Senior Product Developer - Leathergoods at HMGroup

As a Senior Product Developer for leathergoods, you will lead the development of new products within your department including bags, belts and SLG's. With a focus on construction, component innovation, and sourcing high-quality leather and materials. You will ensure COS quality standards are consistently met while working closely with the Head of Design and Senior Designer to guide each product from initial sketch through to production. You will play a key role in cross-functional collaboration, maintaining direct communication with suppliers, production offices, and internal stakeholders. Your ability to manage timelines, uphold quality, and drive innovation will be essential in shaping a commercially strong and aesthetically aligned collection.  Key Responsibilities  • Lead the end-to-end product development process for leathergoods, from initial sketch to production  in close collaboration with Design and Buying teams  • Execute an efficient product and component development strategy, ensuring alignment with the department’s visual goals, seasonal direction, and customer relevance.  • Source and develop leather qualities, trims, hardware and internal structures with a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation.  • Utilise your technical knowledge of premium leathergoods construction, leather and skin tanning, embossing and tumbling treatments materials, fit and finishing to support high-quality product execution.  • Ensure component bookings and communicate sample yardage to Supply Chain.  • Build, develop, and drive the assortment strategy for your department, delivering the set vision in a clear and inspiring way.  • Lead the planning of seasonal structure to ensure timely delivery of samples and production.  • Deliver the final assortment to the Design and Buying team in line with seasonal and profitability goals.  • Support the translation of design intent into technically sound and commercially viable products.  • Travel to and work directly with suppliers and Production Offices, acting as the senior point of contact to ensure best-in-class sample execution and on-time delivery  • Work closely with the Head of Design, Senior Designer and Junior Designer, providing feedback on technical issues and development progress  • Ensure alignment across the team on product details including colour, fit, and functionality  • Provide product analysis and performance results across the organisation to support strategic decisions  • Be an expert in sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices  • Lead negotiations and costings across the product range, working closely with Buying, Design and Supplier to deliver to the collection pricing architecture