Head of Development & Production Ready-to-Wear

<p><span>We're making a big move and we want you to be part of it.</span></p><p><span>We are relocating several of our core departments from London to Gothenburg, and as a result, we're growing our Swedish team in a major way. This means we're hiring across multiple departments simultaneously - including Brand, Product, Design, and more.</span></p><p><span>This is a unique moment to join a fast-moving, internationally recognised fashion brand as we expand our presence in Sweden. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to be part of something exciting - this is it.</span></p><p><span>Explore our open roles and find where you fit.</span><br></p><p><br><span>We are looking for our next Head of Development &amp; Production Ready-to-Wear. This role oversees the full product lifecycle for our RTW categories (including objects and accessories) - from sourcing and concept evaluation to development, sampling, production, and final delivery - ensuring excellence in quality, profitability, innovation, and speed to market.</span></p><div><p><span>As a leader, you know how to bring people together. You create a culture where the team feels motivated, heard, and set up to do their best work - while providing the clarity and direction needed to move decisively and keep things on track.</span><br></p></div><div><p><span>This position is also responsible for securing strong, collaborative partnerships across Design, Merchandising, Sustainability, and Operations teams as well as with external suppliers.</span><br><br><br></p><p><span>WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR</span></p></div><div><p><span>You are a decisive, people-first leader who builds trust across teams and suppliers. You set clear direction, move with purpose, and create environments where quality and innovation thrive together.</span><br><br><br></p><p><span>WHAT YOU WILL DO</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Drive end-to-end development and production to meet margin objectives while maintaining brand integrity and values.</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Create and own the critical path calendar to ensure alignment with seasonal brand priorities as well as company long term strategy.</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Partner with designers and merchandisers on assortment planning (product mix, pricing, launch timing).</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Lead and inspire a high-performing, accountable team, fostering a culture aligned with Axel Arigato values (DROP).</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Develop a comprehensive sourcing strategy by projecting long-term regional requirements while also being able to adjust to upcoming shifts in the global markets.</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Establish and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships that promote trust, innovation, and capability enhancement.</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Analyze sales performance, customer feedback, and buying patterns to inform development decisions.</span></p></li></ul></div><div><div><ul><li><p><span>Drive product education and training across internal teams, wholesale, and retail.</span><br><br><br></p></li></ul><p><span>ARE YOU THE ONE?</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Bachelor's or Graduate degree in a relevant field</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>10+ years international ready-to-wear development &amp; production experience, including at least five years within a brand</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Proven leadership experience</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Solution-oriented with an uncompromising focus on product quality</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Strong leadership, strategic thinking and cross-functional communication</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Able to balance and prioritize complex, simultaneous challenges</span></p></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Analytical, strong negotiation and forecasting abilities</span><br><br><br></p></li></ul><p><span>HERE'S HOW TO APPLY</span></p></div><div><p><span>If you are ready to lead RTW development and production at a global scale and help shape the next chapter of Axel Arigato, apply today and join the next chapter of our creative journey.</span></p><p><span>Apply by submitting your CV. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency based.</span></p><p><span>We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date.</span><br><br><br></p></div><p><span>DETAILS</span></p></div><div><p><span>Contract type: Full-time</span></p></div><div><p><span>Reports to: CPO</span></p></div><div><p><span>Location: Gothenburg</span></p></div><div><p><span>Work mode: On-site, travel required</span></p></div><div><p><span>Direct reports: Yes</span></p></div><div><p><span>Start date: ASAP</span><br><br><br></p></div><div><p><span>A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO</span></p></div><div><p><span>Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.</span></p><p><span>Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.</span></p><p><span>What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.</span></p><p><span>Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.</span></p><p><span>Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.</span><br><br><br></p><p><span>OUR VALUES</span></p></div><div><p><span>DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.</span></p></div>