Product Developer / Product Manager, RTW & LS

MCM WORLDWIDE; Milano; In loco; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading luxury fashion brand in Milan seeks a Product Developer/Manager to oversee the development and production of Ready-to-Wear and Lifestyle products. The role involves collaborating with Design and managing the production process to ensure high-quality standards and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in luxury product development and production management.

Competenze

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of experience in product development and production.
• Strong technical knowledge of materials and construction techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of production management and factory coordination.

Mansioni

• Partner with Design and vendors to develop Ready-to-Wear and Lifestyle product lines.
• Oversee end-to-end production process to ensure smooth execution.
• Manage development timelines and coordinate with vendors and suppliers.

Conoscenze

Product development

Production management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Supplier management

Descrizione del lavoro

Accountabilities

The RTW & LS Product Developer / Product Manager (Product Development cum Production) is accountable for partnering closely with Design to translate creative concepts into high-quality Ready-to-Wear and Lifestyle products. This role ensures the development pipeline is managed efficiently, balancing the volume of styles with target costs and desired quality standards. It will oversee the end-to-end production process to guarantee smooth execution, driving excellence in product delivery and maintaining a zero-defect KPI. A key focus is placed on meeting “on-time” delivery targets while upholding the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Engineering, and vendors to develop and execute the seasonal Ready-to-Wear and Lifestyle line.
• Translate illustration and design concepts into high-quality physical products.
• Recommend appropriate materials and techniques aligned with seasonal design direction and brand standards.
• Manage the development timeline, ensuring sample delivery and quality meet all key milestones.
• Coordinate with vendors, fabric mills, tanneries, and material suppliers for development and salesman sample materials.
• Oversee material and product testing during development stages to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards.
• Review samples with internal stakeholders, identifying and flagging potential issues in materials or finished goods.
• Attend seasonal design and engineering meetings to capture changes and assess implications for cost, lead time, and product aesthetics.
• Evaluate market trends and best practices across the luxury sector to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Escalate significant product or production issues to senior leadership with clear, timely reporting and risk assessments.
• Manage pre-production samples and approvals to ensure production readiness.
• Oversee the full production lifecycle—from pre-production approvals to final product delivery—ensuring quality, timing, and vendor alignment.
• Monitor and track factory WIP (Work in Progress), ensuring all production partners meet MCM’s standards.
• Provide visibility of quality performance to key stakeholders and minimize QA rejections to achieve a zero-defect standard.
• Support cost optimization strategies while maintaining product integrity and brand positioning.
• Govern the number of manufacturing partners in Europe and support the expansion of European production through high-quality, cost-effective sourcing.
• Ensure alignment with corporate and divisional objectives, particularly around on-time delivery and production excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of experience in product development and production across apparel, footwear, scarves, and accessories within the same or related field.
• Proven ability to translate illustration and design concepts into high-quality physical products.
• Strong technical knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and product engineering.
• Keen design sensibility with a strong understanding of aesthetic and brand alignment.
• Solid experience working within global luxury brand environments and familiarity with best practices in the luxury fashion industry.
• Excellent knowledge of production management, including factory coordination and workflow optimization.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive factory performance and resolve production challenges.
• Well-connected with suppliers and manufacturers, particularly within Europe, and able to recommend reliable partners to support business growth.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Positive attitude, open-minded, and collaborative in team settings.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in English.

Please attach an English copy of your CV.