Technical Design Manager - Apparel

Job description

At DICK’S Sporting Goods , we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve. If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team, apply to join our team today! OVERVIEW: The Manager of Technical Design in partnership with the Director of Technical Design creates and owns the long term strategic vision for their span of control. They are responsible for interpreting design concepts into a technical fit package with complete and detailed information regarding garment specifications and construction for their specific categories. The Manager of Technical Design is the subject matter expert for their categories in understanding fit, garment construction, design aesthetics and apparel manufacturing processes. Through collaboration and cross-functional partnership with our Product Management. Apparel Design and Strategic Sourcing teams, it is the responsibility of the Manager of Technical Design to help drive the adoption of the overall fit strategies, think creatively, and identify new technologies and trends in the technical fit and construction industry. The ideal candidate is a passionate and experienced in fit and construction and has an eye for trend and style, with the ability to translate micro and macro level trends into business decisions and technical fit packages that adhere to their categories targeted athlete. It is critical that any candidate for the Manager of Technical Design to have the ability to build cross-functional partnerships with excellent communication skills. In addition, the ideal candidate has expertise in the technical process with a strong understanding of business acumen. Fit Development Act as the technical fit expert across the Product Development and Merchant Teams. Ensure to share best practices and industry standards or trends in the areas of fit, construction, patternmaking and wear testing. Provide insights and solutions to ensure best in class product fit for all private brands. Own the creation and adoption of department wide strategic initiatives, including the use of new technology platforms to ensure the most accurate fit in alignment with each brands standards. Plan workflow though out the season, anticipate issues & be proactive in regards to accomplishing all Technical Design responsibilities for all brands/direct reports within span of control. Provide guidance, support and insight on measurement specifications and product history to engineer costs in development in milestone development meetings and fit sessions. Provide insight and direction as needed to ensure best in class fit can be delivered Lead technical design process for a specific brand/category including design intent, product integrity, fit, construction, manufacturing, costs and on-time delivery. Act as a subject matter expert in all collaboration efforts with the Design, Product Management, Sourcing and Merchandising teams to align on strategic intent of the brand. Lead collaboration with our HK office TD team for execution of product and problem solving; communicates and partners with Design, Sourcing, and manufacturers to protect integrity of the set specifications and QC on production and quality issues. Drive problem solving collaboration efforts across the teams. Travel internationally to preform fittings with business partners on-site; train business partners in technical design processes and procedures; onboard international business partners with training manuals, general guidelines to sample development and become a point person to answer questions Provide guidance, support and insight on measurement specifications and product history to engineer costs in development in milestone development meetings and fit sessions. Provide insight and direction as needed to ensure best in class fit can be delivered Regularly review block patterns, specifications and grading to ensure relevancy in the marketplace and the end consumer. Support block development & block training Competitive Research and Analysis Perform benchmarking, identify emerging market trends, competitively shops and coaches team on properly identifying trends that align to their brand/category and adhere to the competitive landscape. Research, analyze and conduct competitive deep-dive fittings providing learnings and recommendations at style/category level on fit, sizing and construction. Provide solutions that will allow for cost savings and margin realization as it relates to garment construction Lead research for new product and brand launches by partnering cross-functionally with Design and Product Management for research and analysis. This includes partnering with PLM teams to develop new grading templates and sizes when needed, organizing and presenting final comparison of fit to national brands and on-going maintenance of current PLM template and grade accuracy. Demonstrate an elevated sense of style and aesthetic with a continual pulse on current and relevant market trends and emerging technology. Drive Operational Excellence: Ensure entire team adheres to the Time & Action calendar for their product/category. Project manages, prioritizes, and delegates to Direct Reports. Ensure accurate execution department wide standards for tech packs, based on product type and vendor requirements. Responsible for the capacity planning all direct reports, identifying roadblocks, aiding their team in navigating through conflicting timelines and priorities. They serve as the project manager of their design team. Responsible for identifying and executing opportunities within the product development process for continuous improvement. Champion the adoption of department wide strategic initiatives specific to their span of control, including the use of new technology platforms to ensure the most accurate fit in alignment with brands standards. Developing Talent and Teammate Engagement Supervise and provide guidance to teammates on projects and deliverables, holding teammate accountable to deadlines. This includes organizing and monitoring workload to ensure priority deliverables are fast tracked. Provide direct/indirect reports with timely and regular feedback to support teammate development/ growth in role. Act as a mentor and champion of talent across the department by sharing experiences, knowledge and skills. Establish strategic staffing and succession plans (0-2 year horizon) within span of control and gain Director support; successfully deliver on proposed staffing objectives. Drive the talent selection process for open direct/indirect reporting positions; Ensure all direct reports are appropriately trained and on-boarded. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Apparel, Construction or Textiles, or equivalent industry experience 10 - 15 Years of Experience - Minimum of 10 years of multi-category industry experience 3+ years’ experience managing people VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS: At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following: Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews. AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process. Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification . If you have any questions or need accommodations, we’re here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!