Job Description

Your responsibilities
You have a sharp technical mind, an eye for detail, and the confidence to turn creative ideas into technically flawless products. You enjoy bringing structure to creative processes, translating ideas into precise specifications, and turning design visions into durable, functional, and beautifully crafted products.
As a Product Developer at ALEMI, you'll play a key role in bridging design, operations, production, and customers. You'll support and structure the entire product development process -- from concept and prototyping through production and continuous improvement -- ensuring technical accuracy, clear documentation, and consistent quality throughout the entire product lifecycle. Acting as the central link between our founder Christina (responsible for product design), our Product & Operations team, our Italian production partner, and our customer-facing teams in the Store and Customer Service, you'll enable seamless communication, technical consistency, and product excellence across every touchpoint.
Product Development & Documentation
Support the technical development of ALEMI's handbags and accessories from concept to production.
Translate creative ideas into precise drawings and technical specifications.
Coordinate prototype creation and review sessions, integrating feedback from design and operations to ensure both aesthetic and functional excellence.
Maintain product documentation and bills of materials (BOMs), keeping all information on materials, components, and costs accurate and up to date.
Quality Management & Supplier Alignment
Define, document, and enforce clear quality standards for production, incoming goods, and final delivery to customers.
Act as the first point of contact for technical product questions from the Store or Customer Service teams, proactively resolving issues and conducting root-cause analyses.
Represent ALEMI's quality standards confidently in discussions with our Italian production partner and drive continuous improvement in product reliability and finishing.
Material Sourcing & Coordination
Support the sourcing of new materials and hardware by comparing suppliers, collecting quotes, and evaluating suitability for ALEMI's aesthetic and functional standards.
Collaborate closely with our production partner to ensure material choices align with cost targets, availability, and long-term quality expectations.
Trend & Market Insights
Support design and product management with structured input on product and color trends as well as competitor analyses, helping to identify opportunities for future collections.
Your profile
Experience & Education:

• 2-3 years of professional experience in product development, or product management, within the textile or fashion industry (experience with leather goods is a strong plus).
• Completed degree in Textile and Clothing Management, Fashion Management, Textile Products, Fashion and Textile Design, or a comparable field.

Technical & Personal Skills

• Strong understanding of materials, construction techniques, and production processes.
• Structured, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive, solution-driven, and comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills -- confident in addressing technical challenges with suppliers.
• Passionate about premium craftsmanship and long-lasting quality.

Languages

• Fluent in English (working language at ALEMI).
• Fluent in German or Italian is a strong plus.

Your benefits
Shape the future: Join a bootstrapped start-up that thinks long-term. You'll take on responsibility and make a real impact.
Fair conditions: 30 vacation days, additional days off for special occasions, and flexible sabbatical options.
Grow with us: Annual training budget, shared internal knowledge, personal mentoring, and regular development talks.
ALEMI perks: A bag of your choice when you start, 30% employee discount, birthday surprises.
Strong culture: Female leadership, an ambitious team with ownership mindset, and a "don't ask for permission" spirit.
Celebrate together: Regular team events -- both virtual and in-person.
Modern tech stack: Notion, Shopify, KLAR, Personio & more -- for smooth workflows without admin hassle.
About us
ALEMI is a Zurich-based handbag brand with the vision to redefine business bags for women.
We create elegant, timeless handbags that unite minimalist aesthetics with smart functionality. Each piece is handcrafted in a family-owned atelier in Italy, under fair working conditions, using premium Italian leather that is made to last.
Our values are rooted in quality, transparency, and empowerment -- not only through our products but also in how we work as a team. Founded in 2020, ALEMI has grown into a dedicated team of 15+ people, united by one mission: to empower women in their everyday lives with bags that support both confidence and individuality.

Skills Required