G/FORE Technical Design Manager

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

ABOUT G/FORE:

Born in Los Angeles but bred with a global perspective, G/FORE was conceptualized with a passion for modern design combined with a love of golf. Distinguished by our attention to detail, sophisticated ease, playful nature, youthful energy and sense of humor. We consistently strive to make a powerful and colorful impact on our favorite game. We take inspiration from art, architecture, modern design, and colorful narratives. Our intent is to disrupt the industry without being disrespectful to the sport and its rich traditions.

This position is critical to lead, establish and maintain the overall fit of all G/FORE Apparel for both Men’s and Women’s collections. Working alongside the Director of PD, you will manage the technical fit process to get styles ready and approved for bulk production.

We are looking for a candidate with the following intangibles:

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Flexible and effective collaborator with good interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated, independent worker who can challenge others, makes decisions, and perfect processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage day to day and workflow of the tech team
• Follow the fit process from design inception to bulk fit approvals
• Establish graded product specs for all new styles across all categories
• Perfect previous seasons fits and establish core blocks
• Manage fitting process, make detailed notes of comments made during fittings and add fit comments to tech packs
• Create detailed technical illustrations to explain any construction changes or corrections to the factory 
• Develop and/or correct patterns when necessary
• Work with production and factories on QC, testing and compliance
• Collaborate with Product Development on critical path and calendar

COMPETENCIES:

• Manage product measurement evaluation and fit during development
  • Develop product measurement specs
  • Create specs and grade rules for new product blocks
  • Manage information in Excel tech packs
  • Bring forward product construction concerns and solutions
• Analyze fit garments to determine compliance of spec, construction, and design team fit intent
• Fit on models and/or fit form weekly
• Make appropriate fit and construction adjustments with factories as required to ensure integrity of design-approved prototypes
• Measure and fit all meeting samples, record data, and adjust specs as needed
• Manage Proto/1st Fits/PP/TOP samples for spec and fit intent
• Maintain detailed records in WIP report
• Manage the bulk fit approval process to ensure TOP approval dates are met to ensure on-time ex-factory

• Communicate approvals, rejections, comments to the product designer and manage internal communication to internal teams as required

• Collaborate and strategize with vendors to build future G/FORE needs at the factory level.

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years’ experience working as a technical designer with background in both men’s and women’s apparel
• Background in textiles and apparel
• Extensive knowledge of Excel and Outlook proficiency required
• Extensive knowledge of Pattern Making and Garment construction
• Experience of managing teams
• Comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Illustrator 
• PLM experience preferred

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!