Senior Leather Specialist, Product Development & Production

Location:

HQ - Williamsburg, Brooklyn Status:
Full-time / 100% on-site Compensation: $120,000 - $130,000 annually

Position Summary:

The Senior Leather Specialist leads the end-to-end development and production lifecycle for all accessories and leather goods—from initial concept through final sample approval, bulk production, and final delivery. This dual-function role is responsible for ensuring margin targets, quality standards, design intent, and calendar milestones are achieved while driving operational excellence and cross-functional alignment.

As a senior leader within the product organization, this individual must bring a robust, established network of direct contacts for specialized leather goods factories, premium tanneries, and bespoke trim/hardware vendors to immediately impact Kith's sourcing capabilities.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where precision and proactive communication are essential to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Lead the product development lifecycle for all leather goods and accessories from initial concept and sketch through pre-production samples, collaborating closely with Design, Production, and cross-functional partners.

Leverage an existing, extensive personal network of global tanneries, specialized trim/hardware vendors, and leather goods factories to source premium materials and capabilities that support long-term brand goals, while seamlessly collaborating with, evaluating, and improving Kith's existing vendor matrix.

Partner closely with Design and Merchandising to translate creative concepts into technically executable products aligned with brand standards for fit, quality, construction, and seasonal strategies.

Own launching development trials for new leather techniques, material innovations, or complex hardware constructions as needed each season.

Manage all proto, fit, SMS, and initial costing rounds to ensure quality, design integrity, and seasonal margin targets are met.

Oversee the accuracy of tech packs, BOMs, costing sheets, and all style information within PLM and internal systems, ensuring all product data is complete and maintained.

Manage seasonal trim and hardware development, including requesting, tracking, and reviewing Technical Data Sheets for accuracy, and maintaining a trim and leather library across all factories.

Lead cross-functional development meetings with Design and Materials teams to review outstanding collections, development status, feasibility, and timelines.

Communicate daily with vendors and factories regarding development status, samples, pricing, MOQs, and sampling timelines.

Participate in collection pass-offs, and seasonal reviews, ensuring samples align with design intent and timeline requirements.

Manage testing programs for accessories to ensure materials and finished goods meet regulatory and quality standards.

PRODUCTIONO

versee the full bulk production lifecycle for all leather accessories, ensuring on-time delivery and cost efficiency.

Monitor and track all purchase orders, production timelines, critical path milestones, ex-factory dates, and deliverables to avoid delays.

Maintain accurate, up‐to‐date WIP reports for all styles from all vendors, and review weekly factory WIPs to update shared tracking tools.

Manage bulk leather, hardware, and trim submissions—tracking and reviewing against approved SMS and lab dips for color, finish, and handfeel before sending approvals or comments.

Review cost sheets with leadership and lead bulk pricing negotiations with vendors to meet final margin goals without compromising design intent.

Work closely with 3rd party QC and Logistics to ensure alignment, escalate risks proactively, and resolve…