Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies, driven by a spirit of curiosity, playfulness, adaptability and passion. These values shape every aspect of the brand, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead and manage the Accessories Product Development team across leather goods, ties and jewellery.
* Ensure collections are developed in line with design requirements, business objectives and agreed range plans, maintaining SKU targets throughout the season.
* Oversee all aspects of the sampling process, from development through to pre-production, ensuring quality, specification and commercial objectives are achieved.
* Negotiate cost prices with suppliers and manufacturers, conducting regular cross-costing exercises to optimise margins and identify efficiencies.
* Partner closely with Sales and Retail teams to ensure wholesale and retail pricing is aligned with commercial targets and product positioning.
* Develop, monitor and manage seasonal critical paths, ensuring all milestones and deadlines are achieved.
* Oversee the timely ordering of materials, leathers and components in line with development and production schedules.
* Attend regular development and range review meetings with the Design team, both in person and virtually.
* Identify, source and onboard new suppliers and manufacturing partners, negotiating costs and terms to support business objectives.
* Ensure all product specifications, technical information and development packs are communicated accurately to factories within agreed timelines.
* Review and approve salesman samples, ensuring products meet design intent, quality standards and commercial requirements.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support efficient product development and delivery.
* Travel within the UK and internationally as required to visit suppliers, attend development meetings and support product development activities.
Who You Are
* Proven experience managing the end-to-end product development process, from concept through to production.
* Strong product development background, ideally within leather goods, ties and/or jewellery.
* Excellent understanding of product construction, materials, manufacturing and production processes.
* Commercially aware and numerate, with experience negotiating supplier costs, cross-costing products and working to margin targets.
* Experienced in managing seasonal critical paths, range plans and the sampling process through to pre-production.
* Skilled at sourcing and developing relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
1. Strong communicator and presenter, with the ability to build effective relationships across internal teams, suppliers and factories.
2. Highly organised with excellent planning, prioritisation and project management skills.
3. Detail-oriented, proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
4. Self-motivated, adaptable and calm under pressure, with a collaborative and approachable working style.
5. Passionate about the Paul Smith brand, fashion and accessories, with an awareness of market trends and the wider accessories landscape.
Why you’ll love working with us
Working at Paul Smith means being part of a brand that celebrates creativity, individuality and authenticity. Even though we are a global business, we’ve stayed true to who we are at heart. Our offices and shops remain welcoming and inclusive spaces built around collaboration, where we encourage our people to be themselves, reach their full potential, and play a part in creating something truly unique.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your lifestyle and wellbeing, which includes a 60% staff discount and a seasonal clothing allowance. You’ll also enjoy flexi-time, 33 days’ annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days, private healthcare with Vitality, wellbeing support and many other perks to keep you motivated and inspired.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.
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