KNWLS is looking for a Product Development Manager with 3 years' product development experience to join the team in London.

Working closely with the design, production and operations teams, the Product Development Manager will oversee the development of seasonal collections from concept through to production, ensuring that products are developed to the highest quality standards while meeting cost targets and critical path deadlines.

This is a full-time management role that offers an opportunity to take ownership within a small, collaborative studio team in south east London.

Main Responsibilities of the Product Development Manager

Product Development:

• Manage all aspects of design development, working alongside the Design Team and the Production Manager.
• Manage the development process from initial design concept through to production-ready samples, including hands-on designing, toiling, pattern cutting, and sewing where required. Ensure delivery on schedule, within budget and in line with brand quality standards.
• Translate design briefs into commercially viable products while maintaining the brand’s creative vision. Coordinate the concept development, seasonal research and creative presentations with the Design Team.
• Oversee the sampling process, ensuring prototypes meet design, fit, and quality standards.
• Build seasonal merchandising plans, working in collaboration with the Design and Production Teams. Leading merchandising meetings with Operations and Sales teams, capturing feedback and ensuring timely follow-up on actions.
• Lead fittings and communicate technical adjustments to pattern cutters and manufacturers. Coordinate development and pre-production fittings with the Production Manager, record feedback and prepare technical feedback documents.

Supplier & Factory Management:

• Foster strong relationships with local and international factories, mills, trim suppliers and partners. Source fabrics and trims in line with design direction, quality requirements, timelines and budget, ensuring all suppliers meet and maintain delivery, quality and margin expectations. 
• Serve as the main point of contact for development correspondence. Facilitate regular communication to clarify priorities and technical details.
• Source fabrics and trims in line with design direction, quality requirements and budget.
• Negotiate pricing, minimums and lead times with suppliers. 
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation of technical details (CADs and tech packs) and request fabric technical data from suppliers.
• Ensure timely resolution of any discrepancies with suppliers or manufacturers.

Costing & Budget Management:

• Manage the development budget, ensuring all costs are forecasted, negotiated and tracked. 
• Manage product costing to ensure collections meet margin targets. 
• Review and approve sample costs, production quotes and material usage with the Production Manager. 
• Ensure all products are production-ready, with clear specifications and technical documentation.

Critical Path, Delivery & Pre-Production Readiness:

• Build and manage the seasonal development critical path. Maintain up-to-date development calendars, boards, fabric libraries and internal tracking documents. 
• Manage the development schedule, track progress across sampling, development orders and shipments, fittings and approvals to ensure efficient on-time delivery for sales and production. 
• Identify and resolve development issues or delays.
• Support the preparation of collections for sales, showroom appointments, press previews and fashion week activations.
• Working closely with the Production manager to support the transition from development into production, ensuring all documentation and approvals are accurate and updated. 
• Assist with reviewing and approving size charts, and organise master patterns and samples for grading and production.

Development Administration:

• Own development administration, including preparing order confirmation sheets and raising and processing purchase orders. Ensure all development-related documents are accurately filed and up-to-date in the purchase order system. 
• Liaise with accounts regarding invoicing and payment scheduling.
• Work with the Studio Manager to book freelancers (pattern cutters, seamstresses, fit models), ensuring adherence to key development deadlines.
• Coordinate logistics and obtain shipping quotes for development shipments. Prepare necessary documents, including commercial invoices and packing lists. Ensure proper handling of imports and maintain up-to-date records.
• Coordinate raw material management, including ordering swatches, fabrics, trims and hardware. 
• Prepare raw material dockets in Zedonk and maintain supplier information. 
• Monitor development stock levels and ensure accurate inventory management of development materials.
• Occasional work travel may be required. 

What KNWLS is looking for…

Required:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar product development role within a brand, agency or manufacturer. 
• Strong understanding of garment construction, materials and production processes.
• Proven skills in design, draping, pattern cutting, sewing, technical construction and creating tech packs.
• Experience working with factories and suppliers in the UK and internationally.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Proficient with macOS, G Suite and Numbers/Excel
• Strong costing and negotiation abilities.
• Motivated by the variety and collaboration that comes with working in a small, agile team and comfortable supporting across multiple areas.
• Solutions-oriented and able to manage multiple deadlines and remain calm under pressure. 
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to balance creative vision with commercial and operational requirements.
• Keen interest in design, in fashion and culture, with a strong aptitude for research.
• The right to live and work in the UK (no relocation or visa sponsorship available).

Beneficial:

• Merchandising experience
• Experience with Zedonk software or similar programs
• Additional language skills in Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese or Turkish

Application

Please apply with a CV, a short cover letter outlining your suitability and interest, and a portfolio.