Andrea Barakat
Summary
I am an experienced Senior Product Developer with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to conceptualize, develop, and deliver high-quality products. My expertise spans trend forecasting, design development, and production processes, underpinned by a keen eye for detail and a passion for sustainability and innovation. I bring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, along with a deep understanding of the fashion industry and evolving consumer preferences.
I excel at driving the product lifecycle from ideation through to commercialization, consistently achieving successful product launches and increased market share. I am now seeking to leverage my expertise to drive impactful business results and foster creativity within a dynamic design environment.
I have the legal right to work in the UK as an Australian citizen. My current notice period is four weeks.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Development Manager
Shona Joy
02.2022 - Current
- Oversee and direct a team of designers, product developers, pattern makers, garment technicians and sample machinists to ensure efficient operation in the design room
- Manage budget and resources effectively to meet project deadlines and deliver high quality samples
- Create and manage the business critical path
- Implement design processes and standards to improve productivity and maintain consistency in the creative output
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production to align design objectives with business goals
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provided guidance and training to team members to allow for professional growth and development
- Collaborate with design team to create detailed tech packs and specifications for proto samples, facilitating smooth transition from concept development to production
- Manage supplier relationships and negotiated pricing to meet cost targets whilst maintaining high quality standards, and the Shona Joy brand vision
- Conduct regular market research and trend analysis to identify emerging opportunities and drive innovation in product development
- Review and approved all production submissions for materials and trims to ensure final production is aligned with design concept
- Develop and implemented a comprehensive sustainable sourcing strategy to ensure ethical and environmentally responsible procurement practices
- Establish partnerships with sustainable suppliers to support the Shona Joys commitment to social and environmental responsibility
Senior Product Developer
P.E Nation
11.2017 - 02.2022
- Led cross-functional teams to develop innovative products from concept to launch, meeting tight deadlines and exceeding business expectations
- Conducted market research and analysis to identify trends, competitive landscape, and consumer needs, shaping the P.E Nation product development strategy
- Collaborated with design and technical teams to define product requirements, create prototypes, and drive continuous improvement
- Managed the product lifecycle from idea generation to commercialization, optimizing costs and driving revenue growth
- Evaluated and selected vendors negotiated costings and managed supplier relationships to ensure high quality and timely delivery of garments
- Proactively managed supplier allocation, ensuring that products were placed with the most suitable suppliers
- Cultivated and maintained strong supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and open communication
- Spearheaded the implementation of a sustainable and responsible sourcing strategy, reinforcing the company's commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility
- Conducted rigorous sourcing and testing of functional fabrications, collaborating with design to meet performance and quality standards
- Skillfully troubleshooted problems, both within the internal team and the offshore supply chain, ensuring minimal disruptions to the development process
- Developed new trims as per design specifications, contributing to product innovation and differentiation
- Negotiated costs to optimize the budget while maintaining product quality and integrity
- Led fit sessions, ensuring products met design and quality standards
- Made commercial decisions when necessary to maintain production efficiency and meet business objectives
- Developed and maintained project timelines for each development season, ensuring on-time completion and delivery of SMS collections
- Implemented and set up process for PLM System Centric Software for design, development & Production teams
Product Developer
Camilla
08.2016 - 11.2017
- Implemented product development process within design room structure of Camilla
- Oversaw sample development and timelines, guaranteeing the efficient creation and delivery of product prototypes
- Responsible for ordering SMS (Salesman Sample) samples, facilitating the presentation of new products to the business and clients
- Conducted thorough reviews of tech packs, verifying accuracy and completeness before transmitting them to manufacturing partners
- Proactively briefed new designs into the supply chain, bridging the gap between creative concepts and production realities
- Acted as a point of contact for factory inquiries, providing timely responses and solutions to maintain production efficiency
- Drove the development of new trims and buttons, collaborating closely with the design team to meet aesthetic and functional specifications
- Negotiated costs with suppliers to optimize budget utilization while maintaining product quality standards
- Participated in and occasionally led fitting sessions, ensuring that products met design and quality criteria
- Produced technical sketches to communicate design details and specifications effectively
- Provided comprehensive design and fit comments on proto samples, contributing to product refinement and improvement
- Managed project timelines to ensure the team consistently met deadlines outlined in the critical path
- Conducted work-in-progress (WIP) meetings with the design team, helping prioritize workloads and address challenges
- Effectively communicated style changes to various business units, including sales, marketing, online, and retail
- Facilitated the handover of design and production changes to the garment tech team for processing, from SMS to PP (Pre-Production) comments
Junior Buyer
Noni B
05.2015 - 08.2016
Lingerie Product Developer
Bras N Things
04.2013 - 05.2015
Assistant Brand Manager- Mens Underwear
Bendon
07.2012 - 04.2013
Assistant Designer- Lingerie
Bendon
01.2011 - 07.2012
Education
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design & Technology
TAFE NSW
NSW12-2010
Skills
- Sourcing- Sustainable & innovative
- Supply Management
- Costing Negotiations
- Critical Path Management
- Organizational skills and time management
- Results focused
- Strong communication Skills
- Team player
- Able to work autonomously
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite including
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe In Design
- Adobe Photoshop
- AP 21
- Centric
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Elementary
Timeline
Product Development Manager
Shona Joy
02.2022 - Current
Senior Product Developer
P.E Nation
11.2017 - 02.2022
Product Developer
Camilla
08.2016 - 11.2017
Junior Buyer
Noni B
05.2015 - 08.2016
Lingerie Product Developer
Bras N Things
04.2013 - 05.2015
Assistant Brand Manager- Mens Underwear
Bendon
07.2012 - 04.2013
Assistant Designer- Lingerie
Bendon
01.2011 - 07.2012
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design & Technology
TAFE NSW
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