Product Design Manager

Product Design Manager

About WERKVIS

WERKVIS is a European brand specialising in professional hi-visibility workwear designed in Europe, produced for reliability and comfort, and distributed from our base in Cologne, Germany. Our brand is built around three core pillars:
Safety
,
Speed
, and
Style
we deliver certified safety apparel, fast logistics across Europe, and modern, design-led aesthetic for professionals in construction, logistics, road work and other visibility-critical industries. We take sustainability seriously: ethical sourcing, durable materials, traceability and certification (BSCI, SGS) are embedded in our approach.

Role Purpose

As Product Design Manager at WERKVIS, you will lead the design and development of our workwear product range from concept through to finished garment ensuring that our collections strongly embody our brand promise of safety, speed, and style. You will manage cross-functional collaboration (R&D, sourcing, engineering, supply chain, marketing) and drive innovation in materials, fit, function, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full product design and development lifecycle: from ideation, sketching, specification, prototyping, fit reviews, sample approval, to production hand-off.
• Define and oversee the seasonal design strategy in line with brand values (Safety | Speed | Style) and customer needs.
• Collaborate with external design partners and internal teams to develop modern and functional workwear collections (jackets, vests, trousers, polos, etc.).
• Drive innovation in materials, construction techniques, ergonomic fit, reflective visibility, weather-resistance and durability while balancing cost and manufacturing constraints.
• Ensure product designs comply with relevant international safety standards and certifications (e.g., EN ISO 20471, hi-vis standards).
• Partner closely with sourcing, manufacturing and logistics teams to manage timelines, cost targets, quality standards, and supply-chain efficiencies.
• Oversee sample development, approve trims, colors, fabrications and fit; manage pilot runs and pre-production trials.
• Influence brand presentation through design bringing a modern, stylish aesthetic to workwear without compromising performance or safety.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to translate design stories into compelling product launches, catalogues, photography and B2B materials.
• Monitor industry trends (materials, workwear ergonomics, safety regulations, sustainability) and competitor offerings; identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Maintain and evolve design documentation, technical packages, fit libraries and product histories.
• Mentor and manage a small design/development team (if applicable), fostering creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in fashion design, textile engineering, product development or related field.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in apparel design — preferably in workwear, outerwear, technical apparel or safety gear.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating product design from concept through to production, with evidence of innovation in materials, fit and function.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, manufacturing constraints, and supply chain realities.
• Experience working with safety certification standards and regulated apparel is a plus.
• Excellent project management skills: able to manage multiple collections and projects, timelines, budgets and stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills: working across design, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing teams and external partners.
• Creative mindset with strong attention to detail and a passion for combining functional performance with modern style.
• Strategic thinking: able to align product design with brand vision, market needs and business objectives.
• Fluency in English; German proficiency is a plus given our base in Germany and European distribution.
• Willingness to travel (Europe) occasionally for vendor/supplier visits, trade-shows or fit-sessions.

What We Offer

• A strong brand with clear purpose and growing presence across Europe.
• Opportunity to shape and drive the full product design agenda for a premium hi-vis workwear brand.
• A collaborative, dynamic work environment where safety, style and innovation come first.
• Competitive compensation and possibility of growth into broader product leadership roles.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for professional development.
• Engagement in sustainability efforts working with certified supply chains and helping drive responsible design.