Sr. Director, Technical Design

Title 

Sr. Director of Technical Design

What You’ll be Responsible For:

The Sr. Director of Technical Design will oversee the implementation, execution and management of technical design strategies and processes from development through final approvals (where applicable), partnering with Design, Merchandising and Production in identifying key programs and strategies that comprise the area of responsibility. The Sr. Director of Technical Design will analyze and implement technical design strategies that will maximize business growth and profitability, adhering to time and action calendars for production and product development. In this role, you will lead and inspire the Technical Design team, specifically the Men’s division, overseeing both Development and Production to develop merchandise across all apparel categories, price points and size extensions. This role will not oversee direction of Design Development relating to Women’s category development, patternmakers and sewers. The Sr. Director of Technical Design will communicate a vision, set objectives, and accomplish results through prioritizing talent development and driving the team toward actionable goals.

• Educate the Technical Design team to focus on the critical components needed to deliver exceptional product and build technical skills/knowledge as needed
• Guide all stakeholders in decisions that will impact fit experience 
• Leverage data to strengthen the technical design process
• Establish new processes, tools and protocols for growth, communicate the new vision and rally the direct team, cross-functional partners and vendor base to support and execute the vision
• Cultivate and maintain strategic vendor partnerships with a focus on processes & standards
• Communicate with all related departments, factories, and manufacturers to ensure product details are consistent with the adopted style profiles
• Ensure metrics are maintained and analyzed to support product allocations and assess future business needs to support brand goals
• Establish fit blocs, specs, and quality standards of entire product line and vendor manual
• Oversee fittings in order to approve all fit samples while adhering to the production calendar
• Manage design and fit intent into bulk production while maintaining corporate standards
• Identify potential production, quality and costing issues and make recommendations to ensure brand integrity
• Review and make comments on development and counter samples where required
• Travel to international sources to help with the development of product lines, and to work with the technical teams to troubleshoot, educate and understand factory capabilities
• Follow up and coordinate all ongoing projects in order to meet stated deadlines
• Stay abreast of industry fashion trends - knowledge of market
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the SVP of Manufacturing 

Qualifications/Experience: 

• 10 or more years of relevant education and experience in technical design and product development within Men’s and Women’s apparel
• 5 plus years of experience setting strategies and leading teams
• Considered to be an expert in your knowledge and abilities within the product creation lifecycle, including fit, fabric, design interpretation, patternmaking and vendor communications
• An excellent understanding of price/value relationship, the cost of design or construction details and which enhancements are worthwhile for elevating the product/brand
• Proven leader and passionate about developing your team’s competency in fit, patternmaking, fabric, quality and overall product acumen
• Strategic problem solver, identifying root cause, scenario-planning with solutions, weighing risk/reward and aligning key stakeholders
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with demonstrated success in both written and verbal communication
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency with Technical Design focused programs  
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize workload in order to strategize the objectives and drive the various initiatives of the Technical Design department to be accomplished in a timely manner
• Ability to work under pressure in an environment of shifting priorities and change
• Expertise in patternmaking, including grading, construction and fit for multiple and/or complex products
• Knowledge of construction standards and manufacturing methods
• Proven ability of effective management/supervision of technical design team for multiple product categories (i.e. woven, cut & sew knits, sweaters and denim)
• Based in LA or are willing to relocate

Vince, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  Vince, LLC also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Salary : $180,000 - $210,000