Alexander McQueen Collection Development Manager, Knitwear
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Department
- Merchandising, Buying & Planning
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- Jun 11, 2026
About Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen stands as a house of uncompromising creativity, where British tailoring, theatrical imagination and exquisite craftsmanship converge. Founded in London by Lee Alexander McQueen, the brand continues to cultivate a culture defined by emotional storytelling, technical mastery and bold innovation. As an employer, Alexander McQueen offers professionals the opportunity to contribute to a globally respected luxury maison within an environment that values individuality, precision and artistic courage. From ateliers and design studios to retail, merchandising and corporate functions, its teams are united by a commitment to excellence, sustainability and the enduring power of fashion as a form of cultural expression.
Alexander McQueen Collection Development Manager, Knitwear role in London. Lead technical knitwear development for luxury fashion house.
Role & Responsibilities
- Act as the collection development lead for knitwear, ensuring full alignment between the Design team's creative vision and technical realisation of the knitwear collection
- Partner closely with the Knitwear Design team and Technical Development teams to translate creative concepts into commercially and technically feasible products
- Serve as the main liaison between the London Studio and Product Development teams in Novara, maintaining clarity, consistency, and timeliness across all stages of knitwear development
- Lead the coordination and delivery of London prototype knitwear pieces, managing development from initial stitch trials and yarn selection through to final sample approval
- Ensure the design intent is preserved while balancing innovation, quality standards, production feasibility, and cost parameters
- Oversee fittings, sample reviews, and development milestones, providing detailed technical feedback and ensuring efficient communication between creative and technical teams
- Partner with teams and suppliers in Italy—Yarn, Materials, and Production teams—to source and develop new yarns, techniques, and finishing methods aligned with the brand's creative direction
- Proactively identify and resolve technical or development challenges, ensuring timelines and product quality are maintained throughout the collection cycle
- Manage collection calendars for knitwear, sample tracking, and material approvals, ensuring seamless flow of information and materials across all departments
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Atelier, RTW, and Merchandising teams to ensure consistency in collection structure, pricing logic, and delivery timing
- Uphold the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable material development in all aspects of knitwear creation
- Occasionally assume additional categories and projects as collection demands require
Qualifications
- Proven experience in knitwear product or collection development within luxury fashion
- Strong technical knowledge of yarn composition, gauge, knitting machines, stitch structures, and finishing techniques
- Deep understanding of the design-to-production process, including yarn sourcing, prototyping, and fit approvals
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional and international teams, particularly between design and manufacturing hubs
- Ability to interpret and communicate design sketches, tech packs, and sample feedback effectively
- Proficiency in CAD software and technical design tools
- Fluency in English required; Italian language skills are a strong advantage
- Willingness to travel between London, Novara, and supplier locations as needed
- Demonstrated alignment with the McQueen values of Empowerment, Teamwork, Respect, and Kindness
Skills
Experience
Proven experience in knitwear product or collection development within the luxury fashion sector, with demonstrated proficiency in managing design-to-production workflows and cross-functional international collaboration between creative studios and manufacturing facilities.
Workplace
The role is situated in London, England, UK.
Culture
Alexander McQueen fosters a bold, highly creative workplace where exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep respect for British fashion heritage shape the employee experience. The House values individuality, collaboration, and artistic courage, offering an environment where teams are encouraged to push boundaries while upholding the precision and excellence of a luxury maison.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Alexander McQueen, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Knitwear Development Manager», «Collection Manager, Knitwear», «Technical Knitwear Manager», «Knitwear Product Manager», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.