Technical Design Manager - Apparel

About the Role

The Manager of Technical Design partners with the Director of Technical Design to create and own the long-term strategic vision for their span of control. This role is responsible for interpreting design concepts into a technical fit package with complete and detailed garment specifications and construction for specific categories. As the subject matter expert, the Manager of Technical Design drives fit strategies, identifies new technologies and trends, and collaborates cross-functionally with Product Management, Apparel Design, and Strategic Sourcing teams.

The ideal candidate is passionate about fit and construction, has an eye for trend and style, and can translate trends into business decisions and technical fit packages. Strong cross-functional partnership skills, excellent communication, and expertise in the technical process with business acumen are critical.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical fit expert across Product Development and Merchant Teams, sharing best practices and industry standards in fit, construction, patternmaking, and wear testing.
• Own the creation and adoption of department-wide strategic initiatives, including new technology platforms to ensure accurate fit aligned with brand standards.
• Plan workflow throughout the season, anticipate issues, and proactively manage Technical Design responsibilities for all brands and direct reports.
• Provide guidance on measurement specifications and product history to engineer costs during milestone development meetings and fit sessions.
• Lead the technical design process for a specific brand/category, ensuring design intent, product integrity, fit, construction, manufacturing, costs, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Management, Sourcing, and Merchandising teams to align on strategic brand intent.
• Partner with the HK office Technical Design team for product execution, problem-solving, and maintaining specification integrity and quality control.
• Travel internationally to perform fittings, train business partners, and onboard them with technical design processes and guidelines.
• Regularly review block patterns, specifications, and grading to ensure marketplace relevancy and support block development and training.
• Perform competitive research and analysis, including benchmarking, trend identification, and deep-dive fittings to provide actionable insights on fit, sizing, and construction.
• Lead research for new product and brand launches, partnering with Design and Product Management to develop grading templates and sizes as needed.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring adherence to the Time & Action calendar, managing projects, prioritizing tasks, and delegating to direct reports.
• Maintain department-wide standards for tech packs based on product type and vendor requirements.
• Identify and execute opportunities for continuous improvement within the product development process.
• Supervise and guide teammates on projects and deliverables, holding them accountable to deadlines and providing timely feedback for development.
• Act as a mentor and champion talent across the department by sharing knowledge and skills.
• Establish strategic staffing and succession plans (0-2 year horizon) and drive the talent selection process for open positions.
• Ensure all direct reports are appropriately trained and onboarded.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Construction, or Textiles, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10–15 years of experience, with a minimum of 10 years in multi-category industry experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing people.

Candidates must keep cameras on during virtual interviews and refrain from using AI tools during the hiring process. Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check, including ID verification.