Production and Development Manager

“ One wardrobe. Any time, anywhere. #WithLessDoMore ”

The Role 
We’re on the hunt for an experienced, highly organised and forward thinking individual to lead production and development. Someone who cares deeply about creating timeless, technical, long lasting products, and who also wants to push boundaries to drive circular design - from making to using to recycling. 

This is an opportunity to become part of the core management team in a fast growing business, working closely with the founders.

Ideal candidates will be natural leaders, have a very good eye for product, be highly effective at planning and organising, with an adaptive and problem solving mindset. You will also be very familiar with brand comps and share our vision to challenge conventions about the way we consume. Perfect for anyone looking to make their mark, with an opportunity for equity participation.

Role functions 

• Lead production and development from design to delivery to delivery
• Create and manage the critical path and WIP for each season, to ensure deadlines are achievable, monitoring they are met, coordinating weekly meets to drive dates 
• Establish and maintain supply chains for all products, driving ethical & environmental objectives
• Manage sourcing and development of all material and trim, coordinating designer and freelance textile technician, continuously seeking to innovate through circular principles
• Manage the QC and all material testing, ensuring suppliers are held accountable and signed T&Cs
• Oversee/manage all technical development, tech packs, fittings and testing, resourcing garment tech / pattern cutter, as well as working closely with technicians at factories
• Plan and place bulk orders, coordinating with merchandising, overseeing output of POs
• Drive margin targets, negotiating cost prices from fabric/trim, development cost to CMT
• Seasonal review of the supply base - factory grading based on price, quality, sampling, delivery etc.
• Manage and improve both internal and external processes, overseeing manuals and standards 
• Manage and nurture the Production co-ordinator, delegating and developing as necessary

The Ideal Candidate 

• 6+ years experience in development and production, with similar product, across all categories 
• Strong understanding of developing product for fit, quality and performance 
• Thorough knowledge of product construction, pattern cutting techniques and the fitting process 
• Thorough knowledge of fabric, fabric finishes and fabric/product testing standards
• Specific experience and clear interest in circular sourcing, with knowledge of emerging production techniques and raw material innovation
• Extensive experience of working alongside and supporting Design from concept stages, and a clear understanding of the nuances within that function
• Proven track record in creating/managing a critical path (ideally for similar company)
• Global sourcing (focus on EU) and supplier management experience. Onboarding, developing, partnering.
• Deadline driven, perfectionist, problem solver, with mindset for continual improvements 
• Clear and confident communicator, ability to build strong relationships
• Strategic and effective decision maker with an analytical approach
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, digitally savvy (Mac user ideally)
• Excel power user (w/ great spreadsheet design) familiar with Google Suite
• Strong sense of brand positioning
• Italian speaking a bonus

About Us
L’Estrange is a direct to consumer menswear brand with a mission to challenge conventions about the way we consume. Our modular clothing system comprises comfortable, easy-to-pair, versatile pieces designed to be worn in any setting. Fewer clothes means fewer decisions, less impact on the planet and more time to focus on what’s important.

The brand has been championed by major publications including Vogue, GQ, Esquire, Monocle, Business of Fashion, the Telegraph and The Times, who named us “the new smart casual”. 

The business has been on a fast growth trajectory since becoming direct-to-consumer in 2017 - growing more than 10x.

We have a strong vision for the future of menswear, and how the fashion industry needs to move beyond the seasonal collection model which fuels overconsumption, and we’re growing a team of like minds to join us on this mission.

Details 

• Full Time 
• Competitive pay with potential for equity 
• Clothing budget and staff discounts 
• Extra holiday allowance for self-improvement 
• Based in our studio in Soho 
• Start ASAP

• Get in touch

Please email your CV and a cover letter about how you’d be a great addition to the team and why you’d like to join L’Estrange. 

Send applications to william@lestrangelondon.com / www.lestrangelondon.com