- Company Name
- Stella McCartney
- Job Title
- Product Developer
- Job Description
-
**Job Title**
Product Developer
**Role Summary**
Coordinate and accelerate product development across design, sourcing, and production teams for a luxury ready‑to‑wear knitwear and denim line. The role bridges London and industry partners in Italy, ensuring design intent, material specifications, and production timelines align to deliver high‑quality garments on schedule.
**Expactations**
- Deliver end‑to‑end product development within defined timelines.
- Maintain accurate cost records and communicate updates to finance and merchandising.
- Act as primary liaison between design, industry PD, and sourcing offices.
- Resolve bottlenecks early and keep all stakeholders informed.
**Key Responsibilities**
- Support material sourcing, development, and prototyping for denim, jersey, and woven categories.
- Coordinate raw‑material requests with fabric, trim, and embroidery developers.
- Track the collection from sketch through prototypes to finished samples, attending relevant meetings.
- Keep line‑sheets, boards, and documentation current; update all departments on progress and changes.
- Follow critical path, flag issues, and help resolve scheduling or quality problems.
- Work with merchandising to align commercial and range plans.
- Manage prototype delivery and fittings, ensuring timely adjustments.
- Provide fitting packs to industry PD and review all prototypes for design consistency.
- Maintain SMS sampling visibility for look‑books, communicating outstanding issues.
- Assist in styling, fittings, and adjustments for show/look‑book seasons.
- Oversee post‑show changes, derivatives, and cancellations, ensuring final line‑up meets specifications.
- Organize and attend production fittings; act as lead contact for studio during the creative‑to‑production transition.
**Required Skills**
- Fluent English; Italian a plus.
- 3–5 years’ experience in product development for knitwear/denim/ready‑to‑wear.
- Strong operational, project‑management, and interpersonal communication skills.
- In‑depth knowledge of garment manufacturing processes for knit, jersey, and denim.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Product Development, Textile, or related field (equivalent experience accepted).
- No mandatory certifications required, though industry‐recognized credentials (e.g., FMD, ACFA) are advantageous.