Product Development Assistant

Product Development Assistant (Maternity Cover)Department: INTERNAL MANUFACTURINGCity: FlorenceLocation: ITINTRODUCTIONAt Burberry, we believe creativity opens spaces. Our purpose is to unlock the power of imagination to push boundaries and open new possibilities for our people, our customers and our communities. This is the core belief that has guided Burberry since it was founded in 1856 and is central to how we operate as a company today.We aim to provide an environment for creative minds from different backgrounds to thrive, bringing a wide range of skills and experiences to everything we do. As a purposeful, values-driven brand, we are committed to being a force for good in the world as well, creating the next generation of sustainable luxury for customers, driving industry change and championing our communities.JOB PURPOSEReporting to the Senior PD Manager, the Product Development Assistant is responsible for supporting the product development process for Leather Goods category by working closely with PD colleagues and designers to develop each category from initial concept through to finished product. This person will connect with the Prototyping & Modelling Manager to observe the operational activities, the capabilities and timeline of the technical work.RESPONSIBILITIESCollaborate with the Senior Product Development Manager and Design team to support material sourcing, development, and prototyping for assigned product categoriesCommunicate with suppliers and manage daily follow-ups on prototyping and raw material development to ensure timely progressCoordinate prototype and sample creation, working closely with Supply Chain, Merchandising, and Vendors to meet quality and timeline requirementsManage sampling technical packs, ensuring accurate data entry and updates in PLM or alternative systemsPerform general administrative tasks to support the Product Development department’s operationsFacilitate direct interaction with the Design team, ensuring alignment on product specifications and creative directionPrepare technical sheets for modelling and create cost sheets to support accurate costing and production planningCollaborate with Designers and Product Development team to select and propose new workmanship techniquesOversee workmanship processes, addressing supplier issues and ensuring compliance with technical standardsWork with the Technical Manager to align technical and timing requirements with supplier capabilitiesReport development progress to the Product Development Manager, including communications with design, technical, and engineering teamsSupport the Industrialization team in resolving technical production issues related to workmanshipAssist in signing off workmanship masters to initiate the production processProcessing the correct order of raw materials for prototypes and samplesUpdating the PLM SystemManage the pass‑off of sample products to the Industrialization department with specific validationRespect the financial budget foreseen for the season.PERSONAL PROFILEBachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred; strong academic background in fashion or product development3–5 years of proven product development experience within the luxury/fashion industryFamiliarity with PLM/CIMS systems and proficiency in Microsoft OfficePassion for product design and development with strong commercial awarenessResults‑driven, analytical, and detail‑oriented with ability to provide accurate dataExcellent communication skills; fluent in Italian and EnglishCollaborative team player with proactive, inquisitive, and adaptable mindsetAbility to multi‑task and manage priorities effectively while upholding brand values and social responsibilityFOOTERBurberry is an Equal Opportunities Employer and as such, treats all applications equally and recruits purely on the basis of skills and experience.#J-18808-Ljbffr