Freelance - Product Developer
As Product Developer, you are responsible for coordinating the complete product development process, from initial design concept to the final product. You act as the key link between design, suppliers, and internal teams, ensuring that each product is developed according to the brand’s quality standards, timelines, and cost targets.
You work closely with the design studio, pattern makers, production manager and production partners to translate creative ideas into high-quality products ready for market.
Freelance - Product Developer
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Product Development Coordination
- Coordinate the complete product development process from design concept to final product
- Manage daily communication with international suppliers and ateliers.
- Ensure all development timelines are respected and aligned with the seasonal calendar.
- Arrange and attend proto and sample fittings with design team
Technical Development
- Preparing detailed technical sheets (tech packs) that includes all technical details of the garment
- Development and follow up of all product specifications with ateliers
- Coordinate prototyping process including final sample launch
- Evaluate fits, fabrics, and construction details together with the design team during fittings.
- Attend production fittings, communicate production changes to ateliers and launch pre-production samples.
Quality Control
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Monitor product quality throughout the different development stages.
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Ensure that final products meet the brand’s quality and aesthetic standards.
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Set up quality guide and rules for external quality controllers
Product Planning & Supplier Coordination
- Divide and coordinate the different collection categories between suppliers
- Follow up deadlines and seasonal calendar per supplier
- Align delivery timelines with the commercial calendar.
- Negotiate pricing and monitor production costs without compromising on the quality
Operational Follow-Up
- Follow up on orders, logistics, administration and payment flow
- Support cost analysis to optimize product profitability
MUST-HAVES:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Technology, Fashion Design, or a related field
- 3-6+ years of experience in product development, ideally withing the luxury fashion industry
- Strong technical knowledge of garment fit, construction and attention to small details
- Experience working with international suppliers and production partners
- Ability to read patterns and communicate corrections
- Strong digital skills including MS-office, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and ERP software
- Understanding of sourcing, costing, and production processes
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Analytical mindset with attention to detail
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Fluent in English; Dutch and Italian are a plus
- Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced fashion environment