Technical Design Manager

The People Brand

. Lead technical development across swim, active, and lifestyle categories from prototype through production .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeCalifornia • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Technical Design, including garment construction, grading, and fit standards, while effectively managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional partners to ensure product quality and consistency across multiple categories.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technical Design ExperiencePeople Management ExperienceGarment Construction KnowledgeFit Session LeadershipTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Garment ConstructionGrading StandardsFit StandardsMeasurement StandardsFabric BehaviorDraping TechniquesTechnical SketchingPattern MakingApparel Product LifecycleKids' Fit Experience

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationProblem-SolvingCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OutlookAdobe IllustratorAdobe Photoshop

Industry Keywords

SwimwearActivewearKnitsWovensSweatersDressesCoverupsInternational ProductionTechnical PacksBlock Libraries

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead technical development across swim, active, and lifestyle categories from prototype through production
Manage prototype development and align samples, fittings, comments, and approvals with seasonal calendars
Develop and maintain tech packs with technical sketches, POMs, grade rules, tolerances, construction details, and callouts
Measure and evaluate prototype, SMS, PP, and TOP samples for fit, workmanship, construction, fabrication, and execution
Lead fit sessions and drive fit and construction corrections
Ensure consistency in fit, grading, and construction across the assortment
Communicate fit comments and technical direction to domestic and international vendors
Partner with Design, Product Development, and Production to resolve fit, construction, and quality challenges
Establish and maintain block libraries and standardized grade rules
Collaborate with domestic patternmakers to create, update, and grade patterns
Build and improve technical processes for consistency, efficiency, and product quality
Manage and mentor the Technical Design team, including seasonal priorities, workflow, and deliverables
Develop team expertise in construction and brand fit standards
Maintain tech packs, development trackers, fit comments, and sample status
Build relationships with vendors, pattern engineers, and cross-functional partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of Technical Design experience
5+ years of people management experience
Strong experience across swim, active, knits, wovens, sweaters, dresses, and/or coverups
Experience with kids' fit
Expert knowledge of garment construction, grading, fit, and measurement standards
Strong understanding of fabric behavior, draping, graphics, dye techniques, and multiple fabrication types
Ability to independently lead fit sessions across multiple product categories
Strong technical communication skills, including pattern diagrams, technical sketches, fit photos, and construction comments
Experience working directly with domestic and international patternmakers, factories, and pattern engineers
Comprehensive understanding of the apparel product lifecycle from development through production
Experience with international production required
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop
Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills