Senior Technical Product Developer
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Description
Job Title: Senior Technical Product Developer (Jewellery)
Location: Holkham, Norfolk
Reporting To: Head of Product Development
Who we are
At Monica Vinader, we're on a mission to prove that buying better, wearing longer and doing better don't have to be mutually exclusive. From our commitment to making the most sustainable jewellery we can using precious materials, to the timeless style and endless versatility of our pieces, we are driven to making everyday fine jewellery accessible and affordable.
And don't just take our word for it, we are proud to be recognised in the industry through recent awards:
• Ethical/Sustainable Jewellery Business of the Year 2021 & 2023, Retail Jeweller
• Jewellery Brand of the Year 2023, Retail Jeweller
• Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2022
• Responsible Luxury Business of the Year 2023 & 2022, Positive Luxury
We are digital first, omni-channel, customer obsessed, female led and inclusive, focused on creating meaningful relationships with our community, who we owe our success to. We are looking for someone special to join our team to help us make luxury something we can all enjoy everyday.
Where we need your help
We have all the makings of an iconic brand - beautiful products that are timeless and designed to last, service that exceeds our customers' expectations, a passionate founder that cares deeply about doing what is right and a loyal and growing community who advocate for us.
As a key part of our dynamic New Product Development (NPD) team, the Technical Product Developer is an exciting opportunity within our fast paced, energetic business, where you will help us continue with our ambitious development and growth plan. You will be responsible for helping deliver a strong pipeline of innovative, iconic and commercial products, where Jewellery expertise is paramount.
Working directly with the Head of Product Development, you will work closely with the NPD team and X-functionally, to deliver beautiful, sustainable, quality products, on time and at a competitive price. You will champion the customer at every point of the product journey and do this with pace, passion and team spirit.
This is a Norfolk based role, with a requirement for a minimum of 4 days per week at our Holkham office and remote working for part of the week.
What you'll do
Technical Expertise
The Senior Technical Product Developer role will add value to our product designs, by ensuring we are using constructions and materials which allow us to achieve the best quality, costs, compliance and sustainable credentials.
You will not just be responsible for delivering your own product development, (from design to launch), but also contributing to the technical development of the full MV product range, in what is a fast paced and agile environment. This will require you to be in enough detail to initiate change and identify issues, but also step out to see the bigger business picture and drive the team to pursue the right priorities.
- The role requires prior experience and expertise in Jewellery manufacture and development which allows us to make the right technical decisions, effectively.
- An understanding of the luxury jewellery market and required quality standards for diamonds, gemstones, pearls, 14k solid gold and Vermeil
- Ability to clearly brief suppliers and present your technical understanding effectively.
- Able to apply technical knowledge to challenging suppliers and manufacturing processes
- Drive simplicity and propose the best constructions for the customer; considering wearability, durability comfort and perceived value in your decision making
Development
- Collaborate with suppliers to bring our design ideas to life with pace and accuracy.
- Strong working knowledge of CADs which ensure the product will be viable
- Using technical understanding to forsee potential issues with product quality
- Strong working knowledge of jewellery manufacturing standards
- Working tightly to a critical path, and working cross functionally with commercial and supplier teams
- Briefing of collections for development with suppliers, translating design aesthetic, technical details (including stone setting and hinge/clasps) and sharing knowledge on construction methods and expected quality standards.
- Raise sample purchase orders and communicate effectively with suppliers daily/regularly to track sample development progress within the required lead time.
- Report clear, concise development updates by supplier and identify potential delays or obstructions to delivery milestones. Escalate large issues effectively to Head of Product Development and General Manager of Supply
- Physically check samples for quality, fit, comfort and commercial viability before we can place production orders
Team
- Take on sourcing projects to bring innovation to our portfolio of products including new stones, findings and components.
- Lead optimisation projects (eg. size diversity) which may be loose briefs, but using initiative and a customer eye view look to define improvements and propose ways to make them simply
- Take on Market research projects to find new materials, sources, suppliers or techniques which could aid development or current supply, or enhance towards sustainability goals.
- Manage the design studio space, in parallel with the rest of the team, to keep it an inspirational space but also fully functional for the full team to maximise its benefit.
What you'll bring
• A passion for the MV brand and the product we create
• Prior experience of Jewellery Development and manufacture, ideally with expertise in diamonds, gemstones and 14k solid gold
• Experience with managing external suppliers & product management experience
• An ability to learn quickly and teach others your expertise
• Proven track record in technical jewellery development
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Well organised, can multi-task and prioritise effectively, with meticulous attention to detail
• Experience of working in teams with a willingness to carry out a range of tasks to support the NPD team
• Sound judgement and great common sense. Excellent problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with a clear sense of drive and ownership
• Sufficient ability in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office including Excel and Powerpoint
To be successful at Monica Vinader...
• You are a doer
• You're a team player
• You're humble
• You are honest, straightforward, and transparent
• You are a good teacher/mentor (approachable and accessible)
• You want to get your hands dirty
• You solve problems
• You are resilient
• You are flexible
• You are entrepreneurial, smart, and passionate
• If you don't know something, you say so. Then go figure it out quickly
• You love working in a creative environment
• You have a sense of humour
• You are an insatiable learner
• You care about others and the environment
Additional Requirements
Ability to document your authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.
Travel Requirements
Ad hoc travel to our London office will be required
Travel overseas will be required (between once per quarter and twice per year)
Full UK driving licence required
Our Aims and Values
Our mission is to be the leading accessible luxury brand, by delivering outstanding quality, design and customer service. We are:
Customer Obsessed
Our customers are at the core of everything we do. We will always deliver an outstanding and personal experience to them every time they interact with us, to ensure their ongoing support and loyalty.
Caring
We treat people with respect, as we would want to be treated. We are apolitical and assume good intentions in others. We are open and honest with each other while ensuring we take an empathetic and supportive approach.
Fast Paced
We are passionate about what we do, and we want to reach as many customers as fast as we can. We combine focus with pragmatism and flexibility so that we can move at pace in whichever direction we need to take.
Exceptional
We have a relentless desire to continually learn and improve to ensure our products and approach are exceptional. Our tenacity, high standards and attention to detail give us a competitive advantage.
Commercial
We focus hard on facts and approach things in a logical, rational and analytical way. We challenge each other to make sure we make decisions and take actions that create value for our business and our customers.
Monica Vinader as a global business makes the following inclusive culture pledge:
Our jewellery is for everyone and so is our community. Together, we will continue to implement sustainable changes to ensure that career opportunities and progression are open to all. We commit to celebrating the diverse voices of our employees, partners, and the customers we serve.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties to be performed by the employee. This job description may be altered to reflect the business needs of the company.
Monica Vinader Ltd, Holkham Studios, Longlands, Holkham Park, Wells-next-the-Sea,
Norfolk, NR23 1SH
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At Monica Vinader, we're on a mission to prove that buying better, wearing longer and doing better don't have to be mutually exclusive. From our commitment to making the most sustainable jewellery we can using precious materials, to the timeless style and endless versatility of our pieces, we are driven to making everyday fine jewellery accessible and affordable. We are digital first, customer obsessed, female led and inclusive, focused on creating meaningful relationships with our community, who we owe our success to. We are looking for someone special to join our team to help us make luxury something we can all enjoy everyday.Further information is available at www.monicavinader.com