Design & Development Manager
Melbourne | Full-Time

Some roles are just jobs. This one is pivotal — it’s where creativity meets execution, and where ideas become garments that define modern luxury women's wear.

The Role

We’re seeking an experienced Design & Development Manager to lead the workroom and bring seasonal collections to life across both two collections.
You’ll manage a team of skilled artisans and ensure every stage from initial sketch to production handover runs to schedule. With a strong eye for detail and a sharp sense of timing, you’ll own the critical path set by the Head of Production and make sure no thread is out of place.
This is a fast-paced, high-touch environment where deadlines matter, quality is everything, and collaboration is key.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Workroom: Lead the day-to-day operations of the Australian Atelier team, ensuring timelines, quality, and priorities are aligned.
• Own the Critical Path: Keep collections on track by driving development milestones from concept through to production handover.
• Team Leadership: Inspire and guide patternmakers, machinists, and sample sewers, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, and excellence.
• Fabric & Trim Sourcing: Collaborate with the design team to source and test fabrics and trims, locally and internationally, ensuring all materials meet brand standards.
• Quality Control: Oversee garment fit, finish, and technical execution, ensuring every piece reflects KYHA’s design vision.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Creative Director, Production Manager, and broader leadership team to align creative vision with operational timelines.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience leading a design or development team in bridal, couture, or high-end fashion
• Strong understanding of garment construction, technical development, and critical path planning
• Confidence managing deadlines, delegating tasks, and solving problems under pressure
• Experience sourcing fabrics and trims, with a good understanding of testing requirements and care label compliance
• A hands-on, solutions-focused mindset — calm in the chaos, clear in the communication, and driven by quality

This is your chance to shape how ideas are brought to life — with structure, heart, and style.

Apply now to join a brand that champions innovation, craftsmanship, and bold design.