s growth strategy and requires an individual with proven watersports product design experience, strong technical textile knowledge and a clear understanding of how to develop commercially viable, market leading products.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure products are technically robust, commercially realistic, and delivered on time.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

·        Own the technical development of products from concept through to production

·        Translate design intent into clear, accurate technical specifications

·        Create and maintain size charts, measurements, labels, and packaging information

·        Ensure fit, sizing, performance, and user experience meet Rooster standards

·        Contribute to product and range planning discussions with the wider team

Technical & Factory Liaison

·        Communicate directly and clearly with overseas factories and suppliers

·        Manage the sampling process, providing structured feedback and approving revisions

·        Maintain accurate technical files, construction details, and product documentation

·        Ensure wash/care instructions, labelling, and compliance information are correct and up to date

·        Produce and maintain factory packaging and labelling guides

Sampling, Testing & Organisation

·        Organise and track samples, fabrics, trims, and prototypes

·        Assist with product testing and coordinate testing feedback

·        Maintain clear records of samples, timelines, approvals, and changes

Commercial Awareness

·        Work with an understanding of manufacturing constraints such as lead times, minimum order quantities, and production efficiencies

·        Contribute to commercially sensible product decisions that balance design ambition with practical delivery

·        Support discussions around purchasing and production planning

Wider Business Support

·        Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations and Customer Service teams

·        Support product launches, marketing content and sales training

·        Remain flexible and adaptable to support wider business needs

Skills & Experience

Essential

·        Experience in technical product design or product development (technical apparel preferred)

·        Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and materials

·        Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at once

·        Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail

·        Clear, confident written and verbal communication

·        Practical, methodical approach to problem-solving

Desirable

·        Experience working directly with overseas factories

·        Experience in watersports, sailing, or outdoor performance products

·        Knowledge of testing, compliance, and labelling requirements

·        Experience working in a small or fast-moving business environment

Personal Attributes

·        Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership of projects

·        Collaborative, with a willingness to contribute to wider team discussions

·        Commercially minded with a practical, solutions-focused approach

·        Adaptable and hands-on, with a positive attitude to varied workloads

What We Offer

·        A key role in shaping technical products used by sailors worldwide

·        Autonomy and responsibility within a supportive, experienced team

·        The opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle

·        Competitive salary based on experience

Benefits

·        Company pension

·        Private medical cover

·        Staff discount on Rooster products

How to Apply

You decide how you would like to make an impression on us. To apply, please your CV and a Cover letter along with any supporting information you wish to share, to Careers@roostersailing.com.

We would like to see personal examples of product design work that reflect what this role is about. You decide what best represents your experience and technical capability and send it to us as part of your application.

Deadline: 28^th February 2026