Location | Head Office, Kingly St, London
Workplace Type | Hybrid (2 Days WFH)
Contract | Full Time
We’re looking for a technically skilled and highly organised Product Developer to lead our raw materials sourcing and development process at Russell & Bromley.
Working as part of the in-house Product Development team, you’ll take full ownership of all raw materials, leathers, trims, and hardware used across our footwear and accessories collections — from initial sourcing through to lab dips, testing, and bulk compliance. This is a pivotal, hands-on role that partners closely with Design, PD, and our global suppliers to ensure every material meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and sustainability.
About the Company
Russell & Bromley is the destination luxury fashion footwear & accessories brand for the everyday. A leading force in British fashion with over 40 stores operating across the UK and Ireland.
Combining European craftsmanship with a British glint in the eye, Russell & Bromley offers iconic style and on-trend design that empowers people to feel exceptional every day. Founded in Lewes in 1880, borne from a love story between Albion Russell’s daughter, Elizabeth, and George Bromley - today the business remains family-owned, operated, and proudly independent.
The Russell & Bromley business is entering an exciting period of growth with Vision 2030, an ambitious five-year roadmap to fuel our future success, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Bromley. Strategic actions that include a commitment to brand and product transformation, continued growth of our UK & IRE retail footprint, and accelerated international expansion. An exciting opportunity to join at a huge inflection point for the business, coinciding with the launch of our first seasonal collection with new Creative Director, Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw and the relocation of our Global HQ to Kingly St. W1 in the heart of Soho, now home to our in-house design, creative, and product studios. Do you want to be part of our next chapter?
About the Role
* Lead the sourcing and development of all leathers, textiles, trims, and hardware for seasonal collections
* Maintain a detailed multi-season materials library with swatches, costs, technical specs, and compliance data
* Manage lab dips, colour approvals, and ensure consistency across articles and suppliers
* Partner with tanneries and mills in Italy, Spain, and Portugal to develop premium materials aligned with our creative direction
* Ensure all materials meet REACH, sustainability, and durability standards through rigorous testing
* Track and forecast all sampling requirements, working closely with suppliers to ensure critical path milestones are met
* Bring fresh ideas and innovation into the team through market research, trade shows, and supplier appointments
* Compile final approved materials for bulk production handover
About You
* 5–8 years’ experience in material development within footwear, leather goods, or accessories
* Advanced knowledge of leather, textiles, synthetics, and hardware construction
* Extensive supplier network across Europe, with hands-on experience working with Italian and Spanish tanneries
* Strong grasp of sustainable sourcing, compliance testing, and industry regulations
* Exceptional organisation and attention to detail, able to manage multiple materials and deadlines across the season
* Great communication skills, working cross-functionally with Design, PD, CSR, and global suppliers
At Russell & Bromley we are an equal opportunities employer and we value diversity and inclusion in our team. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process please let us know by email.
Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only be able to contact successful candidates within two weeks.