At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Accessories Product Development team for leather goods, ties, and jewellery.
- Company: Join Paul Smith, a leading independent design company known for creativity and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 60% staff discount, flexi-time, 33 days' leave, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand that celebrates creativity and authenticity while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development, strong communication skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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.
- Strong communicator and presenter, with the ability to build effective relationships across internal teams, suppliers and factories.
- Highly organised with excellent planning, prioritisation and project management skills.
- Detail-oriented, proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Self-motivated, adaptable and calm under pressure, with a collaborative and approachable working style.
- 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.
Product Development Manager (Leathergoods, Ties and Jewellery) in Nottingham employer: Paul Smith
At Paul Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading independent design company that fosters creativity and individuality in a collaborative and inclusive work environment. As a Product Development Manager, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous staff discount, flexible working hours, and ample annual leave, all while contributing to a brand that values authenticity and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth and well-being ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally in a space that celebrates your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager (Leathergoods, Ties and Jewellery) in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand Paul Smith's unique style and values, so you can show how you fit into their creative world. Be ready to discuss your experience with leather goods, ties, and jewellery!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. Make sure to highlight your product development skills and your passion for fashion and accessories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Paul Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager (Leathergoods, Ties and Jewellery) in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for the Paul Smith brand shine through. Talk about what excites you about fashion and accessories, and how you connect with our 'classic with a twist' philosophy.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in product development, especially in leather goods, ties, or jewellery. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so be specific about your achievements and skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paul Smith
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of leather goods, ties, and jewellery. Familiarise yourself with the materials, construction methods, and current trends in these areas. This will not only show your passion for the products but also demonstrate your expertise in managing the end-to-end product development process.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in negotiating costs with suppliers. Bring examples of how you've optimised margins and identified efficiencies in past roles. This is crucial for the role, so highlight any successful negotiations that led to better pricing or improved supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Strong Project Management
Since managing seasonal critical paths and range plans is key, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Discuss your planning and prioritisation strategies, and be ready to explain how you ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.
✨Build Relationships, Even Virtually
Given the collaborative nature of the role, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers. Share experiences where you've effectively communicated across different stakeholders, especially in virtual settings, to achieve common goals.
