Senior Product Developer - Leathergoods

H&M; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable fashion retailer is seeking a Senior Product Developer for leathergoods. This role involves leading the product development process, collaborating with design and buying teams, and ensuring high-quality standards in alignment with sustainability goals. Candidates should have proven experience in luxury leathergoods, extensive knowledge of materials, and strong organizational and communication skills. This role offers full-time permanent employment in London with attractive benefits and a focus on career development.

Benefits

25% staff discount

Up to 25 days holiday

Private health & dental care

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing luxury leathergoods from concept through to production.
• Extensive knowledge of leather qualities, textiles, and sustainable alternatives.
• Ability to create detailed tech packs and construction details.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for leathergoods.
• Execute a product and component development strategy.
• Source leather qualities, trims, and develop innovative materials.

Skills

Strong trend awareness

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Technical expertise

Job description

Senior Product Developer – Leathergoods

As a Senior Product Developer for leathergoods, you will lead the development of new products within your department including bags, belts and SLG’s. With a focus on construction, component innovation, and sourcing high-quality leather and materials, you will ensure COS quality standards are consistently met while working closely with the Head of Design and Senior Designer to guide each product from initial sketch through to production. You will play a key role in cross‑functional collaboration, maintaining direct communication with suppliers, production offices, and internal stakeholders. Your ability to manage timelines, uphold quality, and drive innovation will be essential in shaping a commercially strong and aesthetically aligned collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for leathergoods, from initial sketch to production in close collaboration with Design and Buying teams
• Execute an efficient product and component development strategy, ensuring alignment with the department’s visual goals, seasonal direction, and customer relevance
• Source and develop leather qualities, trims, hardware and internal structures with a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation
• Utilise your technical knowledge of premium leathergoods construction, leather and skin tanning, embossing and tumbling treatments materials, fit and finishing to support high‑quality product execution
• Ensure component bookings and communicate sample yardage to Supply Chain
• Build, develop, and drive the assortment strategy for your department, delivering the set vision in a clear and inspiring way
• Lead the planning of seasonal structure to ensure timely delivery of samples and production
• Deliver the final assortment to the Design and Buying team in line with seasonal and profitability goals
• Support the translation of design intent into technically sound and commercially viable products
• Travel to and work directly with suppliers and Production Offices, acting as the senior point of contact to ensure best‑in‑class sample execution and on‑time delivery
• Work closely with the Head of Design, Senior Designer and Junior Designer, providing feedback on technical issues and development progress
• Ensure alignment across the team on product details including colour, fit, and functionality
• Provide product analysis and performance results across the organisation to support strategic decisions
• Be an expert in sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices
• Lead negotiations and costings across the product range, working closely with Buying, Design and Supplier to deliver to the collection pricing architecture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing luxury leathergoods from concept through to final production
• Extensive knowledge of leather qualities and materials, including textiles, hardware, trims, and sustainable alternatives
• Ability to create and update detailed tech packs, specs, and construction details, proving technical expertise
• Strong trend awareness and ability to translate fashion trends into commercially viable and brand‑relevant products
• A refined eye for design that aligns with COS’s aesthetic, clean lines, functionality and timelessness
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple development timelines and priorities
• Excellent communication skills, both visual and verbal, with a collaborative mindset

Company Information

COS offers a wardrobe of ready‑to‑wear and accessories rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design. The creative soul of the brand is fuelled by a deep connection to modern culture, dynamic global cities and compelling fashion movements. With an emphasis on expert craftsmanship, innovation and materiality, collections are created with a mindful approach, seamlessly blending contemporary and timeless. Learn more about COS here.

This is a full‑time permanent role based at our Head Office in London (must be flexible to travel according to business needs).

Company Values

Alignment to our company values is the most important characteristic we look for in all new joiners. Our values are the behaviours that we appreciate above and beyond anything else. We are open‑minded and curious, we dare to be different, we believe in constant improvement and we empower and trust you to take ownership. Our values are part of who we are, what we stand for and how we act.

Benefits

We offer all our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe. All our employees receive a 25% staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online. In addition to our staff discount, all our employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. You can read more about our H&M Incentive Program here. In addition to this UK based colleagues also receive:

• Up to 25 days holiday
• Annual health checks
• Pension scheme
• Discounts on various activities and financial/lifestyle products via our benefits hub
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee assistance via retail trust
• Private health & dental care

Inclusion & Diversity

At COS we’re determined to create and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces throughout our organisation. Our teams should consist of a variety of people that share and combine their knowledge, experience and ideas. Having a diverse workforce leads to a positive impact on how we address challenges, on what we perceive possible and on how we choose to relate to our colleagues and customers all over the world. Hence all diversity dimensions are taken into consideration in our recruitment process.