Head of Design & Product Development (Maternity Leave)

French luxury women's ready-to-wear brand based in Paris.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Design / Product Development

Reporting to: Creative Director / General Management

Contract Type: Fixed-term contractMaternity cover

Languages: Fluent English and French

ROLE OVERVIEW

Head of Design & Product Development is responsible for leading the creative vision and product development of the collections, ensuring consistency with the brand’s DNA and positioning. The role oversees the entire design and development process, from initial concept to prototype development and final product validation with ateliers and manufacturers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Creative Direction

• Conduct iconographic research and develop the artistic direction of the collection.
• Define seasonal concepts aligned with the brand’s DNA and identity.
• Develop the collection story, including color palette, fabric direction and overall creative vision.
• Create mood boards and structure the collection plan.
• Ensure coherence and strong identity across the entire collection.

2. Design Development

• Produce hand sketches and technical drawings using Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop garments across knitwear, woven (warp & weft), denim and leather categories.
• Research and develop knit stitches, structures and techniques.
• Create and maintain technical files for knitwear, denim, leather and woven products.
• Oversee prototype development and coordinate with ateliers and factories.
• Ensure alignment between approved designs and final samples.
• Maintain direct communication with ateliers and manufacturers (knitwear, denim, leather, woven).
• Monitor prototype development and manage sample corrections.
• Implement technical adjustments in collaboration with pattern makers.
• Attend fittings and propose design solutions and refinements.
• Participate in collection normalization and product validation.
• Validate fabrics and materials in collaboration with the sourcing team.
• Manage and supervise design assistants.
• Delegate tasks and organize the design and development workflow.
• Monitor the collection development calendar and ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor and support junior designers.

PROFIL RECHERCHE

• Proven experience in fashion design and product development, ideally within contemporary or luxury fashion.
• Strong expertise in knitwear, woven (warp & weft), denim and leather development.
• Strong creative sensibility and deep understanding of brand identity and storytelling.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Ability to manage both creative and technical aspects of product development.
• Experience in team leadership and project management.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.