About Jan-Jan Van Essche

The human collective culture remains an endless source of inspiration for Jan-Jan Van Essche. Through each new series of garments, traditional patterns from diverse ethno-cultural origins are carefully studied and reinterpreted through the designer’s unique pattern language, one that speaks the poetry of simplicity.

  
Jan-Jan Van Essche’s work focuses on minimizing seams, details, and cultural connotations while maximizing comfort and freedom for the wearer. Crafted from carefully sourced natural fabrics, the collections offer an experience that works from within, transcending trends and boundaries.

  
Born and based in Antwerp, Belgium, Jan-Jan Van Essche graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 2003. In 2010, he launched his eponymous label with COLLECTION#1 – YUKKURI, the Japanese expression for “take it easy” or “slowly”, setting the foundation for an ongoing exploration of contemporary, timeless wardrobes.
 

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organized and technically skilled Development Manager to join our team on a part-time basis.

  
This role sits at the intersection of product development and pattern making, requiring both strong technical expertise and excellent project management skills. You will oversee the development process from design through production, ensuring that all technical information, patterns, samples, and communications are accurate, up to date, and aligned across teams.

  
As a small and dedicated team, we value versatility and collaboration. While your primary focus will be development management, you may occasionally support other departments when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Development Management

• Gather, organize, and document all design information
• Create and maintain technical drawings
• Develop and update comprehensive tech packs
• Review and check patterns for accuracy and consistency
• Ensure all technical documentation remains current and aligned throughout the development process
• Monitor development timelines and planning
• Brief manufacturers on product developments and technical requirements
• Collect and evaluate production comments
• Implement production comments within technical documents, patterns, and development samples
• Communicate updated production comments to manufacturers
• Manage and maintain the pattern archive

Shared Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day management of the studio
• Maintain an overview of ongoing activities across departments and teams
• Assist the production team when required

Profile

You are a detail-oriented professional who enjoys bringing structure to complex development processes. You combine technical garment expertise with a proactive and independent working style and are comfortable collaborating across multiple disciplines, maintaining a flexible attitude and handling stress in a comfortable way. 

 

Skills & Experience

• Excellent technical understanding of garment construction and product development 
• Strong proficiency in Excel (+ other MS Office) and Adobe Illustrator + Indesign 
• Knowledge of additional Adobe applications is a plus 
• Experience with pattern making and pattern evaluation (knowledge of digital pattern making is a plus) 
• Very good sewing skills 
• Strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail 
• Strong communication and coordination skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously 
• Driver’s license is a must 

 

Languages

• Fluent in English (written and spoken) 
• Dutch is a plus 

 

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to contribute to an independent fashion label in Antwerp 
• A collaborative and creative studio environment 
• Close involvement with the full garment development process, from concept to production 
• A role with significant autonomy and responsibility within a small, dedicated team 
• The chance to work alongside passionate professionals committed to craftsmanship 

 

Practical Information

• Position: Development Manager 
• Location: Antwerp, Belgium 
• Schedule: Part-time, 28 hours per week 
• Start Date: Mid to end October 2026 

 

If you are passionate about garment development, have a strong technical foundation, and thrive in a hands-on, collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you. 

 

Application deadline is 19/08/2026
All applications via info@janjanvanessche.com (CV and written motivation, portfolio optional).