TECHNICAL DESIGN MANAGER

About the role

The Technical Design Manager leads product engineering for the Title Nine in-house brand, translating design intent into commercialized product that meets our fit, quality, performance and margin standards. This role owns the technical point of view for the brand — blocks, specifications, grading, construction and fit consistency — and is accountable for the fit integrity of both new and carryover styles. The role leads the Tech Design function, manages Tech Design, and serves as the technical voice in cross-functional decisions with Design, Merchandising, Materials and Sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the signature technical point of view for the Title Nine brand across apparel and swim; lead product engineering to execute design intention, fit, quality and ease of manufacturing. Build consistent and signature technical specifications including pattern, construction, make, measurement and grade; own and maintain Title Nine style blocks to ensure size and fit consistency within and across product categories. Execute complete design specification packages including flat sketches, technical sketches, construction details, measurement specifications, appropriate tolerances, garment grading, and placement of graphics or labeling. Develop 3D patterns to support initial product adoption with Design and Merchandising.
• Lead fit sessions, product discussions and quality discussions to deliver commercialized product on time; collaborate with Design and Merchandising to gain clear design direction and consensus on fit intent. Evaluate samples for fit, function, balance, movement, proportion and construction prior to weekly fittings. Ensure all styles meet Title Nine fit and quality standards, and communicate all fit comments to vendors in a timely manner, from 1st proto through PP approval. Own fit governance for carryover styles: confirm carryover fits are held season over season, approve any deliberate change to a carryover fit, block or specification before it is released to the vendor, and ensure every carryover fit change is documented with a clear rationale so no fit drifts without a decision behind it. Audit carryover styles at re-order and at vendor change for unintended fit or construction drift, and drive corrective action when found.
• Own the monthly return rate reporting process for the in-house brand: compile, analyze and distribute return rate and return reason reporting to Product