Product Development Administrator

Established in Somerset in 1971, Mulberry has grown to be the largest maker of luxury leather goods in the United Kingdom. With a contemporary take on British heritage and a focus on responsible craft, our ambition is to create progressive luxury. 

Sustainability has been part of the Mulberry ethos since the brand's inception, in recognition of our purpose-driven approach, in 2024 we proudly achieved B Corp Certification. 

Today, we are a global brand, but our values remain the same; we are committed to improving our impact on people and the planet. If these are values you share, we would love you to join our team.

The Role:

As a Product Development Administrator, you’ll be the essential link between the development of the creative vision of the design team and the operational logistics of raw material sourcing, sample development, and production. This role involves significant administrative responsibilities but requires a candidate who can think creatively, approach challenges with innovation, and stay ahead of trends to support our fashion-forward product development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sample Team Coordination:

Procurement & Organisation: Raise purchase orders for raw materials, prototypes, trials, and finished goods samples. You’ll manage orders for both bulk and press samples and coordinate shipping logistics.

Material Management: Work closely with suppliers and factories to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods samples, ensuring quality and consistency in every piece.

Research & Presentation: Dive into new material research following design mood boards, presenting findings to cross-functional teams, and curating fresh ideas to fuel the creative process.

Stock Management: Process the receipt of raw materials and finished goods, perform stock takes, and maintain cost trackers across materials and hardware, ensuring inventory levels are aligned with product timelines.

Systems & Administration:

BOM & Data Maintenance: Create and manage Bills of Material (BOM) across systems, ensuring accuracy in product data that gets passed on to suppliers and manufacturers.

Tracker Management: Maintain key operational trackers, including factory trackers, cost trackers, and material codes, ensuring that all teams have real-time access to accurate and updated information.

Invoicing & Budget Management: Handle invoice processing for accounts, as well as assist with seasonal stock takes and timely updates on procurement and shipping schedules.

Collaboration & Communication:

Cross-Department Support: Work closely with the Product Development and Design Teams to ensure smooth communication between creative and operational aspects of product development.

Supplier & Factory Liaison: Provide regular updates to suppliers and factories on the status of materials, samples, and finished goods, fostering strong relationships to ensure smooth production processes.

Ad-hoc Support: Be a proactive team player, handling “ad-hoc” tasks that arise in the fast-paced world of product development, while ensuring key responsibilities are met.

Culture:

− Understand and demonstrate the Mulberry employee values and behaviours: Be Bold, Be Imaginative, Be Open, Be Responsible.

− Support Mulberry to deliver an inclusive culture, through behaving in a way that is open-minded and respectful towards others, and understanding that your views, opinions, and experiences may not always be shared by your colleagues.

− Act as an ambassador for Mulberry and communicate positively about the brand.

Sustainability:

− As a certified B Corp business, it is important to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into your work wherever possible. Support the businesses ‘Five C’s’ strategy in addressing and improving Climate, Cultivation, Craft, Culture and Circularity. Promote a greener, more sustainable future.

− Support to foster an environment where diversity is embraced and all individuals feel valued, respected and included. Promote equity, empathy and understanding and demonstrate this commitment within your internal and external communities. 

What We’re Looking For:

Creative Mindset: A strong taste for fashion and an understanding of current design trends—you're not just handling logistics; you’re helping bring creative concepts to life!

Strong Organisational Skills: You thrive in an administrative role where attention to detail and multitasking is essential. You’ll stay on top of various projects, from materials research to sample tracking.

Problem-Solver: You think creatively to find solutions, ensuring smooth operations across all departments, and can handle unexpected challenges with ease.

Collaborative Spirit: A proactive team player who communicates well across teams, from designers to suppliers, to keep everything moving forward.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

· Computer literate with advanced Microsoft Excel skills and Indesign/other design softwares

· Experience with order management/product development systems advantageous

· Proven ability in producing accurate work with attention to detail

· Works well under pressure

· Ability to work at a fast pace to multiple deadlines on multiple tasks

· Enjoys working as part of a team

· Excellent prioritisation skills with the ability to adopt a flexible approach to work and adapt plans quickly and effectively

What we can do for you:

· Product allowance

· Additional Day Off for your Birthday!

· An enviable staff discount and exclusive access to staff sales

· Pension Contributions & Life Assurance

· Training and development opportunities - including full access to LinkedIn Learning!

· 2 x paid Volunteering Days per year.

Mulberry is an equal opportunities employer and we are passionate about hiring and developing the best talent. All hiring decisions are made only on the basis of qualifications, skills or experience and as they relate to the particular role. If you need us to make any adjustments to our application or interview processes to enable you to be at your best, please email us at [email protected].