PBS Technical Design Manager

Job Title

Technical Design Manager

PBS (Private Label & Brand Services)

Director, Product Development

In-Office, Zumiez Home Office, Lynnwood, WA

03/20/2026

We’re looking for a Technical Design Manager who believes the best product comes from strong technical thinking—and that the most meaningful leadership happens through teaching. This role is rooted in deep pattern making expertise, a rigorous understanding of fit and construction, and a genuine desire to help others see, understand, and solve problems more clearly.

This position is for someone who leads by developing people. You enjoy breaking down complex fit challenges, explaining the why behind pattern decisions, and helping others sharpen their eye and instincts. You don’t just fix issues—you turn them into learning moments, building confidence and capability across the team. Balance, pitch, proportion, and construction aren’t just tools you use; they’re principles you actively teach.

You’ll set the standard for how technical problems are approached and resolved, modeling clear thinking, curiosity, and accountability. Through hands‑on guidance, feedback, and shared problem‑solving, you’ll help elevate both individual skill sets and collective output—season over season.

This role prioritizes learning as a driver of quality, consistency, and growth. You’ll partner closely with Design, Product Development and Production; using education and clarity to align teams and move product forward.

• Technical Design Leadership – Lead the technical design function from development through bulk production, ensuring garments meet Zumiez standards for fit, construction, quality, and manufacturability.
• Strategic Partnership – Serve as a member of the Product and Brand Services leadership team, collaborating with department leaders to support strategic initiatives and align technical design practices with broader business goals.
• Team Leadership & Development – Manage, coach, and mentor technical designers, supporting onboarding, career development, and continuous skill advancement.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership – Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Compliance, and Sourcing teams to ensure alignment on fit, construction, costing, timelines, and product quality throughout the development process.
• Pattern making & Digital Development – Drive best practices in digital pattern making and CLO3D development, guiding the team in leveraging 3D tools to improve fit accuracy, streamline development timelines, and strengthen collaboration across product teams.
• Fit Leadership – Establish and maintain best practices for fit sessions across categories, ensuring issues are diagnosed efficiently and corrected at the pattern level while preserving design intent.
• Technical Problem Solving – Provide expert guidance on complex fit, pattern making, and construction challenges, supporting the team in developing practical, manufacturable solutions.
• Process Improvement – Drive initiatives that improve development workflows, technical tools, and operational processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
• Technical Standards & Documentation – Oversee the creation and maintenance of technical standards, SOPs, and documentation to ensure consistent execution across teams and vendor partners.
• Quality & Compliance Oversight – Evaluate garments throughout development to ensure adherence to fit standards, construction requirements, quality expectations, and regulatory compliance.

Leadership & Communication

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams and global vendor partners.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical design talent, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced product development environment.
• Analytical and solution‑oriented mindset, diagnosing fit and construction challenges and guiding teams toward practical solutions.

Technical…