Yarn Collection Development Lead (Hybrid)

Local Crafts Group; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Crafts is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead yarn collection development from concept through retail launch. You will design knitting patterns, grade patterns, and perform technical editing while coordinating with mills, designers, and marketing to meet brand standards.

You will manage fiber development, evaluate samples, and ensure timely releases across multiple collections in a hybrid Grand Prairie, TX role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Knitwear Design or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Three+ years in a product development, creative, or craft/textile environment with strong calendar management.
• Ability to design and write original knitting patterns with grading/charting and technical editing; crochet knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of yarn types, fiber blends, spinning and production processes; ability to evaluate samples.

Responsibilities

• Own the development calendar from concept through retail launch for multiple yarn collections.
• Design and write original knitting patterns, including size grading and charting; coordinate reviews for publication.
• Research and evaluate fiber types and yarn construction; work with mills on samples.
• Manage quality reviews for finished yarn batches and published patterns; ensure brand standards.
• Coordinate vendor sourcing and negotiation with domestic and international mills and suppliers.
• Communicate status and risks across designers, e-commerce, marketing and retail.
• Maintain project documentation and approvals in team tools.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Knitwear Design or a related field

Three or more years of project management experience in a product development, creative or craft/textile environment

Ability to design and write original knitting patterns, including grading, charting and technical editing; crochet knowledge a plus

Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Basecamp)

Strong yarn and fiber knowledge; experience with yarn construction and quality control

Excellent cross-functional communication; ability to coordinate designers, vendors and marketing stakeholders

Tools

Asana

Slack

Basecamp

Adobe or similar design tools

Job description

Local Crafts is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead yarn collection development from concept through retail launch. You will design knitting patterns, grade patterns, and perform technical editing while coordinating with mills, designers, and marketing to meet brand standards.

You will manage fiber development, evaluate samples, and ensure timely releases across multiple collections in a hybrid Grand Prairie, TX role.