Vice President, Technical Design

Atlanta, GA

The Vice President of Technical Design leads a team who translate the creative vision of the design team into technical designs that can be produced by the factory to meet quality and fit specifications for Spanx. Fit is our north star; this position would collaborate with Design to develop product with best in class fit and function. The Vice President of Technical Design works cross functionally with Design, Product Development, and partners with Merchandising to deliver on metrics while protecting brand DNA. This position requires a high level of communication, leadership, technical and process management skills. The Vice President of Technical Design will oversee the product integrity of our brand through fit consistency and construction for products across all categories, Apparel, Active and Intimate Apparel. As the leader of the technical design team, you will play an integral role in further achieving, maintaining, and surpassing the hyper-growth journey that is Spanx.

This role is based in our Atlanta headquarters and reports into the Chief Creative Officer.

You’ll love it because you will…

Utilize your technical experience to partner with design leads to evaluate a designs aesthetic and proportion as it relates to fit
Fit on real women of all shapes and sizes
Build, manage and develop a technical team supporting all categories including Apparel, Active and Intimate Apparel
Mentor, council, and coach direct reports to be accountable to performance expectations
Manage the fit process to ensure key milestone meetings and time and action calendar objectives are met
Drive fit consistency across all categories
Create, develop, and manage technical design strategy to manage the development and production of seasonal collections, chase product, and test orders.
Development and maintenance of blocks for a more consistent fit and quicker product development timeline
Lead standardization of grade rules, pattern block library and construction standards
Ensure that all products are developed in a manner consistent with established fit and comfort quality, performance, standards, manufacturer capabilities and cost specifications
Identify risks and work to rectify any problematic construction, fabrics, or trims, collaborating with cross functional teams, early in the fit development process
Constantly review tools and processes for continuous improvement opportunities, increased productivity, and best practices within Technical Design
Drive and evolve a technical design strategy, operations, methods, measure of effectiveness
Travel to regional sourcing offices and/or factories to work with technical teams to troubleshoot, educate, and understand factory capabilities

Qualifications

We require…

15+ years of relevant Apparel Technical Design experience
10+ year leading and building a high performing team
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
Experience in fitting/grade rules for petite, tall and plus categories
Strong understanding of garment build, construction, and manufacturing process
Advanced knowledge of fit, establishing grade rules, block creation, pattern making
Expertise in pattern making including grading, construction and fit for multiple or complex product
Advanced business function expertise with proven ability to drive results
High levels of accountability
A balanced and objective thought leader whom possess character and integrity
Ability to influence and drive alignment companywide at all levels
Ability to unify vision for companywide priorities and goals
Overseas travel experience, knowledge – travel international and domestic required
Systems: MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook); Adobe (Illustrator and Photoshop); PLM
Patterns systems (Gerber, Lectra, etc.)
3D knowledge a plus but not required