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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or related field
- 7-10+ years of experience in knitwear or sweater product development
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership role
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Deep knowledge of knitwear construction and yarns
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Ability to travel internationally as needed
What We Do
Interested in joining one of the most dynamic fashion brands in the world? To view and apply to all headquarter and retail jobs at rag & bone, please visit our website and careers page: http://www.rag-bone.com/careers From its origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone instantaneously distinguished itself by combining British heritage with directional, modern design. Today, the brand has become synonymous with innately wearable clothing that innovatively melds classic tailoring with an edgy yet understated New York aesthetic. Inspired by a desire to create beautifully constructed clothes, rag & bone prides itself in the time-honored techniques of supremely skilled, local manufacturers at some of the oldest factories in the country. The importance of quality, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail resonated deeply, informing the brand’s core philosophy. With a downtown sensibility, signature clean silhouettes and an inherent integrity, rag & bone continuously redefines urban style. In 2007, rag & bone won the Swarovski Award for emerging talent in Menswear and in 2010, the brand was bestowed the industry’s most prestigious honor when named Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). rag & bone offers a full range of men’s and women’s ready to wear, /JEAN, Standard Issue, footwear and accessories collections. rag & bone operates 35 stores worldwide, ten of which are in New York City. Stores are also located in Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Greenwich, Connecticut; Aspen, Colorado; and Bal Harbour, Florida. International stores are located in London, UK; Tokyo, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand; Taipei, Taiwan and Hong Kong. rag & bone is also available in boutiques and department stores in over 53 countries worldwide.
