Head of Product Development

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent brand in luxury leather goods is looking for a Head of Product Development to lead product design and prototyping initiatives. The role focuses on strategic leadership, team mentorship, and effective collaboration with various departments to maintain product quality and brand integrity. Candidates should have extensive experience in luxury goods development and a passion for innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Birthday holiday

Product staff allocation and discounts

Early finish on Fridays in summer

Long service award

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in luxury leather goods or accessories development.
• Successful leadership of product development teams.
• Strong understanding of costing and sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement product development strategy.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across design and merchandising.
• Oversee material selection and prototyping to ensure quality.

Skills

Product engineering

Prototyping

Leather construction

Project management

Communication

Fluency in English

Supplier negotiation

Job description

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Proudly Scottish at heart, but with a keen international outlook, Strathberry creates unique luxury pieces, handcrafted in Spain using only the very finest quality leathers and finishes. Known for its instantly recognisable bar closure and minimalist design aesthetic, Strathberry’s elegant lines and exceptional attention to detail have led to a global following.

The brand is stocked in over 100 retailers worldwide, with flagship stores in London and Edinburgh. With investment in place to accelerate the next phase of expansion, there has never been a better time to join this dynamic business.

THE ROLE

The Head of Product Development is responsible for leading the creation and development of Strathberry’s full product range. Working closely with Design and Merchandising, this role ensures product concepts are translated into feasible, cost-effective, and high-quality prototypes aligned with the brand's design DNA and market expectations.

Please note: This is a full-time, permanent position based in London or Edinburgh. We are currently operating a hybrid working approach with a minimum of 3 fixed days required each week working from our London or Edinburgh City Centre locations.

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter by Sunday 8th June latest, outlining your relevant skills and experience and interest in this position. Please note that CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be considered. Candidates are encouraged not to delay their submission, as applications may close earlier than 8th June if sufficient interest is received.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Define and implement product development strategy aligned with brand direction and commercial goals.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across design, merchandising, technical development, and production.
• Drive innovation in materials, construction methods, and product categories.
• Lead and mentor the Product Development team to execute innovative and commercially viable products.
• Collaborate with Design and Merchandising to translate creative concepts into feasible products.
• Oversee material selection, sampling, and prototyping to guarantee aesthetic alignment and quality.
• Develop and manage seasonal product timelines from design handover to final prototype approval.
• Maintain and control the PD sampling budget, ensuring cost efficiency and timely sample readiness.
• Foster a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing to align product attributes with customer feedback and brand strategy.
• Ensure cohesive development processes that reflect commercial viability and uphold brand standards.
• Manage, coach, and grow the PD team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Conduct regular team performance reviews and identify training needs to elevate technical and creative skills.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Research and integrate sustainable materials and practices in the early stages of development.
• Proactively explore innovative techniques and materials aligned with brand values.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 29 days annual leave, plus 3 additional fixed bank holidays
• Never work on your birthday! Additional day holiday on your birthday
• Staff allocation of Strathberry products & staff discount
• Summertime early finish Friday
• Long service award
• Employee Assistance Programme

ABOUT YOU

To be a star candidate for this position, you must be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in luxury leather goods or accessories development
• Strong background in product engineering, prototyping, and leather construction.
• Demonstrated success in leading product development teams and bringing collections to market.
• Strong understanding of costing, sourcing, and supplier negotiation
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages (e.g., Spanish, Italian) are a plus.
• Availability for regular travel to our suppliers.

INTERESTED?

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter by Sunday 8th June latest, outlining your relevant skills and experience and interest in this position. Please note that CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be considered. Candidates are encouraged not to delay their submission, as applications may close earlier than 8th June if sufficient interest is received.