The Product Developer is the critical link between our design vision and the final, exquisitely crafted product. You will be responsible for managing the entire footwear development lifecycle, from the initial sketch to the final production‑ready sample. This role demands a deep understanding of luxury footwear construction, a meticulous eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with our design team and European manufacturing partners. You will be instrumental in ensuring every product embodies our brand's unwavering commitment to quality, positioning and elegance.
* End-to-End Product Development: Manage the seasonal product development calendar, overseeing the entire process from design handover to salesman sample confirmation. Ensure all critical path milestones are met on time and within budget.
* Technical Specification & Prototyping: Collaborate with the Design team to translate sketches into detailed technical specifications (tech packs). This includes details on construction, lasts, structures, reinforcements, hardware, and finishing techniques (e.g., edge painting, stitching). Manage the entire prototyping and sampling process, providing precise feedback to factories to ensure perfect execution.
* Material & Component Sourcing: Lead the research, sourcing, and development of premium leathers, textiles, and hardware developments. Identify new materials and innovations, and cultivate a strong network of world‑class suppliers and tanneries.
* Factory & Supplier Management: Serve as the primary technical liaison with our network of artisanal factories (primarily in Italy and Spain). Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships, manage factory allocation, and ensure clear communication throughout the development process.
* Costing and Negotiation: Partner with suppliers to engineer products that meet target costs and to achieve target costs and margin goals. Proactively lead cost negotiations, finding solutions to reduce cost whilst maintaining standards of design integrity and quality.
* Quality Assurance: Define and enforce the brand's rigorous quality standards. Oversee all sample reviews, implementing strict quality control checks to ensure every detail— from stitching and alignment to hardware functionality and material consistency— is according to what has been confirmed. Prepare the technical review document with all details and approvals for production, including testing and quality KPI. Approve 1st production samples and liaise with merchandising to create VM and leaflets information.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the central point of contact between Design, Merchandising, Production, and Sales teams to ensure a cohesive workflow and a commercially successful product line. Present sample collections and articulate technical details to internal stakeholders.
Minimum of 4 of product development experience specifically within the luxury footwear industry.
* Technical knowledge of high‑end footwear construction, including last development, pattern‑making, grading, cutting lays, and finishing techniques for both men’s and women’s shoes.
* A proven track record of working directly with high‑end factories in Italy, Spain, or Portugal.
* An established network of contacts with luxury material suppliers, tanneries, and component manufacturers.
* Exceptional project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously against tight deadlines.
* Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
* Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Google Docs, Microsoft Excel is essential.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Must be willing and able to travel internationally to visit factories and suppliers.
* Fluency in Italian is highly advantageous.
* Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
* A genuine passion for footwear, craftsmanship, and the evolving luxury market.
* A proactive, problem‑solving mindset and a collaborative spirit.
Victoria Beckham Ltd is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and is built on a foundation of quality and a commitment to creating timeless pieces that blend traditional artistry with a modern sensibility. We are seeking a dedicated and visionary Product Developer to join our dynamic team and steer the creation of our future iconic collections.
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