At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sourcing and innovation of sustainable materials for luxury handbags.
- Company: Join DeMellier, a purpose-driven brand making a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Benefits: Be part of a team that champions equality and sustainability while enjoying a creative work environment.
- Other info: Frequent travel across Europe to trade shows and suppliers, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by developing ethically sourced materials and empowering women worldwide.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in raw material development, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sustainability.
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
As a Raw Materials Development Manager at DeMellier, you will lead the sourcing, development, and innovation of leathers, fabrics, hardware, and trims. This strategic and hands-on role is central to ensuring the quality, sustainability, and commercial viability of our raw materials across all collections.
You will own the full raw materials development lifecycle and manage our supplier network, negotiating costs and terms, maintaining stock accuracy, and supporting design and production teams through each season. You’ll also provide leadership and mentorship to a Raw Materials Developer and Product Development assistant, delegating daily operational tasks while ensuring alignment with our sustainability goals and critical path timelines.
Frequent travel is a key part of this role, as you’ll be regularly visiting trade shows, factories, tanneries, and suppliers to maintain quality control, strengthen partnerships, and drive innovation.
- 8+ years in raw material development or sourcing, preferably within leather accessories, footwear, or luxury goods.
- Strong understanding of raw material cost structures, technical specs, and lead times. Familiarity with sustainable materials and certifications (e.g., LWG, REACH).
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP), Zedonk, Priority or equivalent ERP/PDM systems.
- Exceptionally detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills
- Confident negotiator with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Frequent travel within Europe is required, including attendance at industry trade fairs and regular visits to tanneries, manufacturers, and key suppliers.
- Travel will typically include several trips per season in line with the development calendar, supplier audits, development/sourcing initiatives and troubleshooting.
- Fluent in English; Italian is a strong advantage.
- Structured, proactive, and solutions-oriented
- Must have a full UK driver's licence
- Right to work in the UK
Raw Materials Development Manager - 12 Months Maternity Cover in London employer: DeMellier
DeMellier is an exceptional employer that champions ethical and sustainable practices, creating a work environment where creativity and empowerment thrive. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises personal growth and development, alongside the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive impact. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and social responsibility.
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to DeMellier specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at DeMellier
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DeMellier, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
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In a full-time role, companies like DeMellier value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
