Senior Product Developer - Menswear RTW

ABOUT THE BRAND

At Karl Lagerfeld, we are driven by Karl’s mantra: “Embrace the present and invent the future.”

Always contemporary and forward-looking, the House of KARL LAGERFELD shares the creative vision and design aesthetic of its iconic founder, Karl Lagerfeld.

We are the only fashion house that carries Karl’s name on its door and we strive to live up to this responsibility in everything we do, every day, with the utmost joy and passion.

Our headquarters in Paris and in Amsterdam are home to a highly diverse and driven team of KARL family members that hail from over 50 countries. Together, we aim to create meaningful stories and product concepts that connect to Karl’s world and iconic attributes.

Women’s & Men's ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, swimwear and underwear are managed directly from our Amsterdam headquarters, while other categories, including footwear, fragrances, eyewear and more, are developed with best-in-class licensing partners.

We connect with our consumers on multiple levels, ensuring that our online and offline approach goes hand in hand. We thrive to maximize consumer engagement via more than 200 KL stores worldwide, our premium wholesale partners, and our strong digital footprint, spearheaded by our flagship store, which reaches 96 countries. Our digital channels currently represent more than 30% of our overall full-price business.

We are a dynamic, fast-growing and inclusive company built on professionalism and strong values. At KARL LAGERFELD we’re committed to working toward the highest standards of sustainability and integrity across all areas of our business. In 2019, KARL LAGERFELD joined as a founding member of the Fashion Pact, a global sustainability initiative seeking to transform the fashion industry through objectives in three areas: climate, biodiversity and ocean protection.

THE ROLE

• The (senior) Product Developer is responsible for working closely together with the Design and Merchandising departments to develop products that deliver on the quality, aesthetic, and gross margin targets of the division. As a (senior) Product Developer at Karl Lagerfeld, you manage the relationship with sourcing partners/suppliers. You own the development and production calendar and ensure that all milestones are met by all parties involved. You understand and can read open cost charts and have a good understanding of material and product costs. You report directly into the Senior Manager Development and Production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of our Mens RTW main collection
• Manage all supplier communication and ensure accuracy of internal files
• Preparing and taking part in proto meetings & costing meetings
• Judging proto samples on technical details, measurements and workmanship
• Attending Fittings
• Communicating comments to vendors and anticipating feasibility of changes within time-line
• Production progress tracking, monitoring deadlines and status
• Continuously improving the products by finding innovative production techniques as well as new fabrics and trims, aligned to KL-CSR commitments
• Product and production know-how to realize best FOB prices
• Working closely with design, production and vendors

THE PROFILE

• 7-10 years of experience working in sourcing/development/production of apparel
• Able to work in a hectic environment, with deadlines
• Solid knowledge of fabrics and manufacturing
• Knowledge of menswear is an advantage
• Understanding of costing and open costing
• Experience in working directly with suppliers
• Distinctive product taste level
• Has an eye for detail and consistency
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work independently, as well as in a team
• Flexibility, adaptability and a positive "can-do" attitude are a must
• Language: fluent in English, both verbal and written

WE OFFER:

• Working for an international and fast/growing company
• A professional and ambitious team
• Long term career opportunities

Why #TEAMKARL?

• Learning and development courses/training
• Opportunity to make an impact
• Remote working arrangements
• Relocation allowance
• Bonus holidays
• Working in the heart of Amsterdam
• Brand discounts
• And exclusive sample sales only for #TEAMKARL

JOIN #TEAMKARL

The collective vision of KARL LAGERFELD is to be the most connected global designer brand, inspiring consumers through luxury collections and immersing them in the World of KARL. If you are interested in joining #TEAMKARL, we invite you to submit your application today.

At #TEAMKARL, everyone can give their opinion, grow in their career, and be part of a genuinely caring and inclusive team. We welcome people from all backgrounds, with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to work with us.

career@karllagerfeld.com