Product Development & Industrialization Director

Job Title: Product Development & Industrialization Director (PD & Industrialization Director)

Industry: Luxury Fashion – Knitwear/RTW
Department: Product / Production
Reports to: General Manager / CEO
Workplace: Campi Bisenzio (FI)

Role Description

The Product Development & Industrialization Director ensures that products are developed and manufactured efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the highest quality standards, while aligning with brand aesthetics and timelines. This role works in close collaboration with the Creative Direction, Product Office, Quality Control, and both internal and external production teams, ensuring consistency between creative vision and industrial feasibility.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical development of garments, from prototyping to industrial production.

• Coordinate the teams of pattern makers, technicians, product engineering, and industrialization.

• Collaborate with the Creative Direction to translate design concepts into finished products, ensuring both design fidelity and high-quality standards.

• Manage the collection calendar, ensuring deadlines for sampling, showroom presentation, and delivery are met.

• Lead the industrialization process and implement best practices to optimize production processes, yarns, knitting techniques, and garment construction.

• Define technical guidelines for internal production and external workshops, ensuring consistency in quality and productivity.

• Support the Purchasing department in scouting and validating suppliers specialized in high-end façon.

• Monitor production costs, product margins, and industrial efficiency KPIs.

• Introduce innovative solutions into the production and product management processes (e.g., digitalization, automation, sustainability).

• Establish and enforce quality control standards across all production stages.

• Monitor product testing and fit approvals to ensure consistency and brand integrity.

• Ensure garments comply with quality, safety, and sustainability regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Textile Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Fashion, or related fields.

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in similar roles within high-end fashion companies, preferably with a specialization in knitwear.

• In-depth knowledge of knitwear techniques (gauge, yarns, stitches, constructions) and garment making, as well as related production processes.

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with designers and pattern makers.

• Strong understanding of the luxury product environment, with a sensitivity to quality and attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational, management, and problem-solving skills.

• Fluency in both English and Italian (written and spoken) is mandatory; knowledge of other languages is a plus.

• Proficiency in key production and product development management software (PLM, CAD, etc.).

Personal Attributes

• Natural leadership with the ability to guide teams with empathy and authority.

• Strong orientation toward excellence, results, and continuous improvement.

• Aesthetic sensibility and a deep culture of product.

• Collaborative spirit, flexibility, and adaptability in dynamic and creative environments.

Please send your CV to: v.cavallini@malo.it