Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories
Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the product development process for stylish footwear and accessories from concept to production.
  • Company: Join Russell & Bromley, a luxury fashion brand with a rich heritage and exciting growth plans.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, creative environment, and opportunities for international collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in fashion, working with top designers and innovative materials.
  • Qualifications: Experience in luxury footwear development and strong technical knowledge required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to travel for factory visits and engage with European suppliers.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Location | Head Office, Kingly St, London

Workplace Type | Hybrid (2 Days WFH)

Contract | Full Time

About the Company

Russell & Bromley is the destination luxury fashion footwear & accessories brand for the everyday. A leading force in British fashion with over 40 stores operating across the UK and Ireland. Combining European craftsmanship with a British glint in the eye, Russell & Bromley offers iconic style and on-trend design that empowers people to feel exceptional every day. Founded in Lewes in 1880, borne from a love story between Albion Russell’s daughter, Elizabeth, and George Bromley - today the business remains family-owned, operated, and proudly independent.

The Russell & Bromley business is entering an exciting period of growth with Vision 2030, an ambitious five-year roadmap to fuel our future success, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Bromley. Strategic actions that include a commitment to brand and product transformation, continued growth of our UK & IRE retail footprint, and accelerated international expansion. An exciting opportunity to join at a huge inflection point for the business, coinciding with the launch of our first seasonal collection with new Creative Director, Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw and the relocation of our Global HQ to Kingly St. W1 in the heart of Soho, now home to our in-house design, creative, and product studios.

Do you want to be part of our next chapter?

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and technically skilled Product Developer to join our Product Development team, specialising in casual footwear and accessories across both men’s and women’s collections. In this pivotal role, you'll manage the end-to-end development process—from concept to sample handover—working closely with designers, technicians, and European factory partners to ensure every product aligns with our brand DNA, craftsmanship standards, and commercial goals. You will be the technical bridge between design and production, translating creative ideas into premium, well-constructed products that meet cost and fit targets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the full product development process from design handover to production-ready samples
  • Partner with designers to refine sketches, constructions, and material usage without compromising design intent
  • Own and maintain technical specs and Bills of Materials (BOMs) from development to production handoff
  • Manage fit development and feedback processes with cross-functional input
  • Source and manage supplier relationships across Italy, Spain, and Portugal
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges to ensure feasibility, quality, and timely delivery
  • Oversee costing, COGS tracking, and margin analysis in collaboration with the Product Director
  • Introduce new materials, finishes, and techniques to elevate product execution
  • Conduct regular factory visits to maintain production standards and timelines
  • Support internal teams with accurate product documentation and technical expertise

About You

  • Experience in premium or luxury footwear and accessories development, with a strong focus on casual styles (Men’s & Women’s)
  • Deep technical knowledge of last-making, construction methods, and material applications for trainers and casual shoes
  • Proven track record of working with European factories (Italy, Spain, Portugal)
  • Experience managing costings, supplier negotiations, and production timelines
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable product
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally
  • Confident communicator, highly organised, and collaborative in approach
  • Willingness to travel for factory visits as needed

Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only be able to contact successful candidates within two weeks.

Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories employer: Russell & Bromley

At Russell & Bromley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London’s Soho. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our Vision 2030 roadmap, which not only aims for brand transformation but also provides opportunities for professional development within a family-owned business that values craftsmanship and innovation. With a hybrid working model and a focus on work-life balance, joining our team means being part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our exciting journey ahead.
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Contact Detail:

Russell & Bromley Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Russell & Bromley's brand DNA and recent collections. Understanding their design ethos and craftsmanship will help you align your discussions with their expectations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the footwear and accessories industry, especially those who have experience working with European factories. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially useful connections that could enhance your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed the product development process in previous roles. Highlight your experience with technical specifications, supplier relationships, and any innovative materials or techniques you've introduced.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in product development. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

Product Development
Technical Knowledge of Footwear Construction
Material Application Expertise
Supplier Relationship Management
Costing and Margin Analysis
Fit Development and Feedback Management
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills
Project Management
Knowledge of European Factories
Creativity in Product Design
Organisational Skills
Willingness to Travel

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly in footwear and accessories. Emphasise your technical skills and any previous work with European factories.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for luxury fashion and your understanding of Russell & Bromley’s brand DNA. Mention specific experiences that align with the key responsibilities of the role.

Showcase Technical Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your deep technical knowledge of last-making, construction methods, and material applications. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed the product development process from concept to production.

Highlight Problem-Solving Skills: Include instances where you've effectively solved technical challenges in product development. This will show your ability to troubleshoot and ensure quality and timely delivery, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Russell & Bromley

✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

Make sure to highlight your deep understanding of last-making, construction methods, and material applications during the interview. Discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in developing premium or luxury footwear.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your ability to troubleshoot technical issues and ensure quality and timely delivery, which is crucial for the role.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the Brand

Research Russell & Bromley’s history, values, and current collections. Understanding their brand DNA and craftsmanship standards will help you align your answers with their expectations and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Think of insightful questions to ask about the company's Vision 2030 and how the Product Development team fits into this strategy. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your forward-thinking mindset regarding the company's growth.

Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories
Russell & Bromley
R
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