Senior Manager, Product Development & Production, Non-Apparel

ABOUT KHAITE

KHAITE is a way of looking at the world. Shaped by formative encounters, cultural touchstones, and secret desires, this point of view comes to life through womenswear and accessories that find confidence in contrast. Each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements- masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity- while embodying a signature sensuality and ease. 

Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and based in New York, KHAITE evolves with each season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle yet striking details. 

 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Product Development & Production, Non-Apparel to join the KHAITE team. This role will report to the Head of Non-Apparel and will be based out of the NYC HQ offices. This role will oversee the end-to-end development process, from initial concept through final delivery ensuring the highest quality standards and alignment with KHAITE’s creative vision. This role requires deep technical expertise in luxury leathergoods and footwear manufacturing, a strong supplier network, and the ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development

• Lead and manage the development calendar for Handbags, Footwear, and Accessories from concept through SMS, ensuring all critical milestones are met.
• Oversee the prototyping process, providing clear and actionable feedback to vendors on fit, construction, and materials.
• Coordinate design and development meetings, driving alignment and effective communication across cross-functional teams.
• Manage product costing and lead all vendor negotiations across categories.
• Ensure accuracy of product data across shared drives and the ERP system.
• Manage departmental budget and deliver timely, accurate reporting.
• Review and approve invoices in a timely and thorough manner.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with global vendor partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the team in alignment with KHAITE’s core values.

Production

• Manage production flow and supply chain across Handbags, Footwear, and Accessories, ensuring on-time seasonal deliveries, adherence to quality benchmarks, and alignment with brand standards.
• Oversee sample approval process, reviewing, fitting, and approving all samples from first fit through TOP.
• Proactively address and resolve fit, construction, or quality issues during production.
• Coordinate quality control inspections and approvals at all stages of production (in-line and final QC) to ensure all products meet brand craftsmanship and quality standards.
• Negotiate costs with suppliers to achieve target margins while upholding luxury quality standards.
• Produce accurate weekly production reporting for management and crossfunctional teams
• Lead weekly calls with each vendor to capture state of production
• Maintain accurate production records, including tech packs/specs, physical material references, and seasonal quality control reports.
• Ensure product data integrity across shared drives and the ERP system.
• Manage raw materials liability to optimize stock levels, minimize holding costs, reduce lead times, and support replenishment program success.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the production workflow to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Review and approve invoices in a timely and thorough manner.
• Coordinate bulk shipments with vendors and logistics teams.

 

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Interpersonal Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with shifting priorities
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and sense of urgency required
• Strong team player

 

Education/Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in product development and production, with a focus on luxury handbags and footwear
• Strong technical knowledge of leather goods and footwear construction, materials, fit
• Proven track record managing vendor relationships, preferably in Italy
• Proficiency in PLM, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite required
• Proficiency in RLM is a plus
• Proficiency in Italian is strongly preferred 
• Flexibility to travel to Italy is required

 

Please note: This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.

 

OUR VALUES

• Creativity ~ We are always imagining, never imitating.
• Integrity ~ We do the right thing.
• Kindness ~ We value people and their ideas, so we act and speak with compassion.
• Agility ~ We move with intention, flexibility, and speed to stay ahead.
• Tenacity ~ We are insatiable. Our drive is relentless.

 

WE OFFER

The salary range is $110,000-130,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon the candidates' relevant skills and experience. Other benefits include medical, dental, and vision programs, a company bonus plan, employee discounts and perks, a 401k plan with employer match, and other ancillary benefits.

 

KHAITE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. KHAITE recruits and recognizes all types of talent and singularities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.