Design Development Coordinator

KNWLS has an exciting mid-level opening for a highly organised Design Development Coordinator with a strong work ethic and strong administrative skills to take ownership within a small, collaborative team in south east London. Suitable applicants will have a minimum of 2 years' experience in design, product development and/or production.

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinating all aspects of design development, working alongside the Design Team and reporting to the Development & Production Manager.
• Build seasonal merchandising plans, working in collaboration with the Design Team.
• Leading merchandising meetings with Operations and Sales teams, capturing feedback and ensuring timely follow-up on actions.
• Coordinate the concept development, seasonal research and creative presentations with the Design Team.
• Work closely with the Design and Development teams to realise seasonal styles from concept through to final sample, including hands-on designing, toiling, pattern cutting, and sewing where required.
• Track the status of development samples to ensure delivery on schedule, within budget and in line with brand quality standards.
• Create and maintain up-to-date development calendars, boards, fabric libraries and internal tracking documents.
• Manage the development schedule and monitor all development orders and shipments to ensure development is launched efficiently and delivered on time.
• Manage the development budget alongside the Development & Production Manager, ensuring all costs are forecasted, negotiated and tracked.
• Negotiate discounts, request credits and ensure timely resolution of any discrepancies with suppliers or manufacturers.
• Foster strong relationships with factories, mills and partners.
• Serve as the main point of contact for development correspondence on behalf of the creative team.
• Source, place and track orders, ensuring all suppliers meet and maintain delivery, quality and margin expectations.
• Facilitate regular communication to clarify priorities and technical details.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation of technical details (CADs and tech packs) and request fabric technical data from suppliers.
• Handle development administration, including preparing order confirmation sheets and raising and processing purchase orders.
• Ensure all development-related documents are accurately filed and up-to-date in the purchase order system.
• Liaise with accounts regarding invoicing and payment scheduling.
• Coordinate development and pre-production fittings, record feedback and prepare technical feedback documents.
• Liaise with the Studio Manager to book freelancers (pattern cutters, seamstresses, fit models), ensuring adherence to key development deadlines.
• Coordinate logistics and obtain shipping quotes for development shipments.
• Prepare necessary documents, including commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Ensure proper handling of imports and maintain up-to-date records.
• Support the transition from development into production, ensuring all documentation and approvals are accurate and updated.
• Assist the Development & Production Manager with reviewing and approving size charts, and organise master patterns and samples for grading and production.
• Assist with the production of care labels and hangtags.
• Coordinate raw material management, including ordering swatches, fabrics, trims and hardware.
• Prepare raw material dockets in Zedonk and maintain supplier information.
• Monitor development stock levels and ensure accurate inventory management of development materials.
• Support inputting product data, ensuring Zedonk is organised and up-to-date.
• Add products and raw materials into Zedonk prior to sales campaigns and assist with order entries.
• Support on quality control, reporting to the Production Manager.
• Supervising the QC of fabrics and garments to ensure compliance with brand standards.
• Occasional work travel may be required.

Profile:

• A keen interest in design and product development
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in design, product development and/or production
• Proficient with G Suite, macOS, Numbers/Excel, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Active interest in fashion and culture, with a strong aptitude for research.
• In-depth knowledge of garment construction, with proven skills in design, draping, pattern cutting, sewing, technical construction and creating tech packs.
• Motivated by the variety and collaboration that comes with working in a small, agile team and comfortable supporting across multiple areas.
• Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communicator with strong negotiation and problem-solving skills; calm and composed under pressure.
• Strong administrative, numeracy and analytical abilities.
• Proactive and independent thinker with a genuine desire to learn and grow.
• The right to live and work in the UK (no relocation or visa sponsorship available).
• Occasional work travel may be required.
• Merchandising experience is a plus
• Experience with Zedonk software or similar programs is a plus
• Additional language skills in Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese or Turkish are a plus.

Application:

Please apply with a CV, a short cover letter and a portfolio.