Head of Technical Design

Position

Head of Technical Design

Company

A leading textile and garment manufacturing company.

Location

Jiangsu, China

Job Summary

As the Head of Technical Design, you will lead the Technical Design team, transforming creative visions into exceptional, high-quality, and functional active apparel ranges. Overseeing the entire technical design process, you will ensure best practices and empower your team to deliver innovative and commercially successful clothing lines.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for product development, design, and systems integration from concept to completion, ensuring client satisfaction.
• Track industry trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
• Conduct risk assessments to mitigate potential issues throughout production, achieving a smooth "PD to shipment" experience.
• Oversee the entire technical design lifecycle, managing technical risks across all aspects of construction and sewing.
• Lead fit sessions with designers and product development teams, maximizing productivity and ensuring proper garment fit.
• Analyze garment samples for fit, specifications, and shape, creating accurate specs and identifying areas for improvement.
• Design and develop patterns from initial concepts, ensuring consistency with fit principles and material usage for optimal yield.
• Fit garments on models, recommend corrections to designers, and coordinate with sample makers to resolve any issues.
• Identify and communicate styling and fit concerns to buyers.
• Develop and implement standardized grading rules for consistent fit across all apparel lines.
• Consult and train marketing, design, and product development teams on pattern construction, fit updates, and problem-solving techniques.
• Create training plans and manuals to empower global patternmaking and product development teams.
• Continuously explore new methods, systems, and construction techniques to achieve creative pattern goals.
• Manage sample room capacity and develop efficient sample loading plans.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in technical design and patternmaking, specifically in the activewear, sportswear, athleisure wear, and outerwear industries in a leadership/management role.
• In-depth knowledge of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and textile technology.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and tech packs.
• Knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD or PDM software packages (e.g., Gerber, Lectra).
• Experience leading and managing apparel fitting processes, particularly handling high volumes associated with activewear and sportswear.
• Fluency in English and Chinese is a plus for effective communication in a globalized industry.