Manager, Technical Design

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands:
Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®.

Kontoor Brands is a purpose‑led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting:
This Technical Design Manager position is responsible for our Kontoor Brands’ complete technical development of pattern‑making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development.

This role supervises and delivers on‑time to functional task timelines in accordance with brands’ strategic Go-to-Market milestones and Supply Chain lead‑times. Technical packages are built to meet or exceed pre‑determined gross margin and price targets.

This manager owns the communication and process of all product specifications details to strictly meet the quality standards established in pattern, technical construction and approved materials.

This Technical Design manager supervises own team & collaborates with cross‑functional areas on all major finalization activities of pattern and all technical specifications into existing systems and tools for a complete and on‑time pass‑off to production partners.

Directs and oversees the activities of assigned Technical Design team members to provide technical expertise on product development in the areas of new fit block development, pre‑production pattern finalization, technical construction specification and materials confirmation to ensure all pre‑production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines. Coordinates closely in tandem with Product Development team to ensure a complete, on‑time pass off to Production Technical Design and to enable next stage of production‑ready packages to Field manufacturing, overseas offices and vendor suppliers.

Communicate and manage Design/Merchandising product changes to Production Technical Design and/or Manufacturing in timely to ensure accurate execution in bulk production. Establishes new fit blocks and maintain core fit library, 3D pattern design asset management and technical construction manuals. Assists to create standard operating procedures related to materials management (Bills of Materials), Labelling & Packaging manuals and Folding guides. Establish new fit blocks and update existing blocks and patterns as necessary to ensure relevancy of our core fits.

Serves as a problem‑solving technical expert resource in product development to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in pre‑production stage. Actively pursues efficiency in system management and identify/deploy best practices within own unit and cross‑functionally. Adopt new skills to implement new technology and optimal processes. Responsible for the training and development of all direct reports. Conducts performance review & appraisals of all direct reports to achieve set goals.

10+ years of apparel manufacturing experience with extensive knowledge in pattern, technical product development processes and systems. development or related manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas. In‑depth technical knowledge in E2E product manufacturing processes. Preferred experience in Jeanswear Bottoms or Tops product. Ability to manage a large team. Project Management skills a plus.

Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred.

Leadership ability to motivate result‑driven, high‑performing teams. Analytical thinker with attention to details and loves problem‑solving. Solid organization skills to prioritize, multitask and…