Technical Design Manager

Company: Speedo
Location: Cypress
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

WE ARE SPEEDO

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water. The brand's heritage of innovation derives from its leadership in competitive swimming, where more Olympic Gold Medals have been won in Speedo than any other brand. Unmatched in performance, fit and feel, we are also America's #1 goggle brand.

From the first splash, to every stroke, the genuine love and excitement we have working with the water is what creates exciting and meaningful relationships.

Speedo is not where we work, but is who we are.

It's watching a baby in the pool for the first time or our athletes make history. What we do is sacred to us and our connection to the rest of water lovers around the world. Driven by the challenge, not the glory. At Speedo, it is never enough to be good at what you do; you have to love what you do.

Speedo is a part of the Pentland Brands Limited Family.

We are Pentland Brands, a global family business bringing some of the most loved active and footwear brands to millions of people around the world.

We own Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, Mitre, ellesse, SeaVees, Red or Dead and we're the UK licensee for Kickers and have a joint venture partnership for Lacoste footwear. Our products are available in over 190 countries and are sold either directly by Group companies or are represented by licensees and distributors.

All our brands have their own unique identities and every one of them is powered by Pentland. We have more than 1,200 employees worldwide and we're always on the lookout for talented, enthusiastic people to help shape our future.

We celebrate differences and give everyone the freedom to innovate and develop, be it through creative working environments or learning opportunities. Our brands are there in the moments that matter - being there for more people, in more of those moments, drives everything we do.

At Pentland, we're guided by four principles, we use these to make sure we're not only doing a great job, but we're doing it in the right way:
Success is a team game
With clarity and courage
Better as standard
In good conscience

We believe in building brands for the world to love, generation after generation. Your potential is our potential and together we can build and grow brands that last.

KEY PURPOSE:
The Technical Design Manager, in partnership with Design and Merchandising, ensures all product is consistent with brand standards and seasonal design concepts. The Technical Design Manager fosters a productive team environment leveraging the skill set of the team and Vendor base. The Technical Design Manager brings their extensive knowledge of swim and swim material to ensure quality and fit are superior. Leadership skills are also key, as this team member will participate in launching a global brand while managing in region business.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for managing a team of technical designers through the development of apparel specifications, leading weekly fittings, attending cross-functional meetings, and issuing fit comments with direct daily contact to vendors
Build and maintain processes for Technical Design dept; be the voice to help guide and influence change for better working processes
Lead and help provide clear path to global alignment as it pertains to fit, construction and sizing standards in partnership with our UK team
Maintain and update process as it pertains to PLM system.
Ensure team maintains fit consistency, block library to maintain fit consistency within product categories
Collaborate and foster an open communication and team environment with all business partners
Initiate and manage research and documentation of fit, sizing and construction at the style/category level for competitive deep-dive fittings.
Research and market analysis of direct competitors and aspirational brands. Share out insights to cross functional team members.
Lead robust fittings and swim wear tests at pool; this includes frequent visits to local pools in area with cross-functional team
Track and manage workflow and workload for own product; gather information and update all reports necessary for meeting.
Mentor and grow the technical design team's technical and professional skill set thru coaching and continuous feedback

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
10+ years minimum related experience; 5+ years in a leadership role
BA in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, Patternmaking or equivalent
Comprehensive knowledge of fit, balance, pattern grading, garment construction/production performance as it pertains to swim/activewear
Ability to proactively troubleshoot and solve highly complex problems
Proven track record of growing businesses, identifying trends and delivering results
Knowledge of global operating models
Strong computer skills - PLM, Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite and Lectra is a plus
3D style creation a plus
Must be hands on

Keywords: Speedo, Cypress , Technical Design Manager, Executive , Cypress, California