Mcqueen Collection Development Manager, Knitwear in London

McQueen is a British luxury fashion house founded by Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992. In 2001, the house joined the Kering Group and, since December 2023, is under the creative direction of Seán McGirr. McQueen is distinctive for an expression of individuality, subversive strength and raw power. With a design studio and atelier based in London, the house is known for uncompromising quality and creative vision.

Behaviours

• Empowerment – We empower our team and peers, providing unwavering support to ensure everyone can thrive.
• Teamwork – We put an emphasis on Teamwork; this means working together as a collective to achieve shared goals.
• Respect – We value respect, treating everyone with dignity and showing genuine appreciation for their efforts.
• Kindness – We believe kindness is integral to everything we do; this means demonstrating compassion and empathy towards others.

Responsibilities

• Act as the collection development lead for Knitwear, ensuring full alignment between Design’s creative vision and the technical realisation of the knitwear collection.
• Partner closely with the Knitwear Design team and Technical Development teams to translate creative concepts into commercially and technically feasible products.
• Serve as the main liaison between the London Studio and the Product Development teams in Novara, maintaining clarity, consistency, and timeliness across all stages of knitwear development.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of London prototype knitwear pieces, managing development from initial stitch trials and yarn selection through to final sample approval.
• Ensure the design intent is preserved while balancing innovation, quality standards, production feasibility, and cost parameters.
• Oversee fittings, sample reviews, and development milestones, providing detailed technical feedback and ensuring efficient communication between creative and technical teams.
• Partner with teams and suppliers in Italy – Yarn, Materials, and Production teams to source and develop new yarns, techniques, and finishing methods aligned with the brand’s creative direction.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical or development challenges, ensuring timelines and product quality are maintained throughout the collection cycle.
• Manage collection calendars for Knitwear, sample tracking, and material approvals, ensuring a seamless flow of information and materials across all departments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Atelier, RTW, and Merchandising teams to ensure consistency in collection structure, pricing logic, and delivery timing.
• Uphold the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable material development in all aspects of knitwear creation.
• Occasionally take on additional categories and projects as and when the collection demands.

Required Skills

• Demonstrate the desired McQueen behaviours.
• Proven experience in Knitwear Product or Collection Development within luxury fashion.
• Strong technical knowledge of yarn composition, gauge, knitting machines, stitch structures, and finishing techniques.
• Deep understanding of the design-to-production process, including yarn sourcing, prototyping, and fit approvals.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and international teams, particularly between design and manufacturing hubs.
• Ability to interpret and communicate design sketches, tech packs, and sample feedback effectively.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with a proactive approach to managing development challenges and tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CAD software and technical design tools.
• Fluency in English required; Italian language skills are a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel between London, Novara, and supplier locations as needed.

Equal Opportunity

Kering is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms – gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs and sexual orientation – enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.