Design Room Manager

Our Brand

Established in 1938, Oroton has evolved into a modern lifestyle brand, synonymous with craftsmanship, accessible luxury and a uniquely Australian sense of beauty.

Guided by our purpose of creating accessible modern luxury for real life, we are proud to be celebrating 88 years of heritage while continuing an exciting chapter of growth and reinvention.

About the role:

We are seeking a Design Room Manager to lead the execution of Oroton’s apparel fabric strategy, development processes and critical path across Womenswear and Menswear.

Acting as the central connector between Design, Merchandising and Production, this role brings visibility and structure to the apparel development lifecycle. Combining strong technical expertise with commercial awareness, you will help ensure product is delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with both creative and business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead fabric sourcing activities including supplier engagement, negotiation, testing and approvals
• Execute the apparel fabric strategy in partnership with Design and Production teams
• Manage fabric development processes including lab dips, wash panels, wear testing and bulk approvals
• Support and maintain the end-to-end apparel critical path, identifying risks and resolving issues proactively
• Track development timelines from concept through to production and delivery
• Drive process improvements across development workflows, systems and documentation including PLM
• Partner with suppliers to improve cost, quality and delivery outcomes
• Act as the key liaison between Design, Merchandising and Production teams
• Ensure compliance with fabric testing, ethical sourcing and modern slavery requirements
• Partner with ESG stakeholders and suppliers to maintain compliance standards
• Lead and develop the Garment Technician team, creating accountability and capability across the function
• Support commercial outcomes through costing discipline, margin awareness and sourcing efficiencies

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in fabric development, sourcing and apparel product development
• Strong understanding of apparel critical path management and development processes
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with the ability to balance quality, cost and design intent
• Strong project management, organisation and attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across multiple functions
• Strong understanding of fabric quality, performance and suitability across apparel categories
• Experience leading teams and building capability within technical product development environments
• Collaborative approach with a passion for process improvement and operational excellence

Benefits and Culture

In joining Oroton, you’ll become part of a talented and collaborative team committed to the ongoing success of one of Australia’s most iconic lifestyle brands. You will also enjoy:

• Hybrid working arrangements
• 4 Recharge Days per year, in addition to annual leave
• Birthday leave
• Learning and development opportunities
• Generous product discounts and lifestyle benefits
• 12 weeks Paid Parental Leave for eligible team members
• Access to wellbeing initiatives and our Employee Assistance Program

If you’re passionate about apparel development, fabric innovation and building best-practice processes that bring exceptional products to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: Only applicants with full Australian working rights will be considered.