Sr. Director of Production & Product Development, Knits & Sweaters
New York, NY
Full Time
Senior Manager/Supervisor
Director, Digital Analytics & Insights
About the Role
As the Sr. Director of Production & Product Development, Knits & Sweaters, you will play a pivotal role in driving the development and execution of our knitwear product strategy. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Development & Sourcing, you will lead a team of talented developers to create innovative sweaters and knitwear products that meet market demands and trends while aligning with the rag & bone brand vision.
Key Responsibilities
Rules we live by | Rules you live by
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
About the Role
As the Sr. Director of Production & Product Development, Knits & Sweaters, you will play a pivotal role in driving the development and execution of our knitwear product strategy. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Development & Sourcing, you will lead a team of talented developers to create innovative sweaters and knitwear products that meet market demands and trends while aligning with the rag & bone brand vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct the development of knitwear product that meets rag & bone brand requirements for quality, value, cost, delivery, and profitability.
- Architect and execute acosting strategy to meet margin expectations across all sweater and knitwear categories.
- Build and lead a high-performing global knitwear production and development team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, process optimization, and technical skill development. Mentor and develop team members.
- Partner closely with the Raw Materials team to drive innovation in yarns, gauges, stitches, and knit constructions from ideation through product launch.
- Continuously elevate and execute a comprehensive knitwear product development strategy aligned with company objectives, market trends, and consumer preferences.
- Oversee the entire knitwear development lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with yarn suppliers, mills, and manufacturing partners to source quality materials, negotiate pricing, and ensure on-time delivery.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams to ensure seamless execution of knitwear initiatives and seasonal collections.
- Implement rigorous quality control processes to ensure durability, comfort, fit, and craftsmanship across all sweater and knitwear products.
- Drive sustainability initiatives within knitwear development by sourcing responsible yarns, supporting ethical production practices, and reducing environmental impact.
- Manage the knitwear development budget to ensure efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective execution of initiatives.
- Establish KPIs and benchmarks to evaluate the success of knitwear product development initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to develop and execute strategies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly effective communicator.
- Deep knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, gauges, stitches, finishing techniques, and color development.
- Strong computer skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, and database programs. Illustrator and ERP experience a plus.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Results-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
- Ability to travel internationally to mills and factories as needed.
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or related field.
- Proven track record of 7–10+ years of experience specifically in knitwear or sweater product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Deep understanding of yarn development, knit structures, sweater manufacturing processes, and global knitwear production.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
- Excellent strategic planning and analytical abilities with a strong understanding of market trends and consumer preferences.
- Passion for innovation, craftsmanship, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make Shit Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
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