Head of Shoes Product Development

Role

Head of Shoes Product Development

Reports to

Product Development Director

Contract Type

Permanent

The Role

As the Head of Shoes Product Development, you will lead the development of all footwear collections and collaborations for Loewe. This pivotal role requires a strategic leader with exceptional delegation and oversight skills, ensuring timely and high-quality product delivery. You will drive operational efficiency, foster a collaborative environment, and prioritize team development within your department.

Main Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the shoes product development team, delegating tasks effectively and empowering team members through expert guidance.
• Define clear roles and responsibilities within the team to foster accountability, professional growth, and job satisfaction.
• Oversee the successful launch of prototypes and samples to factories, ensuring all aspects, including raw material procurement, remain on track.
• Actively participate in Pre-Buy activities with Production and Retail.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as the central communication hub, coordinating closely with Design and Merchandising teams in Paris, and collaborating daily with PD
• Ensure cross-functional alignment through regular communication with global teams and internal stakeholders (Design, Merchandising, Industrialization) to achieve a unified vision for each collection.
• Collaborate closely with the Costing team to facilitate efficient and timely precosting and costing activities.
• Provide clear technical product briefs to the Merchandising team before each buying session.

3. Process Optimization & Quality Assurance

• Uphold the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and technical superiority in all footwear products.
• Implement robust and scalable processes within the product development lifecycle.
• Actively manage seasonal calendars and critical path timelines, addressing bottlenecks and risks proactively to ensure on-time delivery of samples for fittings and showrooms.
• Ensure excellence in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and BOMs (Bills of Material) creation and management.
• In collaboration with Merchandising and Industrialization, conduct technical reviews of prototypes, identifying issues, validating functionality, and proposing improvements.
• Liaise with external suppliers, manufacturers, and ateliers to coordinate sample development, resolve quality issues, and manage delivery schedules.
• Foster strong vendor relationships to support innovation and efficiency.
• Partner with material sourcing to identify, develop, and validate components, trims, and manufacturing solutions, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and brand standards.
• Manage material orders for showroom and runway samples.
• Oversee raw material research in partnership with the material manager and coordinate follow-up with external material partners.

5. Budget Management

• Closely monitor project timelines and budgets, ensuring all development activities align with the merchandising brief and company objectives.
• Compile development reports, cost overviews, and presentation materials for review meetings and senior leadership.

The Candidate

• Bachelor's degree with a strong understanding of the shoes Product Development process.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in shoes Product Development, with direct experience in luxury brand dynamics and standards.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and developing a team, demonstrating exceptional delegation and comprehensive oversight skills.
• Strong ability to implement robust processes and define clear roles and responsibilities within a team to maximize efficiency.
• Demonstrated capability to significantly improve cross-functional communication and collaboration, establishing and maintaining effective information flows.
• Computer literate with excellent proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Mastery of PLM system tools, with the ability to drive and implement changes for enhanced efficiency within the shoes category.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills, with outstanding precision and accuracy.
• Exceptional time management skills, capable of working on tight deadlines and reprioritizing activities autonomously and with manager input.
• Ability to work under pressure on multiple tasks while delivering high-quality results.
• Proactive and problem‑solving attitude.
• Natural team player.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Italian, with very good knowledge of written and spoken English (official language for meetings).
• Ability to travel frequently as required by the business.

Encouraging diversity in all its forms, LOEWE is committed to the employment of people with disabilities. We celebrate diversity and are committed to create and foster an inclusive environment for all.

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