Product Development & Production Manager, Leather Goods & Accessories
13 days ago
New York
About the role Nili Lotan is seeking a Product Developer / Production Manager to join our dedicated development team on the leather goods and accessory category across all collections and projects. You will support the development of high-end luxury collections from initial design through to production within the allocated delivery window with an additional focus on material research. This role requires a creative, problem solving, flexible and cooperative approach. This position is based at Nili Lotan Office in Tribeca NYC. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Materials • Source and research materials, hardware, and accessories needed to create products according to design; re-develop or source alternatives when required to balance price, quality, and delivery., • Participate in research and proto meetings, providing proactive input to ensure smooth downstream development; give suppliers clear comments and direction at each proto stage., • Partner with Design to identify and proactively review potential issues during development in anticipation of production., • Manage the costing process and margin analysis in cooperation with the Development Lead and EVP of Development., • Conduct supplier negotiations, counter-sourcing, and cost breakdown (CBD) analysis to optimize costs and identify future opportunities., • Oversee production expenses and sampling budgets; track and report on all development and production costs., • Enter and maintain accurate information on BOM and product level in the RLM system; manage style numbers and product approvals., • Create and manage the T&A calendar for Development and Production, tracking all milestone and approval dates., • Relay approval timelines across cross-functional teams to ensure deadlines are met., • Place production orders (POs), update costing in RLM, and ensure timely documentation and approvals., • Manage and direct workflow of Handbag & Accessories Development/Production to ensure product aesthetics, timely delivery, luxury quality standards, and achievement of margin targets., • Manage production responsibilities, including product reviews, industrialization processes, and vendor follow-up., • Negotiate and liaise with local raw material and hardware vendors., • Arrange inline and final quality control in factories; travel as needed to conduct 100% QC inspections., • Participate actively in development and production meetings, presenting updates on product status, costs, timing, and approvals., • Build and maintain strong collaborations with suppliers and vendors, overseeing day-to-day communication and long-term relationships., • Collaborate closely with Design, Sales, Logistics, and Operations to align on product design, pricing, delivery periods, and category performance., • Ensure smooth and thorough handover between development and production for supply-chain partners., • Mentor interns and liaise with consultants and design teams to strengthen development capabilities., • Continuously network to identify and onboard new supplier resources. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Textile, or related field., • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in Product Development, preferably within high-end or luxury fashion brands., • Professional knowledge of leather goods, handbags, and accessories, including technical manufacturing processes., • Strong costing, budgeting, and negotiation skills., • Proficiency in MS Office; experience with RLM or similar PLM systems preferred., • Excellent written and spoken English communication skills., • Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail., • Creative, resourceful, and effective problem-solver with the ability to develop and implement new processes., • Proven ability to manage, supervise, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners., • Flexibility to work on additional product categories (e.g., Jewelry, Footwear) as needed. What we offer: Salary: While the published salary range is a good faith reflection of the targeted salary level for the position, Nili Lotan reserves the right to pay outside of the published range of $120,000-$130,000 annually. In addition, there is a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, paid time off program, retirement plan and a generous employee discount and clothing allowance. Nili Lotan is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms - gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs and sexual orientation - enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.. About Nili Lotan: Nili Lotan, after a very successful career leading design teams at top American fashion houses including Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, and Nautica, launches her own namesake label in 2003, designing a wardrobe of luxurious, chic, and timeless pieces for today's woman, grounded in the belief that a wardrobe should function as an extension of oneself. Her philosophy is that clothes should be clean, sophisticated and functional, offering elements for self-expression. Lotan’s design process is highly intuitive. She is inspired by women with a strong sense of personal style, and draws from art, music and rock n’ roll to design her collection. By designing pieces she herself wants to wear, Lotan’s collection instinctively resonate with a woman’s lifestyle. Since its debut, the brand has expanded beyond womenswear to include a men’s collection. Nili Lotan has several retail stores in the United States and the collection can be found at upscale retailers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.
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