Head of Footwear & Accessories Development/ Production (Mat Cover)

Representclothing; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly organized Head of Footwear & Accessories Development/Production. This pivotal role involves leading the execution of product styles from concept to launch, collaborating with design and merchandising teams to ensure high standards of quality and aesthetic. You will be at the forefront of product innovation, managing the entire development process, from material selection to production. With a focus on sustainability and ethical standards, this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of footwear and accessories in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. If you have a passion for product innovation and a commitment to quality, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Company bonus scheme

Staff discount

£1,000 annual company gift card

On-site gym with personal trainers

Electric vehicle scheme

Pension & life assurance

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• 10+ years in footwear development, sourcing, or production roles.
• Leadership experience managing teams in a global fashion environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of product styles from concept to launch.
• Manage budgets for travel and tooling, ensuring adherence to guidelines.

Skills

Footwear Development

Team Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Commercial Awareness

Sourcing Strategies

Technical Knowledge

Collaboration

Education

Qualifications in Footwear

10+ Years Experience in Footwear Development

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Below is a revised version of the job description with improved formatting and focus:

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Head of Footwear & Accessories Development/Production to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will lead and manage the execution of styles from concept to final launch, collaborating with design and merchandising teams to meet the brand’s high standards for quality, fit, and aesthetic. You will work with key stakeholders to manage the product development process, from material selection to production, ensuring timely delivery of market-ready products.

Working Pattern (HQ)

4 days in the office, 1 day WFH

Location

HQ – Unit 1, Northgate Close, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6PQ

Benefits (HQ)

• 25 days holiday per year
• Company bonus scheme
• Staff discount
• £1,000 annual company gift card
• On-site gym with personal trainers
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Pension & life assurance
• Private medical insurance

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of product styles from concept to launch, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and specifications.
• Define & implement footwear/accessories development & sourcing strategies aligned with market trends and commercial goals.
• Contribute to design direction meetings, driving technical innovation and creative ideas.
• Guide design with technical advice and knowledge across the business.
• Review, develop, and commercialize lasts & patterns, ensuring excellent fit.
• Review, amend, and approve tooling blueprints.
• Negotiate prices, manage costs, and achieve target margins.
• Ensure products meet high standards of design and quality before market launch.
• Manage lab & finished shoe testing, analyze reports, and implement product improvements.
• Create and execute footwear & accessories critical path, aligning with other categories and stakeholders.
• Plan factory meetings, visits, and industry events; stay informed on trends and innovations.
• Manage budgets for travel and tooling, ensuring adherence to guidelines.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate MOQs, costings, and lead times; conduct production site visits.
• Develop sourcing strategies, analyze KPIs, and address challenges.
• Manage and mentor team members, including interns and product developers.
• Collaborate with design and mainline teams to deliver high-quality products within margins.
• Manage tech packs and ensure high-quality, detailed specifications for factories.
• Source sustainable fabrics, trims, and packaging, aligning with sustainability commitments.
• Ensure supply base compliance with ethical and operational standards.
• Create detailed Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Organize fit sessions and prototype reviews, providing technical feedback.
• Coordinate wear testing and maintain sample tracking.
• Manage product data on PLM systems and approve buy-ready samples.
• Forecast factory capacity in collaboration with Merchandising.

Key Skills & Experience

• Collaborative, non-political approach.
• Qualifications or equivalent experience in footwear.
• Extensive experience leading product teams in a global fashion or sportswear footwear environment.
• Expertise in footwear construction, engineering, and sourcing from Far East and Europe.
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint, Word.

You Have

• 10+ years in footwear development, technical, sourcing, or production roles.
• Leadership experience managing teams.
• Deep knowledge of both fashion and performance footwear.
• Experience with complex projects involving last and tooling development.

You Might Have

• Experience with branded bags & accessories.
• Background in speed projects and PLM systems.
• Passion and knowledge of sustainability.

We Would Ideally Like You To

• Be flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs.
• Take ownership and proactively make things happen.
• Possess strong commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Have a genuine passion for product innovation and quality.