Vice President Technical Design

Overview

Vice President of Technical Design leading the Technical Design Team for PHOENIX’s Express and Bonobos brands. Responsible for translating the creative vision into technical designs that meet quality and fit specifications, partnering with Design, Product Development, Merchants, and Vendors to ensure garment consistency, quality, and fit integrity across all bulk production.

New York Office

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Vice President of Technical Design leads the Technical Design Team for Phoenix (Express and Bonobos brands). This role is responsible for translating the creative vision of the design team into technical designs that can be produced by the factory to meet quality and fit specifications. The VP partners with Design, Product Development, Merchants, and Vendors to take responsibility for the technical development of styles and the application of all quality standards relating to fit and construction.

They maintain garment consistency, quality, and fit integrity across all bulk production by communicating risks and opportunities during development and production. Additionally, the VP maintains and drives global standards for garment fit and execution across all vendors and regions, drives efficiency into the seasonal execution of product, and ensures consistent training across the vendor base to improve product fit and vendor calibration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and evolve a Tech Design strategy; operations, methods and measures of effectiveness.
• Manage the development and production of seasonal collections, chase product, and test orders.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and globally to deliver on metrics while protecting brand DNA.
• Ensure that all products are developed in a manner consistent with established fit and comfort quality, performance standards, manufacturer capabilities and cost specifications.
• Identify risks and work to rectify any problematic construction, fabrics or trims early in the fit development process.
• Lead and manage fit process.
• Develop and maintain blocks for a more consistent fit and quicker product development timeline.
• Drive calendar adherence and escalate exceptions or issues to the development calendar.
• Identify internal/technical trim needs and request, track, and provide feedback on internal/technical trim submits.
• Review tools and processes for continuous improvement opportunities, increased productivity and best practices within Technical Design.
• Ensure engagement of the team through collaboration, training opportunities, and team development.
• Foster open communication and team environment with all Business Partners; receive constructive feedback professionally.
• Hold self and others accountable for work commitments and outcomes.
• Participate and lead departmental and cross‑functional meetings as appropriate.
• Select, develop, and retain Associates especially focused on developing bench talent.
• Mentor, coach and counsel direct reports to be accountable to performance expectations.
• Travel to Ohio office as well as international vendors/factories to work with technical teams to troubleshoot, educate and understand factory capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, Pattern making or equivalent work experience.
• 20+ years in apparel technical design with 15+ years at a leadership level.
• Expertise in pattern making including grading, construction and fit for multiple or complex product.
• Specialist in fit / knowledge of construction standards and manufacturing methods.
• Extensive experience in driving process improvements in all areas of responsibility.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to interface regularly with senior/executive leadership.
• Organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.
• Ability to proactively troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Overseas travel experience, knowledge and flexibility.
• Computer skills: proficiency in computer pattern programs, computer spec writing programs such as Gerber, PLM, Adobe Illustrator, Google Suite.

PHOENIX offers a range of…