Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)
RTW Product Developer
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Position: RTW Product Developer
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Head of Production and Product Development
Role Overview
As RTW Product Developer, you will take ownership of the Ready-to-Wear development lifecycle from concept through bulk production. You will act as the operational bridge between Design, Technical, Production, and Suppliers, ensuring collections are developed on time, on cost, and to brand quality standards.
This role requires strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness, and the ability to independently manage suppliers, critical paths, and development risks. You will be responsible for driving development efficiency, improving sample accuracy, protecting margin, and ensuring scalable production processes.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Product Development Ownership
- Manage the full RTW development process from initial concept through to bulk production.
- Translate creative direction into technically feasible, commercially viable garments.
- Own the RTW critical path and proactively mitigate delays.
- Ensure all development milestones are achieved within agreed timelines.
Supplier & Factory Management
- Act as primary point of contact for RTW factories and key suppliers.
- Negotiate development timelines and manage sampling calendars.
- Conduct factory visits as required to oversee sampling and pre-production.
- Troubleshoot development and production issues with technical authority.
- Monitor supplier performance and escalate quality or delivery risks.
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Sample & Fitting Management
- Lead all sample tracking and approval processes.
- Organize and attend fittings, taking structured fit notes.
- Communicate clear and actionable feedback to factories.
- Reduce sample iterations through improved briefing and preparation.
- Ensure PPS approval aligns with BOM and approved comments.
Costing & Margin Awareness
- Support cost analysis for each style at development stage.
- Identify cost drivers and propose improvements where possible.
- Balance quality and construction against commercial targets.
- Highlight risks that may impact margin before bulk commitment.
Material Sourcing & Development
- Source fabrics and trims aligned with design and brand standards.
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships.
- Ensure material approvals are completed ahead of bulk deadlines.
- Maintain organized fabric and trim libraries for seasonal development.
Quality Control & Production Readiness
- Review samples for construction quality and consistency.
- Identify recurring development issues and implement improvements.
- Ensure garments are production-ready before bulk sign-off.
- Align QC standards with factory execution.
Documentation & Systems
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- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation including:
- Tech packs
- BOMs
- Line sheets
- Development calendars
- Fit notes
- Ensure ERP / PLM systems are accurately updated.
- Provide structured development reporting to management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Design to maintain creative integrity.
- Collaborate with Production to ensure smooth bulk transition.
- Support Sales & Marketing with sample readiness for shoots and launches.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.
Ad Hoc as Necessary
- Take on other responsibilities or projects as required to support the production team and ensure the success of operations.
Qualifications & Experience
Experience
- 4–6+ years experience in RTW product development within luxury fashion.
- Proven experience independently managing development calendars.
- Strong factory and supplier management background.
- Experience overseeing PPS and bulk production readiness.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong critical path management and planning capability.
- Commercially aware with margin sensitivity.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP/PLM systems.
- Confident decision-maker with ability to work autonomously.
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