Product Development Manager SLG

INTRODUCTION

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

The Product Development Manager SLG will have accountability and act as the main point of contact for their respective category. They will lead a team of Product Developers and Assistants to deliver the collection in line with the Design brief partnering with Merchandising and Global Sourcing whilst managing the budget and the critical path. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Build and maintain a close working partnership with the Design team to develop the collection from initial concept through to finished product 
• Act as a technical partner to the Design team attending fittings, providing feedback on technical feasibility, brainstorming ideas and solutions to ensure the design vision is translated into product 
• Manage all vendor relationships for the collection, working with manufacturers to negotiate and calculate costs for prototypes & samples 
• Build and manage the critical path from concept to pre-production with design and manufacturers. Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all prototype/sample issues to resolve and drive to completion. Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages 
• Manage the budget for the collection, ensuring product costs meet margin requirements and the overall collection is delivered within budget 
• Order prototype and sampling raw materials directly from manufacturers 
• Attend production meetings and ensure smooth hand off to Production of all products 
• Work closely with the Product Engineering teams while developing the collections for product testing to relevant standards, leveraging their technical knowledge and negotiating any aesthetic changes to protect the design vision 
• Ensure all samples deliveries are on time to showrooms prior to sales presentation 

PERSONAL PROFILE 

• Proven product development experience within the luxury business and of working in Product Development for Accessories 
• Computer Literate: PLM, Sap, Excel, PowerPoint, InDesign.  
• Ability to work in partnership with Design Directors, understanding and interpreting their creative aesthetic and design vision and translating this to teams and vendors 
• Technical capability and product knowledge with ability to confidently influence the Design team and provide on the spot solutions in Leather goods construction, leather/materials knowledge linked to shape and performance 
• Experience managing vendor relationships, delivering clear briefs, leveraging relationships to meet demands and negotiating costs 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to negotiate with credibility, share information effectively, and work confidently at all levels and with cross functional teams 

FOOTER

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