Burberry Product Development Assistant (Maternity Cover)

BoF Careers; Monza; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fashion company is seeking a Product Development Assistant to support the leather goods category. This role is pivotal in managing prototypes, material sourcing, and ensuring timely progress. Applicants should have 3-5 years of experience in product development within the luxury industry and a strong academic background in fashion. Proficiency in PLM systems and fluency in Italian and English are essential. This is a full-time position based in Italy with a focus on collaboration and results-driven performance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of proven product development experience within the luxury/fashion industry.
• Strong academic background in fashion or product development.
• Passion for product design and development with strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication skills; fluent in Italian and English.
• Collaborative team player with proactive, adaptable mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support material sourcing and prototyping for product categories.
• Manage daily follow-ups on prototyping and raw material development.
• Prepare technical sheets for modeling and create cost sheets.
• Manage sampling technical packs and ensure accurate data in PLM or other systems.
• Assist in signing off workmanship masters to initiate production.
• Update the PLM system and manage pass-offs to Industrialisation.

Skills

Product development experience

Fluent in Italian

Fluent in English

Microsoft Office proficiency

Collaborative team player

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in fashion or product development

Master's degree in fashion/product development

Tools

PLM/CIMS systems

MS Office

Job description

Burberry Product Development Assistant (Maternity Cover)

At Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today.

We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values‑driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Senior PD Manager, the Product Development Assistant is responsible for supporting the product development process for Leather Goods category by working closely with PD colleagues and designers to develop each category from initial concept through to finished product. This person will connect with the Prototyping & Modelling Manager to observe the operational activities, the capabilities and timeline of the technical work.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Product Development Manager and Design team to support material sourcing, development, and prototyping for assigned product categories
• Communicate with suppliers and manage daily follow‑ups on prototyping and raw material development to ensure timely progress
• Coordinate prototype and sample creation, working closely with Supply Chain, Merchandising, and Vendors to meet quality and timeline requirements
• Manage sampling technical packs, ensuring accurate data entry and updates in PLM or alternative systems
• Perform general administrative tasks to support the Product Development department's operations
• Facilitate direct interaction with the Design team, ensuring alignment on product specifications and creative direction
• Prepare technical sheets for modeling and create cost sheets to support accurate costing and production planning
• Collaborate with Designers and Product Development team to select and propose new workmanship techniques
• Oversee workmanship processes, addressing supplier issues and ensuring compliance with technical standards
• Work with the Technical Manager to align technical and timing requirements with supplier capabilities
• Report development progress to the Product Development Manager, including communications with design, technical, and engineering teams
• Support the Industrialisation team in resolving technical production issues related to workmanship
• Assist in signing off workmanship masters to initiate the production process
• Processing the correct order of raw materials for prototypes and samples
• Updating the PLM System
• Manage the pass‑off of sample products to the Industrialisation department with specific validation
• Respect the financial budget foreseen for the season

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred; strong academic background in fashion or product development
• 3-5 years of proven product development experience within the luxury/fashion industry
• Familiarity with PLM/CIMS systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Passion for product design and development with strong commercial awareness
• Results‑driven, analytical, and detail‑oriented with ability to provide accurate data
• Excellent communication skills; fluent in Italian and English
• Collaborative team player with proactive, inquisitive, and adaptable mindset
• Ability to multi‑task and manage priorities effectively while upholding brand values and social responsibility

Posting Notes: Italy || Not Applicable || Florence || INTERNAL MANUFACTURING || BURBERRY MANIFATTURA || n/a ||

Burberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Purchasing and Supply Chain | Industries: Advertising Services