At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development cycles and transform designs into luxury handbags.
- Company: DeMellier, a purpose-driven brand focused on ethical and sustainable fashion.
- Benefits: Hybrid work schedule, creative studio environment, and impactful charity initiatives.
- Other info: Frequent international travel to European manufacturing hubs for hands-on oversight.
- Why this job: Join an award-winning team making a real difference in the luxury industry.
- Qualifications: 10 years in product development with expertise in luxury handbag engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London
About us
DeMellier is a London-based brand that was founded with the vision of doing things differently: to design handbags that would make women feel empowered, made ethically and sustainably, while giving back to those who need it most. These principles guide everything we do. All our pieces are crafted ethically in Europe using the finest sustainably sourced materials. We champion equality, and for every piece sold, we fund vaccines and medical treatments aimed at saving the life of a child in need. So far, through our permanent charity initiative, ‘A Bag, A Life’, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, we have funded over 2.5 million vaccines. Join us and be part of an award-winning, purpose-driven brand that fosters creativity, collaboration, and meaningful impact within the luxury industry.
The Role
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 establishing a seamless workflow with the Industrialisation department, you will ensure that every silhouette transitions beautifully from an elevated sample into an industrialisation ready masterpiece.
Requirements
- A proven track record of visionary leadership within the product development division of an accessories & leather goods premium design-led brand.
- Elite technical command of luxury handbag engineering, expert knowledge of leather splitting and skiving, pattern architecture, jewelry-grade hardware mold development, component yields, and material structural performance.
- An analytical, business-minded approach to fashion, with deep experience managing complex financial matrices, target margins, and product profitability.
- An exceptional, pre-existing network of elite European tanneries, components suppliers, and finished goods factories.
- Fluency in English is mandatory; professional proficiency in Italian and/or Spanish would be a huge advantage.
- 10 years of experience within a similar role.
- Right to work in the UK.
Office Presence & 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 inspiring central London creative studio and 2 days working remotely.
Head of Product Development in London employer: DeMellier
DeMellier is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and collaboration within the luxury industry, offering a unique opportunity to lead product development in a purpose-driven environment. Located in the heart of London, our inspiring creative studio fosters a culture of innovation while promoting ethical practices and social responsibility through our charity initiative, 'A Bag, A Life'. With a commitment to employee growth and a hybrid work model, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in fashion.
