Position Summary

The Product Planner & Developer – Apparel & Luggage is responsible for helping shape, develop and deliver Daiwa Australia’s apparel, luggage and related accessory ranges.

The role combines product planning, consumer and market insight, technical product development, supplier management and commercial judgement. Working from concept through to launch and ongoing lifecycle management, the Product Planner & Developer will help identify what products Daiwa should develop, why they are needed and how they can be successfully brought to market.

Working closely with the Product Development Manager, internal teams, designers, factories and suppliers, the role will contribute to the long-term direction of the category while taking hands-on responsibility for product briefs, specifications, samples, testing, quality and development timelines.

The role will help Daiwa create products that balance technical fishing performance, outdoor functionality, comfort, fit, style and broader lifestyle appeal. It will also bring new thinking and perspectives to how Daiwa can meet the needs of both existing anglers and the next generation of fishing consumers.

Key Responsibilities

Product Planning,Range Development & lifecycle management

• Assist in the development and execution of seasonal and long-term product strategies for fishing apparel, luggage, and related accessories. 
• Identify market trends, consumer needs, and competitor activities to support new product opportunities. 
• Develop and maintain product briefs, specifications, timelines, and development schedules. 
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and management teams to ensure product ranges align with business commercial objectives and customer demand. 
• Contribute to annual and multi-year product planning initiatives. 

Design & Product Creation

• Coordinate the development of new apparel and luggage products from concept through production. 
• Work closely with designers to refine product concepts, materials, colours, trims, branding, and functionality. 
• Ensure products meet performance requirements specific to fishing, outdoor environments and lifestyle.
• Assist in developing technical specifications, sizing, and construction details. 
• Drive continuous improvement in product innovation, functionality, and quality. 

Sample Development & Assessment

• Manage the sample development process from prototype through to pre-production approval. 
• Evaluate samples for design accuracy, fit, functionality, durability, materials, construction quality, and overall market suitability. 
• Conduct product testing and provide detailed feedback to suppliers and factories. 
• Coordinate revisions and improvements to achieve final product approval. 
• Maintain sample records and development documentation. 

Factory & Supplier Liaison

• Act as the primary point of contact between the company and manufacturing partners. 
• Communicate product requirements, specifications, and quality expectations clearly to suppliers and factories. 
• Monitor development timelines and ensure projects remain on schedule. 
• Resolve product development, manufacturing, and quality issues in collaboration with suppliers. 
• Support factory visits, supplier meetings, and production reviews where required. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners. 

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure products meet company quality standards and performance expectations. 
• Assist in developing quality control procedures and product testing protocols. 
• Review production samples and pre-shipment approvals. 
• Work with suppliers to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations. 

Future Product Innovation

• Research emerging fabrics, materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes. 
• Identify opportunities for innovation in fishing apparel and luggage categories. 
• Contribute to future product concepts and strategic range development. 
• Monitor industry trends and customer feedback to drive product evolution and market leadership. 

Present new product ideas and recommendations to management. 

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in product planning, product development, or sourcing within apparel, luggage, outdoor, sporting goods, or related industries. 
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, and luggage manufacturing processes. 
• Experience managing products through multiple stages of the development lifecycle, from concept and specification through sampling, testing and production.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and product requirements. 
• Strong project management and organisational skills. 
• Excellent communication and supplier management abilities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 

Desirable

• Experience within the outdoor or sporting goods industries. 
• Knowledge of technical apparel and performance fabrics. 
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers and sourcing partners. 
• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator or product design software. 
• Understanding of product quality-assurance, testing, labelling and compliance processes.
• Relevant qualifications in product development, fashion, textiles, industrial design, merchandising or a related discipline.
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Personal Attributes

• Consumer curious. Genuine interest in understanding how people fish, travel, spend time outdoors and use products, including consumers whose needs may differ from their own.
• Creative but commercially grounded. Enjoys developing new ideas but understands that successful products must also meet price, margin, quality and market requirements.
• Product obsessed. Notices the details that make a product genuinely better and is willing to question why something has always been done a particular way.
• Collaborative and low ego. Works openly with Product, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and external partners, shares information and values expertise from different disciplines.
• Accountable. Takes ownership of projects, follows issues through and communicates early when timelines or outcomes are at risk.
• Connected to our purpose. Motivated by creating products and experiences that can inspire more people to fish and create genuine WOW moments for consumers.

Please note that we are managing the recruitment for this position internally and are not seeking assistance from recruitment agencies at this stage.

We kindly ask recruiters not to contact us regarding this vacancy or submit unsolicited candidate profiles.

Thank you for your understanding.