Job Description
Synonymous with great British design and heritage, Globe-Trotter is a luxury travel lifestyle brand producing handcrafted luggage and leather collections. Established in 1897 and celebrating the 125th anniversary in 2022, Globe-Trotter makes the most beautiful and durable luggage in the world. The business has been Private Equity backed since 2020.
Globe-Trotter is a truly global business trading in more than 80 countries, with significant brand awareness in Japan, Europe and the USA and an increasing footprint in the GCC, China and South East Asia.
With exciting growth plans we are looking for a Product Developer with leather goods experience to join our team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Assist in the development of leather goods from concept to final product, including sketching, prototyping, and sample reviews.
* Work closely with suppliers to source leather, hardware, and other materials, ensuring they meet the design and quality specifications.
* Create and update technical drawings, specifications, and design documentation to communicate product details to the production team and other stakeholders.
* Stay updated on market trends, consumer preferences, and industry innovations to inform design and development decisions.
* Collaborate with the research and development team to create and refine product samples, providing feedback and suggesting improvements.
* Assist in the review of product samples and finished goods to ensure they meet quality standards.
* Liaise with the production team during the production process, addressing any technical issues and ensuring timely delivery of products.
* Help to manage product costs by selecting appropriate materials and optimising production processes.
* Work closely with design, marketing, and production teams to ensure alignment on product goals and timelines.
* Maintain accurate records of all product development activities, including material specifications, sample requests, and production timelines.
Requirements of the role
* A strong understanding of leather materials and manufacturing processes. Ideally having worked in the leather goods or fashion accessories industry for a minimum of 3 years.
* A proven track record of working with international suppliers and manufacturers, with knowledge of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
* Experience of using design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD).
* Experience of quality control processes, ideally in leather goods production.
* Ability to work under pressure and across all levels of seniority.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be persuasive, engaging and motivating with others in a consistent manner.
* Ability to work to tight deadlines and be adaptable to problems as they arise.