Our client is seeking a Director of Technical Design & Sample Development to lead all technical design functions and manage sample development across multiple brands and product categories. This individual will establish and maintain fit standards, oversee garment construction and technical specifications, manage sample room operations, and partner closely with Design, Production, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams to ensure exceptional product execution from concept through production. This is a highly visible leadership role that will directly impact product quality, fit consistency, development speed, and overall business growth. The ideal candidate is both a strategic leader and hands-on problem solver with expertise in apparel fit, garment construction, sample development, and team management. Categories include sportswear and dresses across children's, tween, and juniors apparel serving major department stores, specialty retailers, and e-commerce partners throughout North America. This is an on-site position in their midtown NY office.
The salary range for this role is $165-180,000 based on experience.
Responsibilities: - Lead all technical design activities across children's, tween, and juniors apparel categories.
- Establish and maintain fit standards, grading practices, and construction specifications across all brands.
- Review and approve technical packages, measurement specifications, grading, and construction details.
- Conduct and lead fit sessions, ensuring consistency and accuracy across categories and brands.
- Partner with design teams to ensure design intent is maintained while meeting quality, cost, and production requirements.
- Collaborate with overseas factories and vendors regarding fit approvals, technical comments, and construction revisions.
- Resolve technical and production issues throughout the product development process.
- Drive continuous improvement in fit, quality, and technical processes.
- Manage all daily operations of the in-house sample room.
- Supervise sample makers, patternmakers, cutters, and technical development staff.
- Prioritize sample requests across multiple brands and development calendars.
- Ensure timely completion of development, sales, and production samples.
- Establish efficient workflows and best practices to maximize productivity and speed-to-market.
- Maintain high standards of workmanship, accuracy, and quality throughout sample development.
- Monitor workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation within the sample room.
- Partner closely with Design, Production, Sourcing, Sales, and Merchandising teams.
- Support seasonal development calendars and key business milestones.
- Analyze recurring fit and quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Assist with vendor onboarding, factory evaluations, and process improvements.
- Develop and mentor technical design and sample room team members.
- Create scalable systems and processes to support company growth.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Production, or related field.
- 10+ years of apparel industry experience with significant technical design leadership experience.
- Minimum 5 years of management experience leading technical design, sample development, or product development teams.
- Strong expertise in garment construction, fit, grading, patternmaking, and apparel manufacturing.
- Experience managing sample room operations and development workflows.
- Proven experience working with overseas factories and production teams.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple brands, categories, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today.
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