Director of Product Development, Wovens RTW

Company: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc
Location: New York
Posted on: February 2, 2025

Job Description:

Director of Product Development, Wovens RTWNew York, NYABOUT KHAITEKHAITE is a way of looking at the world. Shaped by formative encounters, cultural touchstones, and secret desires, this point of view comes to life through womenswear and accessories that find confidence in contrast. Each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements - masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity - while embodying a signature sensuality and ease.Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and based in New York, KHAITE evolves with each season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle yet striking details.ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITYWe are looking for a Director of Product Development, Wovens RTW to join the KHAITE team. This role will report to the VP, Product and will be based out of the NYC HQ offices.The Director of Product Development, Wovens RTW oversees the entire development process, ensuring garments meet quality standards and collection timelines. They coordinate with design, development, and production teams to manage calendars, budget, and optimize workflow efficiency. Deep product and technical knowledge in the luxury sector is required to be successful in this role.This role involves strategic calendar planning, budget tracking, vendor coordination, and workflow optimization. Additionally, the role ensures accurate product data, mentors team members, and maintains consistency in product representation, all while focusing on quality elevation and meeting cost targets to realize the brand's vision and commercial success.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and strategize the development calendar for the Wovens' Ready-to-Wear collection, ensuring alignment with overall brand objectives and seasonal deliverables.
• Coordinate and oversee development milestones, ensuring smooth communication and alignment across teams.
• Manage WIP across multiple partners, including freelance patternmakers, domestic and overseas factories, and in-house atelier, tracking all sampling activities to meet deadlines.
• Continuously optimize the development process by adapting to changes in resources and priorities, seeking opportunities for product quality elevation, efficiency gains, and expense optimization.
• Manage weekly fit sessions with design, raw materials, tech design, and PD teams, ensuring all samples and relevant materials are present.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with domestic and overseas vendors to ensure effective communication.
• Oversee show fittings and alterations, ensuring that garments meet the desired aesthetic and fit standards for runway and collection presentations.
• Strategize with the SVP, Product to ensure that all budgetary aspects of the development process are in line with yearly projections and financial goals.
• Prepare and manage costing throughout the development process with SVP, Product and Director of Production, analyzing data to impact design changes and ensure adherence to cost targets.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of product data across all relevant parties and in the PLM system to facilitate efficient communication and decision-making.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure seamless transition from development to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with the merchandising team to ensure collection line plan is well considered while developing the collection.
• Train support teams and develop their talents.SKILLS & REQUIREMENTSInterpersonal Skills:
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a sense of urgency required.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to growth and changes required.
  • Ability to maintain strong relationships with vendors, providing clear communication.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
  • Strong team player.Education/Experience:
    • 7-10+ years of experience in Product Development and Production in Wovens category required.
    • Product knowledge, understanding of patternmaking, garment construction, and technique in luxury sector required.
    • Proficiency in PLM, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite required.
    • Proficiency in RLM is a plus.Please note: This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.OUR VALUES
      • Creativity - We are always imagining, never imitating.
      • Integrity - We do the right thing.
      • Kindness - We value people and their ideas, so we act and speak with compassion.
      • Agility - We move with intention, flexibility, and speed to stay ahead.
      • Tenacity - We are insatiable. Our drive is relentless.WE OFFERThe salary range is $130,000-140,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon the candidates' relevant skills and experience. Other benefits include medical, dental, and vision programs, a company bonus plan, employee discounts and perks, a 401k plan with employer match, and other ancillary benefits.KHAITE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Keywords: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc, New Haven , Director of Product Development, Wovens RTW, Executive , New York, Connecticut