Product Development Manager, VIP

INTRODUCTION

At Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today.

We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values-driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities.

JOB PURPOSE

The Product Development Manager will have accountability and act as the main point of contact for the VIP category. Working across men's and women's RTW, they will closely with the VIP design and marketing partners to deliver the product within the requested deadline and with exceptional quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Build and maintain a close working partnership with Design to develop the collection from initial concept through to finished product

· Act as the technical partner for design, attending fittings, providing feedback on technical feasibility, brainstorming ideas and solutions to ensure the design vision is translated into product

· Build and manage the critical path from concept to finished samples with design and manufacturers. Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all prototype/sample issues to resolve and drive to completion. Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages

· Manage the budget for the collection, ensuring product costs meet margin requirements and the overall collection is delivered within budget. Communicating with the VIP team for sign off of costs.

· Manage all vendor relationships for the collection, working with manufacturers to negotiate and calculate costs for prototypes & samples

· Order prototype and sampling raw materials directly from manufacturers

· Ensure all samples deliveries are on time.

· Manage the inhouse pattern cutting and seamstress requirements.

· Working with the marketing VIP team to ensure briefs and sign off are actioned in the correct time frame to deliver the product.

· Coordinating the cross functional teams, accessories and shoes to ensure all teams are briefed and following the aligned direction.

PERSONAL PROFILE

· Ability to work in partnership with Design Directors, understanding and interpreting their creative aesthetic and design vision and translating this to teams and vendors

· Technical capability and product knowledge with ability to confidently influence the Design team and provide on the spot solutions in:

o Garment construction, pattern cutting and fabric construction

o Ability to work across multiple categories including: knitwear, jersey, outerwear, tailoring and flou

o Knowledge of yarn, stiches and knitwear production methods, including machine and hand knitting techniques

o Leather goods construction, leather/materials knowledge linked to shape and performance

o Printing and printing techniques; silks, woollens, jacquards, woven fabrics; yarn, stiches and knitwear production methods including hand knitting techniques

o Creation metals and Galvanic processes; jewellery and eyewear industry regulatory knowledge; semi-precious stone, crystal, glass & pearl materials; managing a licensing partnership

o Leather and tanning process, origin of raw materials from development to industrialisation; woven fabrics, cottons, wools, technical materials including plastics and coated materials; print development and industrialisation; technical embroidery and embellishment knowledge

o Experience of working with VIP projects

· Experience managing vendor relationships, delivering clear briefs, leveraging relationships to meet demands and negotiating costs

· Experience managing and developing a team

· Critical path management ensuring collections are delivered on time, identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified

· Demonstrated experience working on site with vendors and operational knowledge of factories, delivering clear briefs and leveraging relationships and availability to meet demands

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to negotiate with credibility, share information effectively, and work confidently at all levels and with cross functional teams

· In depth knowledge of fashion and products in relevant category -'fashion sensibility' - knowledge of trends, the market, the luxury consumer and peer awareness

. Computer skills: PLM, excel, indesign

FOOTER

Burberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.

Posting Notes: United Kingdom || Not Applicable || London || PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT || NO DEPARTMENT - FPT9026 || n/a ||