Design Development Coordinator

KNWLS is looking for a highly organised Design Development Coordinator with a design background, strong work ethic and administration skills. This is a mid-level role, offering an opportunity to take ownership within a small, collaborative team. is required.

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.

Requirements:

• A minimum of two years’ experience in design, product development and/or production
• A keen interest in design and product development
• 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.
• Proficient with G Suite, macOS, Numbers/Excel, and Illustrator.
• 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).

Beneficial:

• Merchandising experience
• Additional language skills in Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese or Turkish
• Experience working closely with suppliers and manufacturers, using Zedonk and handling logistics

Application

Please apply with a CV, short cover letter outlining your suitability and interest, and a portfolio.