Technical Design Manager, Wovens

ABOUT KHAITE

KHAITE is a way of looking at the world. Shaped by formative encounters, cultural touchstones, and secret desires, this point of view comes to life through womenswear and accessories that find confidence in contrast. Each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements- masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity- while embodying a signature sensuality and ease. 

Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and based in New York, KHAITE evolves with each season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle yet striking details. 

 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Technical Design Manager, Wovens to join the KHAITE team. This role will report to the Director of Tech Design, Wovens and will be based out of the NYC HQ offices. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining the specs and fit of the garment from initial design concept through to final fit approval for woven development. This role is responsible to ensure fit consistency and Brand standards for construction throughout the given category are maintained. This position requires a higher level of technical, process management and problem-solving skills.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with business partners to obtain clear direction and consensus on design aesthetic, fit intent and construction.
• Build excellent working relationships with cross functional partners in Design, Merchandising, Production and Product Development as well as local factories and Direct vendors.
• Develop specifications and garment construction methods for assigned product categories from initial style development and cost engineer for bulk production.
• Attend fit sessions with Team, to develop Brand aesthetic, silhouette and proportion within the price point for assigned categories.
• Problem solves all technical issues related to fit and execution including fabric application, construction, grading and cost engineering.
• Effectively communicate fit intent, balance and construction revisions to cross-functional partners and Direct Vendors via tech packs inclusive of fit notes, diagrams, ¼ scale pattern corrections, digital photos.
• Evaluate prototype samples and fit samples for measurement, fit and construction accuracy and quality according to Brand standards.
• Participate in maintaining consistency of technical design and product creation processes.
• Partner with local factories technical teams to ensure execution of fit, construction and finishing
• Ensure Brand consistency in aesthetic, fit and construction from vendor to vendor across all styles within a category
• Effectively communicate with cross functional teams to ensure calendar milestone deliverables are met
• Proactively identify and solve potential production, quality and costing issues and make appropriate recommendations for resolutions.
• Escalate issues when necessary and provide root cause analysis, fact finding and possible solutions.
• Track workload deliverables to ensure individual deadlines are met and work with production partners to avoid garment delivery slides.
• Attend key Milestone meetings to provide technical support with regards to fit and construction
• Fosters open communication and team environment with all business partners and receives constructive feedback professionally.
• Supervise direct report.

 

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Skills:

• Experience in fitting garments for assigned product categories
• Ability to analyze fit issues and propose valid & actionable solutions
• Experience in creating accurate technical spec packages
• Proficient in pattern making, grading, construction methods and garment engineering for assigned categories
• Understanding of end-to-end product development and apparel production process from concept to delivery
• Knowledge of fabric, leather, and interlining
• Domestic Production experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong sense of urgency, attention to detail and resourcefulness
• Adept at time management with the ability to set priorities, plan and meet overlapping deadlines
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines and changing priorities
• Competent analytical skills and ability to problem solve
• Dedicated team player
• Expert interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all personality types and cultures
• Ability to openly embrace changes dictated by market conditions
• Advanced computer skills: Google Apps, Microsoft Office Suite (or alternate software), Adobe Illustrator, PLM,
• Ability to supervise and train direct reports.

 

Education/Experience:

• B.A. Apparel Design, Technical Design, or job-related equivalent
• 7+ years of experience in Technical Design, and at least two other proficiencies: patternmaking, product engineering, garment construction or pattern grading
• Luxury brand experience is a plus

 

Please note: This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.

 

OUR VALUES

• Creativity ~ We are always imagining, never imitating.
• Integrity ~ We do the right thing.
• Kindness ~ We value people and their ideas, so we act and speak with compassion.
• Agility ~ We move with intention, flexibility, and speed to stay ahead.
• Tenacity ~ We are insatiable. Our drive is relentless.

 

WE OFFER

The salary range is $110,000-130,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon the candidates' relevant skills and experience. Other benefits include medical, dental, and vision programs, a company bonus plan, employee discounts and perks, a 401k plan with employer match, and other ancillary benefits.

 

KHAITE is an equal opportunity employer. We want to offer an inclusive environment of mutual respect where we welcome diversity and all our employees feel included, developed, and heard. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. KHAITE recruits and recognizes all types of talent and singularities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.