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

Rag & Bone•New York, NY

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

Illustrator and ERP experience a plus.

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.