Product Development Coordinator

Who We Are

Founded by Gosia Piatek in 2006, Kowtow is a seed-to-garment brand from Wellington, New Zealand. All of our garments are made naturally from a single fibre, Fairtrade organic cotton.

At Kowtow our vision is to create clothing that can return to the earth without harm. We take responsibility for what we produce, how we operate our business and are actively working on solutions to reduce our footprint. We are committed to the principles of circular design - reducing waste, making products that last, keeping them in use and regenerating the natural environment at every point in the process. Our collections are created to build a modular wardrobe, offering quality pieces that can be worn again and again, year after year.

“The limitations of our ethos keeps us innovative. We don’t compromise on design, and embrace restrictions. This gives our garments a strong minimal identity, and we believe the simplicity of our clothing is the first step toward circularity.”

– Gosia Piatek, Kowtow Founder


The Role and what you will bring

We are searching for an experienced Production Development Coordinator to join our Wellington based team. Working closely with the Design team, you'll play a key role in bringing Kowtow's collections to life by ensuring a smooth and efficient production process and on time delivery of our high quality collections. 

If you are a confident communicator with strong experience in apparel production, and you are passionate about creating clothes that are kind to the planet, we want to hear from you!

 

The Primary Responsibilities

  • Coordinate design and product development to meet deadlines

  • Schedule and execute tech packs and prepare samples for factory submission

  • Communicate effectively with offshore manufacturers, suppliers and contractors

  • Support the follow up and reporting on sampling and critical path status

  • Manage internal and external quality control testing and checks

  • Research and develop new notions, create purchase orders and submit costing details

  • Maintain production data to ensure accuracy 

  • Support the Kowtow customer repair and regenerate program

  • Assist with compiling product information and ensuring all records are up to date

  • Manage the process of submitting and approving bulk fabrics

  • Support the development of supply chain sustainability solutions

  • Actively research construction techniques for inspiring design development


Your Skills and Experience

  • At least 3 years experience in fashion production or supply chain role

  • Experience communicating with offshore manufacturers and building positive relationships

  • Strong understanding of garment construction, materials, and manufacturing processes

  • Proficient with hands on garment repairs and alterations

  • Confident communicator with excellent verbal and written skills

  • Resourceful and proactive, with proven ability to problem solve in a fast paced environment

  • Mac literate, and experienced with Microsoft Excel and Adobe Suite

Ideally you care about preserving the planet as much as we do and have a genuine interest in circularity, sustainability and innovation.


Working at Kowtow

Kowtow’s workroom and studio is located in central Wellington, Aotearoa’s creative capital. Flexible working options, a 9-day fortnight and volunteer days are just some of the ways we support the health and wellbeing of our team, and allow our people the time they need to rest and recharge. A seasonal clothing discount provides you and your loved ones the opportunity to enjoy wearing our Fairtrade organic cotton clothing.

At Kowtow we are proud of our kind and caring culture. We aim to provide a positive work environment where people can achieve their full potential, and we are committed to being diverse, inclusive and accessible. We believe in a future where fashion harmonises with the planet and people, leaving no harmful footprint behind. The whole team shares an interest in sustainability and innovation and everyone at Kowtow contributes toward our shared goals.

You will thrive at Kowtow if you are naturally confident, have a positive attitude and share our vision of leaving the planet better than we found it.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Please note, this role is based in our Wellington workroom and requires the successful candidate to be hands-on in the studio with the production and design teams. We are therefore not able to consider applications for remote working. 


Apply now through Seek or email us at careers@kowtowclothing.com including a cover letter and CV.