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

Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

City of London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / 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 travel.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of British fashion with innovative designs.
  • Qualifications: Experience in luxury footwear development and strong technical knowledge required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work closely with top designers and travel to European factories.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 include a commitment to brand and product transformation, continued growth of our UK & IRE retail footprint, and accelerated international expansion.

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

Russell & Bromley is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Soho, London, where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. With a commitment to employee growth through Vision 2030, team members benefit from hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to a brand with a rich heritage and exciting future. Join us to be part of a family-owned business that values innovation and empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the luxury fashion industry.
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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 standards will help you align your skills and experiences with what they value in a Product Developer.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the luxury footwear industry, especially those who have experience working with European factories. This can provide you with insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the role, making you a more attractive candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your technical knowledge in detail, particularly around last-making and construction methods for casual footwear. Being able to articulate your expertise will demonstrate your capability to bridge the gap between design and production effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of past challenges you've faced in product development. Highlight how you collaborated with cross-functional teams to overcome these issues, as this is crucial for the role at Russell & Bromley.

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
Experience with European Factories
Ability to Translate Creative Concepts
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 job responsibilities, such as managing the end-to-end development process.

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 translated creative concepts into commercially viable products.

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. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in premium or luxury footwear development.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share instances where you've successfully tackled technical challenges in product development. This role requires excellent problem-solving abilities, so showcasing your approach to overcoming obstacles will impress the interviewers.

✨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 show 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 roadmap. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your forward-thinking mindset regarding the company's future.

Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories
Russell & Bromley
R
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