Accountabilities
The SLG/ & LLG Product Developer/Product Manager (Product Development cum Production) is accountable for partnering closely with Design to translate creative concepts into high-quality leather goods. This role ensures the development pipeline is managed efficiently, balancing the volume of styles with target costs and desired quality standards. It will oversee the end-to-end production process to guarantee smooth execution, driving excellence in product delivery and maintaining a zero-defect KPI. A key focus is placed on meeting “on-time” delivery targets while upholding the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation
Key Responsibilities
* Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Engineering, and vendors to develop and execute the seasonal line.
* Translate illustration and design concepts into high-quality physical products.
* Recommend appropriate materials and techniques aligned with seasonal design direction and brand standards.
* Manage the development timeline, ensuring sample delivery and quality meet all key milestones.
* Coordinate with vendors, tanneries, and material suppliers for development and salesman sample materials.
* Oversee material and product testing during development stages to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.
* Review samples with internal stakeholders, identifying and flagging potential issues in materials or finished goods.
* Attend seasonal design and engineering meetings to capture changes and assess implications for cost, lead time, and product aesthetics.
* Evaluate market trends and best practices across the luxury sector to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
* Escalate significant product or production issues to senior leadership with clear, timely reporting and risk assessments.
* Manage pre-production samples and approvals to ensure production readiness.
* Oversee the full production lifecycle—from pre-production approvals to final product delivery—ensuring quality, timing, and vendor alignment.
* Monitor and track factory WIP (Work in Progress), ensuring all production partners meet MCM’s standards.
* Provide visibility of quality performance to key stakeholders and minimize QA rejections to achieve a zero-defect standard.
* Support cost optimization strategies while maintaining product integrity and brand positioning.
* Govern the number of manufacturing partners in Europe and support the expansion of European production through high-quality, cost-effective sourcing.
* Ensure alignment with corporate and divisional objectives, particularly around on-time delivery and production excellence.
Requirements
* Minimum 5 to 10 years of experience in product development and production in all types of leather goods within the same or related field.
* Proven ability to translate illustration and design concepts into high-quality physical products.
* Strong technical knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and product engineering.
* Keen design sensibility with a strong understanding of aesthetic and brand alignment.
* Solid experience working within global luxury brand environments and familiarity with best practices in the luxury fashion industry.
* Excellent knowledge of production management, including factory coordination and workflow optimization.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive factory performance and resolve production challenges.
* Well-connected with suppliers and manufacturers, particularly within Europe, and able to recommend reliable partners to support business growth.
* Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
* Positive attitude, open-minded, and collaborative in team settings.
* Strong written and spoken communication skills in English.