Sr. Director of Production & Product Development, Knits & Sweaters

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the development of knitwear product that meets rag & bone brand requirements for quality, value, cost, delivery, and profitability.
• Architect and execute a costing 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• 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