At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for stylish footwear and accessories, driving innovation and sustainability.
- Company: Join Reiss, a premium fashion brand known for its commitment to quality and design.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous employee discounts, and exclusive perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while collaborating with creative teams and suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development within footwear or accessories and strong commercial skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a highly experienced Senior Product Developer for our Footwear & Accessories team to lead and drive the sourcing and product development strategy across Reiss Womenswear. Reporting to the Head of Product Development, you’ll work closely with Design, Merchandising, Buying, and Technical teams to oversee the product critical path, ensuring timelines, margins, and quality standards are met.
You will manage the quality, construction and technical specification of Accessories products, through all stages of style development and production. You will take ownership of supplier relationships, drive innovation across the supply chain, and ensure sustainable and commercially viable products for the Footwear and Accessories categories. This role is a 12-month fixed term contract.
Who you are
- Proven experience in product development within footwear or accessories in a premium fashion environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with expertise in product margin management, costings, and supplier negotiations.
- Experienced in managing the critical path, ensuring product delivery aligns with timelines and design intent.
- Skilled in leading, mentoring, and developing a team, driving performance and supplier collaboration.
- Experience in Accessories technical – advising Design team on production friendly options, commenting on product through all stages of style development from prototype to bulk production, and test report management.
- Excellent communicator, able to influence and work collaboratively across Design, Buying, Merchandising.
- Knowledgeable about sustainable materials and practices, with a track record of embedding sustainability into product development.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the development and implementation of seasonal sourcing strategies for footwear and accessories, improving the supply base and product offering.
- Source and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers to ensure innovation, quality, and efficiency.
- Drive intake margin and product pricing, negotiate costs with suppliers - ensuring target margins are achieved while maintaining design integrity.
- Lead supplier selection, and oversee cross-costing of products to ensure optimal placement.
- Manage and own the Product Critical Path across all footwear and accessory categories, reporting milestones, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring product is signed off within required lead times.
- Collaborate with Design and Creative teams to develop new, trend-led ranges, progressing products from concept through to finished samples ready for production.
- Lead fit meetings, advise on technical or cost implications, and ensuring clear and succinct feedback is provided to factories.
- Work with the Sustainability team to develop responsible and innovative materials and trims.
- Manage the Product Developer and Trainee Product Developer on team.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and company bonus.
- Up to 65% employee discount.
- Access to exclusive sample sales.
- Enhanced parental leave policies.
- Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus Energy.
- Cycle to Work programme.
- Season ticket travel loan.
- Plus further workplace benefits.
If you want to start your story at Reiss as our Senior Product Developer, don’t miss out - apply now!
We recognise the importance and power of diversity within our business and, as such, we ensure that our people processes are fair, transparent and promote equality of opportunity for all candidates. It is our pledge that candidates will not be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, age, race, colour, ethnic background, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, religious or similar belief. Every individual will be treated with respect.
We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they feel they meet all of the requirements listed. We want you to know that finding people who will add to our inspirational culture and have a learning mindset is incredibly important to us. Even if you feel you don’t tick all the boxes, we’d still like to hear from you.
Senior Product Developer, Womenswear employer: REISS
Contact Detail:
REISS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product Developer, Womenswear
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry, especially those who work in product development. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects in footwear and accessories. This will give potential employers a taste of your skills and creativity, making you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications from passionate candidates. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience in managing critical paths and supplier relationships in the fashion industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Developer, Womenswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Product Developer role. Highlight your experience in product development, especially in footwear and accessories, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with sustainable materials and practices!
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others and driven performance in previous roles to show us you’re the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at REISS
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product development, especially in footwear and accessories. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and how you've managed the critical path in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to talk about your experience with product margin management and cost negotiations. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully driven margins while maintaining design integrity in a premium fashion environment.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with Design, Merchandising, and Technical teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decisions across departments.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Knowledge
With sustainability being a focus, be prepared to discuss your experience with sustainable materials and practices. Share any innovative solutions you've implemented in product development that align with eco-friendly initiatives.