I'm Christopher Bates, a results-driven project management and product development professional with a track record leading cross-functional teams across global markets. I've built cohesive teams, driven KPI achievements, and consistently delivered complex programs from concept to launch. I thrive in fast-changing environments, promoting an inclusive, collaborative culture and a pragmatic, detail-oriented approach. I am open to fixed-term/consultancy work as well as full-time roles, working onsite, hybrid or remotely, and I bring resilience, a sense of humour and a strong focus on people growth.…

Christopher Bates

I'm Christopher Bates, a results-driven project management and product development professional with a track record leading cross-functional teams across global markets. I've built cohesive teams, driven KPI achievements, and consistently delivered complex programs from concept to launch. I thrive in fast-changing environments, promoting an inclusive, collaborative culture and a pragmatic, detail-oriented approach. I am open to fixed-term/consultancy work as well as full-time roles, working onsite, hybrid or remotely, and I bring resilience, a sense of humour and a strong focus on people growth.…

Available to hire

I’m Christopher Bates, a results-driven project management and product development professional with a track record leading cross-functional teams across global markets. I’ve built cohesive teams, driven KPI achievements, and consistently delivered complex programs from concept to launch. I thrive in fast-changing environments, promoting an inclusive, collaborative culture and a pragmatic, detail-oriented approach. I am open to fixed-term/consultancy work as well as full-time roles, working onsite, hybrid or remotely, and I bring resilience, a sense of humour and a strong focus on people growth.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Facilities & Systems Supervisor at Elegant Clutter Ltd
October 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Product: Design and manufacture of bespoke artwork installations, globally. Led relocation project and ongoing facilities management; implemented IT/infrastructure fixes, Sage HR rollout, and Health & Safety training; engaged vendors and managed budgets and KPIs.
Conversation Center Manager at Loaf
April 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024
Luxury furniture/soft furnishings retail; managed customer service and operations during consultancy period; led projects and events.
Product & Innovation Manager – Designer Brands at Headlam Group Plc
May 1, 2022 - June 1, 2023
Designed and developed designer brands and flooring products; managed product development pipeline and cross-functional teams; led change management and supplier relations.
Head of Buying, Sourcing & Tech at BoxRaw Ltd
May 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Led buying, sourcing and technology for start-up sportswear brand; managed product development, vendor relations and tech stack.
Product Development Manager at Radley
March 1, 2019 - March 1, 2020
Led product development for luxury bags/accessories/licensed lines; managed design-to-launch process across multiple categories.
Product Technology Manager at Lost Ink Ltd
September 1, 2014 - March 1, 2019
Led product technology, development of branded footwear and accessories; drove QA and manufacturing improvements; supported multiple labels.
Head of QA – Fashion & Homewares at Sit-Up TV
March 1, 2011 - August 1, 2014
Overseen QA across fashion/homewares; partnered with production to ensure quality/OTIF; led product testing and supplier quality reviews.
Technical/Supply Chain Manager at Pentland Brands
January 1, 2008 - March 1, 2011
Managed technical and supply chain for licensed footwear/apparel; SAP integration; cross-functional project management for product launches.
Senior Production Manager at Roland Mouret Ltd
July 1, 2003 - December 1, 2006
Led production for luxury runway pieces; oversaw manufacturing budgets, supplier performance and lead times; business closure affected role.
Head of Technical & Operations at Acupuncture Ltd
July 1, 2001 - July 1, 2003
Led technical and operations for luxury footwear/accessories; fixed-term contract; streamlined processes and quality controls.
Operations & QC Manager at Ben Sherman Plc
June 1, 1997 - July 1, 2001
Managed operations, quality control and production for licensed brands; implemented process improvements and redundancies during market downturns.
Head of Product & Ops at Simon Jeffrey Plc
August 1, 1993 - June 1, 1997
Led product and operations for eveningwear/casuals; managed design to sales processes; built strong supplier networks.
Head Designer/Product Manager at Juice Corp/Joe Bloggs
August 1, 1989 - August 1, 1993
Directed design and product management for casuals/swim/underwear; prepared for relocation to London.

Education

O Level Qualifications at Nunnery Wood High School, Worcester
September 3, 1979 - July 27, 1984
8 qualifications at O level
Fashion & Design at Manchester – North Trafford College
September 1, 1992 - July 30, 1993
Experimental intensive and compressed 12 month, full time course in all aspects of Fashion, Design, Pattern Cutting & Grading.

Qualifications

Prince2 7 Project Manager
November 20, 2025 - November 20, 2028
passed both foundation & practitioner levels
Lean 6 Sigma Green Belt
November 28, 2025 - November 28, 2035
Scrum Master
November 14, 2025 - November 14, 2035
Microsoft Project
December 2, 2025 - December 2, 2035

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level

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