Product Developer - Knitwear

Zimmermann; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Development plans

Product discounts

Career progression

Inclusive culture

Job summary

ZIMMERMANN is seeking an experienced Product Developer to join our Design team in Sydney, working within the Knitwear team. You will lead the end-to-end development of knitwear from concept through to production handover, collaborating with the Paris-based Product Development Manager - Knitwear and designers across Swim and Kids.

This role requires deep knitwear expertise, strong commercial judgment and a solutions‑focused approach.

Qualifications

• Degree in fashion design or equivalent from an Australian or international institution.
• Minimum 10 years in knitwear product development with premium or luxury brands.
• Expert knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, stitch structures, gauge and finishing.
• Proven sourcing, supplier management, costing and critical path delivery experience.
• Proficiency in PLM; experience with Asana and ApexFiz desirable.
• Strong organisation and stakeholder-management across time zones (Sydney/Paris).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end knitwear development from concept to production handover.
• Own yarn, trim and material sourcing and supplier development.
• Manage tech packs, specs, measurements and fit with factories.
• Oversee critical path in project management tools and monitor risks.
• Upskill the Junior Design Developer - Knitwear and improve workflows.
• Collaborate with Design, Production, and Paris teams to protect creative vision.

Skills

Knitwear development

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Quality standards

Education

Fashion design degree

Tools

PLM

Asana

ApexFiz

Job description

ZIMMERMANN is a global luxury fashion brand, founded in Sydney in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. Renowned for its signature approach to sophisticated femininity, distinctive prints, and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand is present across Australia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.

Nicky Zimmermann’s creative vision and Simone Zimmermann’s strategic leadership have formed the foundation of the brand’s success. Their partnership – balancing design innovation with strong commercial direction – remains central to ZIMMERMANN’s identity and growth.

Today, ZIMMERMANN continues to redefine modern luxury with collections that celebrate self-expression. Grounded in Australian sun-soaked optimism, the brand resonates with women around the world. Our global teams are united by a shared commitment to creativity, quality, and evolving the brand with integrity and purpose.

At ZIMMERMANN, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to empowering talented individuals to build meaningful careers within an inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment – where craftsmanship and innovation are celebrated, and individuality is valued.

The Opportunity

ZIMMERMANN is seeking an experienced Product Developer to join our Design team in Sydney, working within the Knitwear team. Working closely with the Paris-based Product Development Manager - Knitwear and designers across Swim and Kids, you will lead the end-to-end development of knitwear from design concept through to production handover.

You will own the technical and operational execution of seasonal Swim knitwear collections, Retail Uniforms, Wholesale Exclusives and selected projects, translating the approved creative vision into technically accurate, commercially viable products that meet ZIMMERMANN standards for quality, fit and finish.

This opportunity is ideal if you bring deep knitwear expertise, strong commercial judgement and a solutions-focused approach, and enjoy partnering across creative, technical and production teams in Sydney and Paris.

As Product Developer, you will balance technical leadership with hands‑on delivery across yarn sourcing, supplier management, sampling, fittings, costing and critical path management. You will also manage and develop the Junior Design Developer - Knitwear and support continuous improvement across development workflows.

Key Responsibilities

As Product Developer, your responsibilities will include:

• Managing end-to-end knitwear development from design concept through SMS and PPS to production handover, including seasonal Swim and Kids knitwear, Retail Uniforms and Wholesale Exclusive collections.
• Applying expert knowledge of yarns, stitch structures, gauge, knitting techniques, construction, linking and finishing to assess feasibility, resolve technical challenges and protect the approved creative vision.
• Owning yarn, trim and material sourcing, supplier selection and development approvals, while managing quality, capability, minimum order quantities, lead times, costs and supply risks.
• Leading sampling and fittings with Design and Garment Technology, ensuring tech packs, specifications, measurements, fit comments and finishing instructions are accurate and clearly communicated to factories.
• Owning the knitwear critical path in Asana, managing priorities across collections and suppliers, reviewing costings and escalating risks to timing, quality, cost or delivery early.
• Ensuring styles are technically ready for bulk, BOMs and development records are accurate in PLM (C8), supporting Production with technical or quality matters, and managing and upskilling the Junior Design Developer - Knitwear.

What You Will Bring

To succeed in this position, you will bring:

• A fashion design degree from a respected Australian or international institution.
• At least 10 years of knitwear product development experience with a nationally or internationally recognised premium or luxury fashion brand.
• Expert knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, stitch structures, gauge, linking, finishing, fit and luxury quality standards.
• Proven experience in yarn sourcing, overseas supplier and factory management, costing, negotiation and critical path delivery.
• Proficiency in PLM and product development systems; experience with Asana is relevant to the role and ApexFiz software is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent organisation, communication and stakeholder‑management skills, including the ability to work effectively across Sydney and Paris time zones.
• A proactive, accountable and commercially aware approach, with a strong connection to the ZIMMERMANN aesthetic and the ability to balance creative ambition with quality, cost and delivery.

Why Join ZIMMERMANN?

• Flexible work options that support balance and wellbeing
• Access to tailored development plans and learning opportunities
• Generous employee benefits and product discounts
• Clear pathways for career progression within a global organisation
• A collaborative, high‑performing, and inclusive team culture

ZIMMERMANN is an equal opportunity employer. We assess all applicants based on their individual capabilities, experience, and qualifications and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know at the time of application so we can assist you throughout the recruitment process.