Head of Knitwear

CALZATURIFICIO STEPHEN S.R.L.; Paris; Sur place; EUR 110 000 - 150 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Maison Margiela, based in Paris, seeks a senior Knitwear Design Lead to translate the creative vision into innovative knitwear collections. You will manage the Knitwear team, translating concepts into commercially viable designs while balancing craftsmanship, industrialization, and business growth.

The role requires deep technical knitwear knowledge and leadership to guide seasonal development, collaborate with cross-functional partners, and push the boundaries of artisanal and industrial

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading knitwear collections for luxury brands.
• Strong knowledge of yarns, gauges, knitting techniques, and industrial production methods.
• Fluent English and Italian for international collaboration.

Responsabilités

• Lead the Knitwear Design team across runway collections, pre-collections, capsules, collaborations, and special projects.
• Collaborate with Creative Director to define creative direction and seasonal objectives for Knitwear.
• Oversee design and development of all Knitwear collections.
• Coordinate with Merchandising, Product Development, Industrialization, and Production teams.
• Drive research on yarn innovations, knitting technologies, and sustainability solutions.

Connaissances

Knitwear design leadership

Luxury fashion

Team management

Product development

Yarns & knitting tech

English & Italian

Formation

Master's degree in fashion design or knitwear

Description du poste

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.