Head of Product
Now Hiring | Luxury Womens RTW | Sydney
The Brand | Our client requires no introduction – with sophisticated product categories across evening, bridal and RTW – they have thriving channels across retail, eComm and wholesale and recent international expansion.
Synonymous with elegance, craftsmanship, and occasion dressing and with a legacy of over a decade, the brand is trusted by celebrities, stylists, and clients around the world. Working here means joining an established name with a bold, evolving vision. They are now seeking a senior level Head of Product to join the team in a newly created role who can drive design operations, technical development and production.
The Role |
Aligning with key counterparts in Design and the Designroom team - You will manage the end-to-end order procurement process from design to delivery. This role ensures the smooth execution of design, technical and production activities by overseeing key areas such as calendar adherence, cost management, and strategic alignment. You will work cross functionally - fostering a close relationship with the Merchandise team to ensure pricing and margin outcomes are aligned with business revenue targets and you will play a key role in shaping the sourcing strategy.
Additionally, this role holds significant leadership accountabilities, contributing to brand strategy, leading, inspiring and cultivating a high performing team.
Manage seasonal production calendars and Time-and-Action plans from development through delivery
Coordinate with patternmakers, suppliers, and factories to meet critical deadlines.
Maintain strong supplier relationships across local and offshore manufacturers.
Negotiate costs, lead times, and production terms in line with margin and delivery objectives.
Oversee sampling and pre-production process including fit approvals and BOM sign-off.
Collaborate closely with design and development teams to maintain product integrity.
Enforce QC standards across all production stages—from raw materials through final inspection.
Identify and resolve production issues early to prevent delays or quality concerns.
Track and manage production budgets, costings, and material usage.
Identify efficiencies across production workflow and supplier performance.
Work closely with design, tech, logistics, and finance to ensure seamless handover and execution. Responsible for on time deliveries from suppliers of all garments at the highest quality standards from SMS design handover to shipment.
Manage and organise garment fit sessions. Translate technical fit improvements and alterations to suppliers
Maintain Critical Path Design to Production Handover
Conduct regular meetings with Design, Planners and dispatch to discuss progress / issues
Developing and evolving company standards of production processes and team management
New development factory allocation review with design for each seasonal collection ensuring capable and high-quality execution from start to finish.
The Skillset |
You are an experienced Production Manager with at least 10 years’ experience in production and in-depth understanding of garment construction and design operations – you are incredible adept at problem solving, ensuring the wider business adheres to the critical path from design through to production and you are highly skilled in negotiation with suppliers and understand just how valuable these relationships are to the success of the business.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook and Word)
Experience handling high-end product with intricate detailing
The ability to work to a timeline and adhere to deadlines
The ability to work autonomously and have a high level of organisation
10+ years in fashion production or product development, preferably in contemporary or designer RTW
Excellent supplier negotiation and vendor management skills
Strong systems (ERP/PLM) skills and excel efficiencies
Strong understanding of garment construction, sampling, and critical path management
Experience with overseas production
Highly detail-oriented, organised, and calm under pressure
The Offer |
Exceptional salary offering in line with level of experience required, there is additional benefits including birthday leave, career development and summer Fridays.
Don’t wait to be considered for this senior business critical role - connect with Ange via ange@thetalentmill.com.au for details.
The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years specialist expertise with luxury, lifestyle & fashion brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.
Recruitment – but make it ethical not transactional. Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support, and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful connections, add value and deliver an unforgettable service.