Head of Knitwear

OTB; Paris; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maison Margiela, a Paris-based luxury fashion house, seeks a Senior Knitwear Designer to lead the Knitwear Design team in Paris. Translate the Creative Director’s vision into innovative knitwear for runway, pre-collections, capsules and collaborations.

Balance creativity with technical feasibility, oversee development, and collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to drive yarn innovations, sustainability, and on-time delivery for future growth.

Qualifications

• Degree or Master’s in Fashion Design, Knitwear or Textile Design.
• Extensive luxury fashion experience with knitwear specialization.
• Proven track record leading knitwear collections for luxury brands.
• Deep technical knowledge of yarns, gauges, knitting techniques and industrial production.
• Strong understanding of luxury fashion codes and market dynamics.
• Experience leading creative teams and project management.

Responsibilities

• Define Creative Director’s direction for Knitwear and seasonal objectives.
• Manage the Knitwear Design team and oversee all knitwear collections.
• Lead design and development of knitwear for runway, pre-collections, capsules, and collaborations.
• Translate creative concepts into knitwear proposals.
• Guide and inspire the Knitwear Design team; collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, Industrialization and Production.
• Drive yarn innovations, knitting technologies, craftsmanship techniques, sustainability solutions and market trends.
• Oversee commercial knitwear assortments aligned with merchandising strategies.
• Coordinate between Design, Development, Pattern Making and Production teams.
• Monitor collection calendars and lead fittings and product reviews.
• Partner with suppliers, mills and external development partners; manage resources.

Skills

Knitwear design leadership

Luxury fashion expertise

Team management

Product development

Project management

Communication skills

Fluent in English

Italian language proficiency

Education

Degree in Fashion/Knitwear Design

Tools

Knitwear tech

Job description

Maison Margiela is a Paris-based fashion house founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela. Celebrating unconventional aesthetics and embracing the philosophy that fashion is an art of expression rather than a cult of personality, Maison Margiela offers haute couture, ready-to-wear for women and men, contemporary line MM6, footwear, interior design, and accessories, including leather goods, fine jewelry and fragrance.

In 2002, the French house became part of OTB. Along with sister brands of the group, Maison Margiela continues pushing the boundaries of modern fashion while preserving its distinctive identity and heritage.

Job Mission

To translate the creative vision of the Creative Director of Maison Margiela into innovative and commercially relevant Knitwear collections, ensuring excellence in design, craftsmanship, quality, and product development.

The role is responsible for leading the Knitwear Design team across runway collections, pre-collections, capsules, collaborations, and special projects, balancing creativity with technical feasibility, industrialization requirements, and business objectives to support the Maison's long-term growth.

Full time position, based in Paris Margiela Studio.

Job Responsibilities & Activities

• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director in defining the creative direction, product strategy, and seasonal objectives for the Knitwear category.
• Management of Knitwear team
• Lead the design and development of all Knitwear collections.
• Interpret and translate creative concepts into innovative knitwear proposals.
• Guide and inspire the Knitwear Design team.
• Work closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Industrialization, and Production teams.
• Drive research activities on yarn innovations, knitting technologies, craftsmanship techniques, sustainability solutions, and market trends.
• Oversee the creation of commercial knitwear assortments aligned with merchandising strategies.
• Ensure effective coordination between Design, Development, Pattern Making, and Production teams.
• Monitor and manage collection calendars.
• Lead fittings and product reviews.
• Partner with suppliers, mills, and external development partners.
• Manage and optimize resources required for collection development.

Skills & Experience

• Degree or Master's Degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, or related disciplines.
• Extensive experience in luxury fashion with a strong specialization in Knitwear Design.
• Proven track record in leading knitwear collections for a luxury or premium fashion brand.
• Deep technical knowledge of yarns, gauges, knitting techniques, knit constructions, wash treatments, finishing processes, and industrial production methods.
• Strong understanding of luxury fashion codes and contemporary market dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing creative teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Fluent in English and Italian
• High level of creative sensitivity and attention to detail.

Ideal Profile

• A recognized knitwear expert with a strong luxury fashion background.
• An inspirational leader capable of building and mentoring creative talent.
• Highly product-driven, with a deep understanding of both artisanal and industrial knitwear development.
• Able to translate conceptual creative visions into distinctive and commercially successful knitwear collections.
• Passionate about innovation, craftsmanship, and pushing the boundaries of knitwear design.

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