Director, Product Development

Posted Friday, October 25, 2024 at 4:00 AM Joseph Ribkoff designs classic and contemporary garments for fashion-forward women with a youthful state of mind. Each one of our carefully tailored pieces offers the effortless fashion, fit, and quality that we’ve been synonymous with. Over the years, the brand has blossomed into a touchstone for timeless, youthful style. Driven by a passion that has never ceased to propel our company’s vision, Joseph Ribkoff has been an ally to women, dressing them with flair and perfect fit for over 65 years. From our quality and distinctly designed products to our unwavering commitment to retail partners, Joseph Ribkoff’s values resonate in everything we do and create. Today, his legacy lives on through the work of a devoted, talented team operating from the four corners of the world. Sold in over 60 international markets, Joseph Ribkoff is a global emblem of quality and elegance. Job Overview Reporting to the Vice-President of Design and Product Development, The Director of Product Development plays a key role in overseeing the entire product development process, from design to production of our clothing lines, which are manufactured in Canada and Bulgaria. This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the sewing, pattern making, technical design, and marking and grading departments. The Director works closely with cross-functional teams, including design, merchandising, and production, to ensure that all products meet quality, fit, cost, and timeline goals. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead, mentor, and manage a team that includes the sewing, pattern making, technical design, and marking and grading departments. Set clear goals and expectations for each department, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, encouraging the development of team members’ skills and expertise. Product Development Oversee the entire product development process, ensuring products are developed according to design specifications, quality standards, and within budget. Collaborate with design and merchandising teams to ensure that product concepts are executed accurately and efficiently. Ensure technical accuracy of patterns, grading, and garment construction to guarantee optimal fit and quality. Manage timelines and calendars for all departments to ensure on-time product launches. Process Optimization Continuously evaluate and improve processes in sewing, pattern making, technical design, and marking and grading to increase efficiency and product quality. Implement best practices in garment construction and technical design to reduce lead times and enhance product performance. Cost Management Work closely with production and sourcing teams to ensure product development aligns with cost objectives. Optimize fabric utilization and other materials through effective marking and grading processes. Quality Control Ensure that all products meet the company’s high standards of quality and consistency. Address any issues related to fit, construction, and grading that may arise during the development process. Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as a key liaison between design, production, and merchandising teams to ensure seamless communication and alignment throughout the development process. Coordinate with external vendors and manufacturers to ensure that product development and production goals are met. Report creation and KPI monitoring Create detailed Excel reports on key performance indicators linked to the product development process. In collaboration with the BI team, assist in the development of BI reports that present departmental data. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design 10+ years of experience in product development within the fashion or apparel industry, with 5 to 8 years in a leadership role. Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, marking and grading, and technical design. Proven ability to manage multiple departments and large teams in a fast-paced environment. Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines. Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners. Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and other apparel design software. (Lectra, Gerber, etc.) Knowledge of BI tools (such as Power BI) and ability to create Excel reports. Joseph Ribkoff is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr