Product Developer – Watersports - Hong Kong Sourcing Office | European Consumer Products Business

Company Overview

• We are a well-established European consumer products business with a strong international presence and a proven track record in the design, development, sourcing, and distribution of quality watersports products. The company is known for bringing practical, market-driven, and commercially successful watersports items to retail markets through a combination of product innovation, strong supplier partnerships, and efficient project execution.
• Its watersports range includes products such as inflatable water leisure items, swim aids, waterproof dry bags, water sports accessories, and related outdoor water activity products. The business works closely with overseas buying, design, and product development teams to bring new watersports products from concept through to production and market launch.
• With long-standing factory partnerships mainly in China and a Hong Kong sourcing office supporting product development and supplier coordination, the company offers a fast-moving and collaborative environment for professionals who enjoy developing consumer products for the watersports market.

Role Mission

• You will play a key role in bringing new watersports products from concept to production. 
• Working closely with the Buying team in European HQ and factory partners, the role ensures watersports products are developed efficiently, meet commercial goals, and are delivered to the required quality standards.

Role Summary

• Based in the Hong Kong sourcing office, the successful candidate will work closely with the Buying team in European HQ on all stages of watersports product development. 
• The role reports to the General Manager of the Hong Kong office and involves close communication with suppliers and factories across Asia, with a focus on delivering well-developed, market-ready watersports products within agreed timelines.

Job Description

• Manage watersports product development projects from concept approval through to production readiness.
• Work directly with factories and suppliers to develop watersports products that meet agreed specifications, target costs, and commercial objectives.
• Support the Buying team in European HQ in sourcing new watersports products and identifying new supplier opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date watersports product costings and quotations across the existing supplier base.
• Coordinate sample development, review, and improvement throughout the development process.
• Identify technical, quality, and manufacturing risks and work proactively with suppliers to resolve them.
• Challenge suppliers to improve watersports product quality, functionality, packaging, and cost effectiveness.
• Support the Buying team in European HQ in identifying watersports product improvements and value engineering opportunities.
• Manage development critical paths and ensure all project milestones are achieved on time.
• Coordinate watersports product specifications, product data, and development documentation.
• Work closely with QA teams to support testing, compliance, and certification requirements.
• Attend factory visits and supplier meetings across China and Asia as required.
• Build strong relationships with key supplier partners and support long-term supplier development initiatives.

Ideal Candidates

• Experience in product development, sourcing, merchandising, or manufacturing within consumer products.
• Experience working directly with Asian factories and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of product costing.
• Understanding of product testing and compliance processes is beneficial.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Cantonese and/or Mandarin language skills are advantageous.
• Experience within watersports is highly beneficial.
• Passionate about watersports products and product innovation.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder.
• Able to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

Terms & Benefits

• 5-day work week.
• 13 months’ salary plus performance bonus.
• 16 days of annual leave.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Occasional China trips for visiting vendor factories, buying trips, and trade shows.