Manager - Technical Development, Woven Apparel

Overview

Pact is hiring a Manager of Technical Development – Wovens to join the Product team, based in Boulder, CO. This role will lead the technical development of our wovens categories, owning fit, construction quality, and process excellence from design handoff through production-ready garments. You will work hands-on and independently on products as well as manage direct reports, serving as the in-house subject matter expert for woven fabrications. You will report into the Director of Product Development and partner closely with Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing to deliver exceptional product that reflects our brand's commitment to quality, sustainability, and fit consistency.

About Us

Hi, we’re Pact — it’s great to meet you. Since 2009, we’ve been on a mission to help people dress themselves well with clothing that’s stylish, comfortable, and consciously made. From thoughtfully designed apparel for men and women to soft, sustainable bedding, we make everyday basics that feel good for you and the planet. We partner with Fair Trade Certified™ factories and everything is made with Organic Cotton. For more information, visit https://wearpact.com/about.

Location / Reporting

· Location: Boulder, CO (Hybrid)

· Reports to: Director of Product Development

· Direct Reports: Technical Developer

· Travel: Moderate international travel may be required

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

· Lead and mentor, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and high performance.

· Set priorities for direct reports and maintain alignment with key calendar milestones and business needs.

· Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and skills development conversations to grow direct report’s capabilities.

· Serve as a key decision-maker and escalation point for complex fit, construction, and quality challenges.

· Partner closely with Technical Development Manager of Knits and Director of Development to assist in team management and efficient process implementation.

Technical Development – Wovens

· Own the technical development process for all woven categories (bottoms, tops, outerwear, and related categories) across men's and women's, ensuring fit consistency and construction excellence from proto through production.

· Build and review technical specs, graded size charts, and construction details that are precise, production-friendly, and aligned with brand standards.

· Lead and facilitate fit sessions, providing expert commentary and clear direction on pattern adjustments and construction corrections.

· Leverage advanced knowledge of woven fabrics — including shirting, twill, canvas, denim, and performance wovens — to guide construction decisions and vendor communication.

· Champion the use of 3D apparel software to accelerate the development process, reduce proto rounds, and present virtual fit sessions to cross-functional stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Partner with Design to ensure technical feasibility, aesthetic integrity, and on-time delivery across wovens categories.

· Work closely with Merchandising to balance quality, costing, and margin requirements while maintaining brand equity.

· Collaborate with Sourcing and international vendor partners to evaluate factory capabilities, optimize construction techniques, and uphold quality and sustainability standards.

Process & Operational Excellence

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce prototype rounds, improve development speed, and elevate overall product quality.

· Build and maintain internal tools including block libraries, category SOPs, How-To-Measure manuals, and fit standards documentation.

· Monitor production quality and lead QA reviews for wovens, using data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.

· Proactively identify risks related to product quality, construction, costing, and customer experience — and present solutions.

Technical Skills for Success

· Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design, Technical Design, Pattern Making, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· 8 years of progressive experience in apparel technical development, with a minimum of 2 years in a management or lead role.

· Deep expertise in woven garment construction, including bottoms, tops, and outerwear for men's and women's; experience with knits a plus.

· Advanced knowledge of woven fabric properties, finishing techniques, trims, and production construction methods.

· Expert-level patternmaking skills, including fit analysis, manipulation, and grading — both by hand and via 2D software.

· Proficient in 3D apparel design software (e.g., CLO, Browzwear) for original pattern creation, fit corrections, and virtual presentations.

· Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems (e.g., Centric, Flex), and PC/Mac environments.

Interpersonal Skills for Success

· Proven ability to lead and develop a team in a fast-paced, growth-stage environment.

· Strong track record collaborating with international factory and vendor partners.

· Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and visual — with the ability to clearly convey technical direction to both technical and non-technical audiences.

· Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

· Independent decision-maker with sound judgment grounded in deep technical expertise.

· Proactive, solution-oriented growth mindset; positive and collaborative presence on the team.

· Core commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Compensation

· Salary: $95,000 – $120,000 per year; bonus opportunity up to 15% of salary*

· Comprehensive health benefits, partially company sponsored

· Additional benefits details available upon request

*This is a good-faith estimate of the salary range; final compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Please apply here: https://forms.gle/yUUiZsSThukbaTuB7