Sr. Manager, Technical Design - Denim and Bottoms

Overview

The Senior Manager, Technical Design
, leads the end-to-end technical development of denim and non-denim apparel, ensuring products meet the highest standards of fit, quality, aesthetics, and manufacturability. This role partners closely with Design, Product Management, and Sourcing to deliver commercially viable products at scale, on time, and within margin targets. The position spans fit strategy, technical execution, factory collaboration, and team leadership across the full go-to-market cycle.

• Building and curating a best-in-class fit portfolio, researching competitive landscapes, pioneering new construction techniques, and championing product excellence
• Creating and overseeing product specifications and detailed technical sketches to ensure precision-engineered execution from prototype through production
• Owning the commercialization process, monitoring factory utilization of blocks, and ensuring fit and construction consistency across global vendor partners
• Leading fit sessions and clearly communicating fit corrections and pattern updates from prototype to production
• Partnering and influencing cross-functional partners to align with the fit intent and product vision
• Driving continuous improvement in product fit, quality, and process to elevate efficiency and consumer satisfaction
• Mentoring direct reports and strengthening technical skills, process rigor, and career growth
• Fostering open communication and a collaborative team environment across all stakeholders
• Contributing to additional initiatives needed to advance team and business goals
• Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs

• 15+ years of experience in technical design and product development for denim and non-denim adult bottoms, with deep expertise in fit, pattern making, and body-to-garment relationships
• Proficient in apparel manufacturing processes and the full product development lifecycle
• Highly effective problem-solver who can manage complexity and multiple priorities with confidence
• Proven driver of innovation and continuous improvement
• Self-directed and thrives in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills with a track record of building trusted cross-functional partnerships
• Agile and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize, work independently, and manage change effectively
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong accuracy and follow-through
• Demonstrated people leader with experience attracting, developing, and retaining top technical talent
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); experience with PLM and pattern making systems (e.g., Accumark) is a plus
• BA or BS preferred

Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.

The salary range for this position is $132,000 - $141,000 per year.

The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

Ariat’s holistic benefits package for full-time team members includes (but is not limited to):

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Expanded wellness and mental health benefits
• Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid volunteer days
• 401(k) with company match
• Team member discount on Ariat merchandise

Note:

Availability of benefits may be subject to location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. Ariat reserves the right to alter these benefits in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Ariat will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without…