At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for luxury accessories, transforming designs into high-quality products.
- Company: Premium design-led brand known for luxury handbags and accessories.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work schedule, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Frequent travel to Europe and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Join a visionary team and shape the future of luxury fashion.
- Qualifications: 10 years in luxury product development with elite technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Position Overview
The Head of Product Development is accountable for the end-to-end product development cycles, ensuring our designs are developed to a high standard.
You will lead the strategic lifecycle of both Finished Goods and Raw Materials development.
In close, fluid collaboration with the Design Director and Merchandising teams, you will safeguard the execution of our design DNA, transforming sketches into high‑margin, engineered luxury statements.
Through precision and a seamless workflow with the Industrialisation department, you will ensure that every silhouette transitions beautifully from an elevated sample into an industrialisation‑ready masterpiece.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the product development division of an accessories & leather goods premium design‑led brand.
- Oversee the entire luxury handbag engineering process, including leather splitting, skiving, pattern architecture, jewelry‑grade hardware mold development, component yields, and material structural performance.
- Apply an analytical, business‑minded approach to fashion, managing complex financial matrices, target margins, and product profitability.
Qualifications & Experience
A proven track record of visionary leadership within product development in the luxury accessories sector.
Elite technical command of luxury handbag engineering and related disciplines. 10 years of experience within a similar role.
Fluency in English is mandatory; professional proficiency in Italian and/or Spanish is a huge advantage.
Right to work in the UK.
Work Schedule & Travel
This role demands frequent international travel (multiple times per month) to our European manufacturing hubs and tanneries to directly oversee development standards and solidify partner relationships.
When not traveling, the role operates on a hybrid schedule, spending 3 days a week in our central London studio and 2 days working remotely.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development in City of Westminster
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like DeMellier Ltd!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including DeMellier Ltd.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for DeMellier Ltd.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at DeMellier Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at DeMellier Ltd.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to DeMellier Ltd!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at DeMellier Ltd. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at DeMellier Ltd
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
