Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, Burberry is a global luxury brand with a distinctly British attitude. We are a global business with an extensive network of both owned and franchised stores across EMEIA, Asia Pacific and Americas. We are digital pioneers, and innovative technology underpins every aspect of our business, from product design to distribution and marketing. We believe that modern luxury means being socially and environmentally responsible; this mindset is core to our business and key to our long-term success.

To support the Materials Development Manager and the team in managing the materials development and material selection process for Shoes by working closely with PD team to develop the materials from initial concept through to finished product.

CLOSING DATE : 3/08

• Support in working with tanneries and suppliers to collect new materials with the criteria of new developments on the market and new materials selection 
• Work with  PD team to select and propose new materials development and new materials sourcing  
• Work alongside  PD to develop or implement materials fitting for purpose on the products under development  
• Order raw materials for prototypes and samples and support the PD team  in implementing the seasonal development critical paths for materials availability   
• Report to the Materials Development Manager all the communications with relevant suppliers and daily follow up of raw materials developments: problem solving, providing information.  
• Support the Materials Development Manager in the set up and update of all raw materials information file and in the system (codification, prices request, technical specs request, test request)
• Support the PD team with all the adjustments and assist in the production start up of seasonal collection 
• Support in monitoring materials on time deliveries for samples production  
• Support in signing off the material master prior to start of production
• Support in the distribution of material standards for production to all relevant internal departments and to FG suppliers, prior to the start of any production
• Support in monitoring the availability of materials cost information (no final negotiation) 
• Support in monitoring materials expenses for samples in accordance with PD development budget
• Support in uploading RM data on the system (FlexPLM) and on cross-functional files

• Build strong partnerships with PD with ability to develop creative technical solutions
• Materials development approval rate
• Materials development on time and in line with margin target
• Data integrity on PLM
• Build strong relationships with external partners

• Technical capability and product knowledge with ability to confidently support the PD team and provide on the spot solutions in:

- Raw materials from development to industrialisation; leather, fabrics

- Previous experience in leather and fabric.

• Experience managing vendor relationships, delivering clear briefs and leveraging relationships to meet demands
• Critical path management ensuring collections are delivered on time, identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified
• Able to manage within a budget with commercial awareness and understanding of product cost, achieving a balance between creativity and commercial implications throughout the materials development process
• Excellent communication skills to work confidently 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,
• Reporting skills required