Job Description

Position Overview

The Director of Technical Design oversees the development and execution of technical packages, fit standards, and construction methods for all categories. This position owns the fitting process from proto through production, mentors and guides a growing technical team, and ensures all technical work supports design intent, cost parameters, and quality expectations. The role requires excellent communication skills, strong vendor-facing experience, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-season environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the technical design team, including managing performance, workload, and career growth for 6+ direct reports.
• Oversee technical execution across all product divisions while also directly managing assigned categories and styles.
• Direct the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of technical packages, including measurement specifications, construction details, and all technical callouts throughout each season.
• Own the fitting process for all garments, ensuring clear, detailed notes and accurate measurements are captured and communicated.
• Review and approve all fit comments and technical revisions, including pattern corrections and grading, and communicate changes to global manufacturing partners.
• Ensure all products align with design intent, brand fit standards, and target customers’ expectations across size ranges.
• Collaborate closely with Design to translate concepts and sketches into clear, executable technical specifications.
• Partner with Product Development and Production to balance quality, cost, and construction efficiency, resolving technical and manufacturing issues proactively.
• Guide the team in prioritizing workload and managing timelines, ensuring on-time proto development, fittings, approvals, and production handoff.
• Manage fit calendars, technical milestones, and tracking tools; communicate deadlines and status updates to cross-functional partners.
• Ensure all style and measurement data are accurately entered and maintained in PLM and related systems.
• Champion continuous improvement in fit consistency, grading, and construction standards across all categories.
• Partner with overseas vendors to troubleshoot pattern, fit, and construction challenges; drive alignment on standards and expectations.
• Support cross-functional initiatives related to sizing strategy, block development, fabric performance, and quality standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7–10+ years of experience in Technical Design, with strong pattern making knowledge and hands-on fit expertise.
• Prior leadership or management experience overseeing a team of technical designers or pattern makers.
• Expertise in garment measuring, POMs, spec sheets, and fit evaluation across multiple product categories.
• Ability to interpret design sketches and inspiration and translate them into clear, actionable technical packages.
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities and multiple active seasons.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through; comfortable managing both strategic and tactical work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience collaborating with overseas vendors and cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency in PLM systems, 3D design tools such as CLO (or equivalent), Adobe Illustrator, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP or similar platforms is a plus.
• Self-starter with a solution-oriented approach and the ability to anticipate and resolve technical challenges.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct management of a team of 6+ Technical Design professionals.
• Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, and performance management within the technical design function.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in an office or home-office environment using standard office equipment.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and other tools requiring manual dexterity.
• Frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, bending, and twisting associated with handling garments and samples.
• Occasional lifting of boxes of samples or product (up to approximately 20–30 lbs.).

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