Product Developer - Soft Accessories & Wovens (Maternity Cover)

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in fashion seeks a Product Developer for Soft Accessories and Wovens. The role requires overseeing the development process while managing relationships with suppliers and ensuring quality standards. Applicants should have experience in product development, particularly with a focus on woven goods, and possess strong negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in product development, knowledge in soft accessories and woven goods.
• Experience with Italian and European suppliers is necessary.
• Expertise in woven textile construction, margin targets, BOMs is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development process for soft accessories from concept to production.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing.
• Ensure margin and budget targets are met across product development.

Skills

Negotiation

Attention to Detail

Supplier Relationship Management

Project Management

Collaboration

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

PLM Systems

Job description

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Product Developer - Soft Accessories & Wovens (Maternity Cover), london

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Client:

Liberty.

Location:

london, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

5

Posted:

26.06.2025

Expiry Date:

10.08.2025

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Job Description:

To lead the end-to-end product development process for Soft Accessories (Women’s and Men’s) and Woven Accessories collections at Liberty London. This role ensures that product is developed in line with brand vision, quality standards, target margins, and timelines. The role requires close collaboration with Design, Production, and CBM teams, and strong communication with suppliers—primarily European and Italian.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

• Lead development of seasonal soft accessories and woven collections from initial design concept through to production handover.
• Work closely with Design to interpret creative direction into technically viable and commercially successful products.
• Oversee all sample rounds (prototype, SMS, sealing), ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Manage amendments and feedback rounds with vendors, maintaining a structured approval process.
• Prepare and review detailed tech packs, BOMs, and specifications for each product.
• Manage Junior PD within the team, ensuring high standards of execution, clear workflow delegation, and professional development
• Allocate styles based on supplier expertise, product complexity, and lead time constraints.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors, primarily in Italy and Europe, while scouting for new partners if needed.
• Negotiate pricing and technical feasibility with suppliers to maintain quality and cost targets.
• Organise and lead regular communication with suppliers to troubleshoot technical challenges and maintain development timelines.

Critical Path & Calendar Management

• Own and manage the seasonal critical path across development, working closely with the CBM and Production teams to ensure timely progression through all stages.
• Provide regular calendar and CP updates to internal stakeholders.
• Identify risks and proactively propose solutions to maintain schedule.

Costing & Budget Management

• Oversee and update costings in collaboration with CBM and Production to ensure margin targets are met.
• Track seasonal development budgets and ensure costs remain within agreed limits.
• Flag and manage any overages or unplanned sample costs in advance.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Support internal range reviews with Design and CBMs
• Collaborate with the Production team for a smooth transition from development to production.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• 3-5 years experience in product development, with strong focus on soft accessories and woven goods.
• Deep knowledge of woven textile construction, print techniques, finishing, and technical development processes.
• Proven experience working with Italian and European suppliers.
• Solid understanding of margin targets, BOMs, and development budgeting.
• Skilled in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and PLM systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
• Confident, collaborative, and able to communicate clearly across departments.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers and trade fairs when required.