Senior Director of Technical Design

SK Select Staffing, Inc.; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SK Select Staffing, Inc. is recruiting a Senior Director of Technical Design for a marquee iconic apparel brand. This Midwest-based, hybrid role reports to the VP of Global Product Development and will relocate as needed.

You will own global fit, function, and technical execution across men’s, women’s, and PPE, driving 3D pattern development and PLM modernization. You will lead a global TD team, set standards, and partner across Design, Merchandising, Quality, and Sourcing to ensure product

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years in Technical Design with progressive leadership.
• 8+ years leading managers; proven change leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong communication and influence with executives and global vendors.
• Experience with PLM and modern design tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute global technical design strategy for fit, function, and execution.
• Lead a global TD organization and develop leadership pipelines.
• Modernize technical design processes, governance, and cross-functional alignment.
• Oversee fitting strategy across in-person, virtual, and vendor-led fittings.

Skills

Technical Design

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Project Management

PLM experience

Digital development tools

Education

Bachelors in Apparel & Textile Design or related field

MBA/Executive education in Business or Innovation is a plus

Tools

PLM systems

Digital development tools

Job description

Senior Director, Technical Design-Iconic Apparel Brand

This is a Midwest Based/Hybrid position reporting to the VP, Global Product Development. The organization will assist in relocating this executive.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is one of the most recognized names in American apparel: a heritage brand trusted for generations to deliver men’s and women’s apparel, and accessories that perform as hard as the people who wear them.

They are seeking a Senior Director of Technical Design to own the global vision for fit, function, and technical execution across Men’s, Women’s, and PPE. Fit is a top priority on the corporate scorecard, and the mandate is clear: determine what needs to change, bring the expertise to move the needle, and make fit a true competitive advantage.

This is a transformation role as much as a leadership one. As a core member of the Product Development leadership team, you will modernize processes, strengthen team integration, and drive alignment on fit standards across the organization and supplier base, partnering closely with Design, Merchandising, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality.

WHY THIS ROLE

• Real priority. Fit is a corporate scorecard initiative, and you will own it globally for a brand with deep consumer loyalty.
• Real influence. A seat at the product leadership table and a direct line to the VP, Global Product Development.
• Real innovation. Lead the push into 3D pattern development, virtual fittings, and modernized PLM.
• Real culture. An organization grounded in hard work, dependability, honesty, and trust.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead the strategy

• Set and execute the global technical design strategy for fit, function, and technical execution across all products, seasons, categories, and regions.
• Simplify and standardize fit frameworks, and establish best-in-class standards for fit, construction, and grading across all categories.
• Ensure products deliver consistent fit, durability, comfort, mobility, and performance while maintaining design intent and commercial viability.
• Lead competitive market research on fit and construction and share insights across the organization.

Build and develop the team

• Lead, coach, and develop a global Technical Design organization, including a team of managers.
• Build a high-performing, consumer-centered culture of innovation and accountability, with succession plans and career paths that grow the next generation of leaders.

Run the function

• Own the seasonal go-to-market calendar and modernize the technical design process, workflow, and governance, closing gaps and strengthening integration across Product Development.
• Build and manage the annual operating budget with a focus on growth, profitability, and efficiency.
• Oversee fitting strategy across in-person, virtual, and vendor-led fittings.
• Serve as the expert voice for fit and construction in cross-functional decisions and the escalation point for complex challenges.

Partner across the business

• Ensure every product meets company standards for fit, function, quality, and durability while reflecting consumer insights.
• Partner with Quality and Product Supply for a seamless transition from development to production, with a clear view of supplier capabilities.
• Educate and align global suppliers on the brand’s fit and construction standards through onboarding and ongoing training.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert for Merchandising and Marketing on product fit messaging.
• Advance digital capabilities, including 3D pattern development, virtual fittings, and PLM optimization.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 12+ years of progressive Technical Design experience.
• 8+ years leading high-performing teams, including managers, with a track record of building fit strategy focused on product performance and quality.
• A proven change leader: curious, collaborative, and energized by transforming processes and building alignment.
• A balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution (roughly 50/50), weighted toward leadership over technical work (roughly 70/30).
• Exceptional communication and influence skills, with the ability to align executive leadership, cross-functional partners, and global vendors.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; you prioritize, delegate, and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience with PLM systems and digital development tools (preferred).

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel & Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree or executive education in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management is a plus.

THE DETAILS

• Location: Midwest-based, hybrid. On-site presence as the work requires.
• Travel: Up to 20%, domestic and international.