Luxury Footwear Product Developer

4 days ago

London Area, United Kingdom Bloom Search International Full time

Product Developer – Footwear ( Leather)

About the Brand

This luxury fashion brand is renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and a commitment to quality. Built on a foundation of artistry and modern sensibility, the brand creates refined collections that embody understated elegance and innovation.

The Role

The Product Developer plays a pivotal role in transforming creative concepts into exquisitely crafted products. You will manage the entire development lifecycle — from initial sketch through to production-ready samples — ensuring every piece meets the brand's uncompromising standards. The role requires a deep understanding of luxury leather construction, strong technical acumen, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with design teams and European manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • End-to-End Product Development:
    Manage the seasonal development calendar, overseeing all stages from design handover to sample approval, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
  • Technical Specification & Prototyping:
    Translate design concepts into detailed technical specifications and tech packs, covering construction methods, reinforcements, hardware, and finishing techniques. Oversee prototyping and provide technical feedback to factories.
  • Material & Component Sourcing:
    Source and develop premium leathers, textiles, and hardware. Build strong relationships with tanneries and suppliers, identifying new materials and innovations.
  • Factory & Supplier Management:
    Act as the primary liaison with artisanal factories (primarily in Italy and Spain), maintaining clear communication, managing allocations, and ensuring consistent quality.
  • Costing & Negotiation:
    Partner with suppliers to achieve target costs and margins without compromising on design integrity or craftsmanship.
  • Quality Assurance:
    Uphold the brand's quality standards through rigorous sample reviews and approvals. Oversee testing and ensure production aligns with confirmed specifications.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    Coordinate between Design, Merchandising, Production, and Sales teams to deliver commercially successful, technically sound products.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Minimum 4 years' experience in product development, specifically within luxury leather goods or footwear industry.
  • Strong technical knowledge of high-end leather or footwear construction, including last and pattern development, grading, cutting, and finishing.
  • Proven experience working with factories in Italy, Spain, or Portugal.
  • Established network of suppliers, tanneries, and component manufacturers.
  • Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
  • Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Willingness to travel internationally to factories and suppliers.

Preferred Attributes

  • Fluency in Italian is essential.
  • Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
  • Passion for craftsmanship, design innovation, and the luxury market.
  • Proactive problem solver with a collaborative and detail-oriented mindset.

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