A fractional leadership role owning product design and development for a growing e-commerce comfort and lifestyle brand, from concept through to launch readiness.
Free the Sheep is seeking a hands-on fractional Head of Product Design and Development to lead the next phase of product growth. The role spans the full development lifecycle, from identifying new product opportunities and creating original designs to coordinating tech packs, managing supplier sampling, and maintaining a product launch calendar. The focus extends beyond aesthetics to include commercial viability, repeat purchase mechanics, and speed to market.
The successful contractor will work closely with the founders, operations, and marketing teams to expand the Eden Hoodie line, develop adjacent lifestyle categories, and build a product-led strategy that drives customer loyalty and lifetime value. This is a remote, entrepreneurial engagement suited to someone comfortable executing day-to-day development work alongside strategic direction.
- Own and execute the product design and development roadmap, from ideation through to launch-ready samples
- Expand existing product lines with new colourways, prints, patterns, and limited-edition collections
- Research adjacent product categories and propose new opportunities aligned with brand fit and commercial potential
- Manage tech pack creation and coordinate directly with overseas suppliers and manufacturers
- Drive the sampling process, review samples for quality and accuracy, and communicate revisions to manufacturers
- Maintain a centralised product development tracker and rolling launch calendar, providing regular progress updates
- 5 or more years of experience in consumer product design, apparel, textiles, or related product development disciplines
- Demonstrated ability to take physical products from concept through sampling and into production
- Strong creative skills in prints, patterns, colourways, and product variations
- Direct experience working with overseas manufacturers and managing supplier relationships
- Solid understanding of tech packs, material selection, manufacturing processes, and sample development
- Commercial instincts to balance creativity with profitability and speed to market
Free the Sheep is a fast-growing e-commerce comfort and lifestyle brand best known for its Eden Hoodie. The company develops products designed for everyday wear and repeat purchase, with a focus on expanding its assortment through new categories, seasonal collections, and limited-edition releases.
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