# Position: Head of Product Development / Senior Product Developer

**About A.W.A.K.E. MODE**

A.W.A.K.E. MODE is seeking a highly experienced Head of Product Development or Senior Product Developer to manage and lead our Ready-To-Wear (RTW) portfolio. This role will collaborate with the creative director in delivering a range that is commercially viable, on time, and in line with seasonal sales campaign deadlines. 

## Key Responsibilities

**Primary Functions:**

- Lead seasonal womenswear development cycles across categories from woven to knitwear to jersey to denim.

- Manage freelance pattern makers, seamstresses, in-house atelier, and product development team.

- Work closely with design, production, and sales departments.

**Operational Responsibilities:**

- Collaborate with Creative Director and Finance department to plan collections; manage the critical path for all product development deadlines.

- Oversee team hiring, training, management, and freelance team negotiation.

- Handle the processing of product development invoices, liaising with the finance department to ensure staff payment, and manage stock control.

- Use the company's software system "Zedonk" for seasonal setup, pricing strategy, and production handovers.

- Conduct product-related activities such as raw material selection, sample making, spec creation, tech pack creation, fitting meetings, and production amendments.

- Manage travel and factory visits, conducting quality control visits and product development support when necessary.

## Required Experience and Qualifications

- A minimum of 10 years' experience in luxury RTW Product Development.

- Understanding of the wholesale development cycle.

- Proven track record working CMT and with factories in Europe and Far East.

- Excellent technical knowledge of garment construction in pattern making and garment technology.

- Understanding of and experience in knitwear; additional experiences in footwear and accessories beneficial.

- Strong team management skills.

- Excellent cross-functional collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to multitask and thrive under pressure.

- Outstanding attention to detail and price negotiation skills.

## Organizational Structure

- You will directly report to the founder/creative director.

- Your supervision will include the atelier, external factories, external freelance pattern makers, seamstresses, product development coordinator, and interns.

- You will closely collaborate with the production, finance, and sales departments.