Reporting to the Founder and Creative Director, this senior role combines end-to-end product development expertise with sourcing and production management accountability. You will be responsible for bringing the product vision to life — from concept through to bulk delivery — while simultaneously driving margin outcomes through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation and cost management. Working closely with the creative and production teams, you will ensure Mister Zimi's product meets superior quality, design integrity and delivery outcomes, all within a sustainable and ethical framework.
Core Responsibilities
Oversee execution of garment fits, function and consistency.
Attend fit sessions and identify quality and fit issues throughout the fitting process.
Create, maintain and oversee garment tech packs, ensuring fit comments are updated correctly through to approved fit and bulk shipment.
Work with the designer to action new style development sampling.
Develop initial sampling from concept to order placement, ensuring all costing and design elements are considered at the outset of the critical path.
Sign off spec gradings.
Oversee issuing of care instructions, labelling and packing methods to ensure bulk goods quality is maintained.
Sign off in-house and third-party bulk goods inspection results and report findings.
Sign off bulk goods shipments.
Oversee internal product performance testing.
Sample tracking and working to shoot sample marketing deadlines.
Work with marketing to provide online product information.
Production Management
Source fabrics and trims to meet product development and margin requirements.
Negotiate and cross-cost raw material and CMT prices with factories and mills to meet production margin requirements.
Pre-cost new developments with product developers before initial samples are actioned.
Record and update fabric meterage cost structure, and fabric and trim inventory holdings.
Prepare BOM and costing information.
Coordinate fabric movement between mills and suppliers.
Communicate and update delivery and PO changes.
Record and communicate MOQ and lead-time considerations to the product and planning team.
Cross-check supplier invoices before processing.
Continually monitor supplier cost, quality and delivery performance.
Work with the Head of Finance to account for foreign exchange considerations.
Foster existing supplier relationships and onboard new suppliers.
Attend offshore trade fairs and conduct supplier factory/mill visits as required.
General
Maintain daily communication with offshore suppliers.
Work within critical path priorities.
Work within Mister Zimi's social, ethical and environmental policy guidelines.
Drive AI-assisted product development and costing processes.
15+ years' experience in womenswear product development, sourcing and/or production.
Garment grading, pattern and construction knowledge.
Extensive woven fabric experience with a strong background in prints.
High-level fabric, yarn and construction knowledge.
Sound understanding of the pre-production process and timelines.
Strong understanding of quality assurance and garment compliance.
Previous experience working with offshore suppliers and negotiating costings.
Previous experience working with yields and consumptions.
Personal Qualities
Ability to multitask and consistently meet deadlines.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise.
A passion for garment quality and developing supplier relationships.
Strong critical and lateral thinker.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Team player with a flexible, positive and open mindset.
A can-do attitude and a desire for continuous improvement.
A genuine love of the Mister Zimi brand and product.
This role is pivotal in elevating Mister Zimi's brand presence, shaping how we show up globally, and guiding the next evolution of our creative and customer experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr