At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of stylish Ready-to-Wear collections from concept to production.
- Company: Join a luxury fashion brand known for its innovative designs and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion, turning ideas into reality while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years in RTW product development and strong supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
- 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
• 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.
RTW Product Developer in London employer: Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)
As an RTW Product Developer at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that values creativity and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our luxury fashion collections. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a unique blend of inspiration and accessibility, making it an excellent place to develop your career in the fashion industry.
Contact Details:
Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RTW Product Developer in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London).
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London).
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)!
We think you need these skills to ace RTW Product Developer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London).
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London). Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knatchbull (Prev. The Deck London)
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
