Ready-to-Wear Production & Product Development Manager in London

Position: Ready-to-Wear Production & Product Development Manager

Department : Production & Product Development

Reports to: Head of Production & Product Development

Job Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded and highly organised Ready-to-Wear Production & Product Development Manager to oversee the end-to-end development and production process for our Ready-to-Wear collections.

This is a senior operational role responsible for independently managing seasonal collections from concept through to bulk production and final delivery. The successful candidate will act as the key liaison between Design, Technical, Production, Merchandising, Suppliers and Factories, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with the Head of Production & Product Development, this role will take ownership of day-to-day product development and production activities, identify risks early, propose solutions and drive continuous improvements across processes and supplier performance.

End-to-End Product Development & Production

· Independently manage the full RTW product lifecycle from design handover through bulk production and delivery.

· Own and manage seasonal critical paths, ensuring all development and production milestones are achieved.

· Drive projects to launch within agreed timelines and budgets.

· Proactively identify development or production risks and implement solutions.

· Support collection launches across multiple seasonal drops.

Production Management

· Manage production schedules across all RTW suppliers.

· Monitor production progress and ensure deliveries remain on schedule.

· Coordinate factory capacity and production planning.

· Oversee Purchase Orders, production bookings and shipment schedules.

· Manage production WIP reports and communicate updates to the wider business.

· Ensure all production is completed to agreed quality standards.

Product Development

· Translate creative concepts into commercially viable products.

· Manage all sample developments from prototype through PPS approval.

· Improve sample accuracy and reduce unnecessary development rounds.

· Ensure all styles are production-ready before bulk approval.

Supplier & Factory Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with international manufacturers and suppliers.

· Lead supplier communications independently.

· Negotiate development and production timelines.

· Conduct supplier and factory visits where required.

· Resolve production issues directly with suppliers.

· Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery and cost.

Costing & Margin Management

· Review garment costings and maintain target margins.

· Analyse costing opportunities without compromising quality.

· Support seasonal costing exercises and pricing reviews.

· Identify commercial risks affecting profitability.

Fabric & Trim Management

· Coordinate sourcing and developing of fabrics and trims.

· Track material deliveries against production timelines.

· Maintain seasonal material libraries.

· Ensure raw materials arrive before production deadlines.

Quality Assurance

· Monitor product quality throughout development and bulk production.

· Coordinate PPS approvals.

· Work alongside Technical and Quality teams to resolve issues.

· Drive continuous quality improvements across suppliers.

· Ensure garments meet Knatchbull quality standards before shipment.

Critical Path & Project Management

· Own and maintain detailed development and production critical paths.

· Manage priorities across multiple seasonal collections simultaneously.

· Escalate risks with proposed solutions.

· Ensure cross-functional teams remain aligned on deadlines.

Systems & Documentation

· Maintain accurate information across ERP/PLM systems.

· Maintain BOMs, Critical Paths, Purchase Orders and Development Calendars.

· Produce weekly production reports and KPI updates.

Logistics & Inventory

· Coordinate inbound production deliveries.

· Monitor shipment schedules and customs documentation.

· Work closely with warehouse and logistics partners.

Cross Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with Design, Technical, Merchandising, Marketing, Warehouse and Quality Control.

· Support marketing sample requirements, photoshoots, retail launches and key business initiatives.

Leadership & Team Support

· Support mentoring and coaching junior team members.

· Lead supplier and internal meetings where required.

· Drive continuous process improvements across the department.

Ad Hoc as Necessary

· Take on additional responsibilities or projects as required to support the production team and ensure the success of operations.

· Perform any additional tasks as required by your line manager.

Skills & Experience

· Essential

· 6+ years' experience in luxury Ready-to-Wear Product Development and Production.

· Proven experience independently managing seasonal collections.

· Strong knowledge of garment construction, manufacturing and luxury production.

· Excellent supplier and factory management experience.

· Strong commercial awareness and costing knowledge.

· Critical path management experience.

· Experience managing multiple suppliers across Europe and internationally.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

· Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.

· Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

· Experience using ERP and/or PLM systems.

· Ability to work independently and make confident decisions.

· Desirable

· Experience within luxury tailoring or premium Ready-to-Wear.

· Experience travelling to factories and fabric mills.

· Understanding of quality management and compliance.

· Project management experience.

Personal Attributes

· Commercially minded

· Highly proactive

· Strong problem solver

· Calm under pressure

· Excellent communicator

· Collaborative team player

· Highly organised

· Results driven

· Continuous improvement mindset

· Confident leading supplier relationships and cross-functional projects