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.

Peter Millar was founded in 2001 with a single cashmere sweater offered in 24 colors. Based in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, the American lifestyle brand has grown to include luxury performance sportswear, seasonal resort and country club apparel, sophisticated classics, casually refined tailored clothing and sartorial accessories.

We strive to capture timeless style upgraded with signature innovations, in designs that are in tune with modern life. We embrace working hard, being kind and doing right by our customers, aiming to set a higher standard for the apparel industry.

The Technical Design Manager is responsible for working closely with the Development team to ensure apparel products meet the highest standards of fit, construction, and quality. This role focuses on perfecting specifications, measurements, and fit consistency across categories, driving excellence from initial concept through production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Drive the fit approval process from design inception through bulk production.
• Collaborate with Product Development to establish and maintain core fit blocks, graded specs, and work closely to resolve technical challenges while maintaining strict timelines.
• Apply advanced pattern theory principles to ensure accurate garment fit, grading, and proportional balance across all sizes.
• Review and analyze 2D patterns for technical accuracy, making recommendations for adjustments to improve fit and production efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with vendors to clarify pattern adjustments, resolve fit challenges, and maintain consistency across production.
• Ensure consistency in fit across all product categories by developing and enforcing fit standards and size specifications.
• Maintain consistency in pattern standards across product categories, ensuring alignment with brand fit guidelines.
• Lead fit sessions with cross-functional teams, providing expert guidance on pattern corrections and garment construction.
• Collaborate closely with factories on pattern adjustments an
• Implement best practices for spec development and fit approval to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Monitor and analyze returns or fit-related feedback to continuously refine processes and improve customer satisfaction.
• Manage competitor product comparisons, internal product comparisons and other ongoing projects. 
• Maintain seasonal body and style metrics and standards to ensure consistency.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple categories

COMPETENCIES:

• Thrives at working as part of a highly collaborative team, contributing excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Has a keen attention to detail, with an eye for quality
• Self-motivated independent worker who will speak up when needed and clearly explain their point of view.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional and overseas partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a positive approach to change.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Proven ability to handle a large volume of styles while meeting deadlines
• Knowledge of fabrics, construction and washes/ dyeing. 

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5-7 years of related technical design experience in men’s apparel
• Strong understanding of fit, patternmaking and pattern corrections (paper and digital). 3D experience a plus.
• Knowledge of grading principes and measuring standards.
• Demonstrate a strong command of garment construction, in applying industry standard finishings and methods of assembly.
• Proven high skill level with PLM Excel, Word, Outlook, and Adobe Suite required
• Accurate color vision, with a keen eye for color, hue, and depth. The Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test will be used as the benchmark.
• Willingness to travel both in the US and globally if required to meet with vendors

• Experience with PLM systems preferred.

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

Peter Millar & G/FORE are equal opportunity employers. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Both Peter Millar & G/FORE prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and they afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, genetic information, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Both Peter Millar & G/FORE comply with applicable state, county and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.