Product Developer - Soft Accessories & Wovens (Maternity Cover)

Summary: The Product Developer for Soft Accessories and Woven Accessories at Liberty London will lead the entire product development process, ensuring alignment with brand vision and quality standards. This role involves collaboration with various teams and suppliers, primarily in Europe and Italy, to deliver commercially successful products. The position requires strong project management skills and the ability to negotiate effectively with vendors. The developer will also oversee junior team members and manage the critical path for seasonal collections.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Key Skills:

• 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.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other