Tim Griggs

Project and Product Development Manager with over 20 years' experience leading complex international product development programmes from concept through to commercial launch. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, managing concurrent projects, critical paths, suppliers, stakeholders, risks and dependencies across global supply chains. Extensive hands-on experience in footwear and consumer product development, complemented by APM PMQ, AgilePM Practitioner and Change Management qualifications.

Now seeking project, programme or NPD delivery roles where strong product expertise and structured project management can drive successful commercial outcomes.

Design Manager - Fitflop

(2018-01 - 2025-01)

• Led multiple concurrent product-development projects using Agile methodologies throughout the iterative development cycle from concept through to final production, managing UK and international teams, suppliers and development priorities.
• Delivered successful launches of the Neo Dynamic category, coordinating development across running sneakers, sandals and outdoor boots, introducing new technical performance features and benefits such as thermal temperature regulation, waterproof constructions and slip resistant compounds.
• Established and managed weekly development reviews across UK and Asian operations, managing dependencies, resolving issues, aligning priorities and driving progress against development milestones.
• Led a materials rationalisation review, reducing seasonal material complexity by roughly 80% through a core materials library, improving supplier consistency, reducing production risk and improving cost efficiency.
• Led development of an innovative running sneaker, collaborating with R&D and a specialist testing lab in Calgary; test results demonstrated performance benefits comparable with leading running brands.

Freelance Design & Project Consultant - Predict London

(2014-01 - 2018-01)

• Provided consultancy and project coordination support to brands and manufacturing partners across footwear and accessories development in Europe and the Far East.
• Developed clear go-to-market stories that strengthened brand storytelling and consumer focus.
• Conducted market research to develop unique trend and colour boards and produce full specification packs covering last, construction, midsole and outsole 2D cross sections, upper design and materials input.
• Supported collection development, implementation and delivery against commercial objectives through key gates across the critical path.
• Project lead for the first footwear and accessories collections at DKNY Men's, managing product creation and development while aligning teams in New York and London around the seasonal apparel direction and 'Energy and Spirit of New York' concept.
• Travelled internationally to factories to oversee development progress and support final delivery phases.

Global Product Director - Lacoste Footwear, Pentland Group

(2012-01 - 2014-01)

• Directed global seasonal product development strategy and delivery across international markets and regional teams for Sportswear, aligning product priorities with commercial objectives, timelines and market requirements.
• Managed global development direction informed by market research, customer analysis and commercial objectives, improving process efficiencies for core global and regional product ranges.
• Owned project alignment with international subsidiaries and distributors, managing communication, regional requirements and development priorities across global markets.
• Partnered with the Product Owner to manage pricing architecture and balanced margin performance across the global Sportswear product portfolio.
• Presented strategic product direction and development plans to global stakeholders, explaining the vision, targeted consumer approach and benefits created.

Design Manager, Senior Designer - Lacoste Footwear, Pentland Group

(2005-01 - 2012-01)

• Led design and development coordination activities across sportswear and runway projects within a global footwear business.
• Led and mentored a high-performing design team delivering sustained double-digit business growth across consecutive seasons.
• Coordinated runway projects alongside the Creative Director, working across existing and new supply chains to deliver product in line with brand vision.
• Championed continuous improvement by partnering with a Freeform developer to integrate 3D-printed midsole/outsole prototyping in the UK, streamlining the test-and-learn process, reducing development costs associated with tooling changes.

Footwear Designer - Harrys of London

(2002-01 - 2005-01)

Footwear Designer - Ellesse & Pentland Shoe

(2000-01 - 2002-01)

BA (Hons) - Footwear & Accessories - Cordwainers College (London College of Fashion) (1997-01 - 2000-01)

A' Level - Art - Bexley College (1993-01 - 1995-01)

GCSEs - Bexley & Erith Technical High School (1988-01 - 1993-01)