Technical Design Lead

Kontoor Brands, Inc.; Revolution (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health, dental, vision options

Paid parental leave

Flexible Fridays

Tuition reimbursement

Exclusive discounts on Kontoor apparel

Job summary

Kontoor Brands, Inc. is seeking a Technical Design Lead in North Carolina to oversee the technical development of products, managing the Technical Design team and collaborating with Product Development. This role ensures timely completion of specifications and effective communication between teams.

Ideal candidates have extensive apparel manufacturing experience and demonstrated leadership skills. Additional benefits include competitive health options, parental leave, flexible Fridays, and discounts on Kontoor apparel.

Qualifications

• Extensive apparel manufacturing experience.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end product manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage teams and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Technical Design team for pre-production pattern development.
• Collaborate closely with Product Development.
• Communicate design changes to Production promptly.
• Develop standard operating procedures for materials management.
• Serve as a technical problem-solving resource.
• Oversee training and development of team members.

Skills

Leadership ability

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Illustrator and MS Office

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Gerber Accumark 2D Pattern Software

Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Pattern Software

PLM experience

Job description

Technical Design Lead Overview

Technical Design Lead – Team Lead position in Technical Design responsible for the complete technical development of pattern-making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development. This role focuses on the specific brand’s business unit’s product lines, ensuring on‑time adherence to functional task timelines aligned with brand Go‑to‑Market milestones and critical dates.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Technical Design team to provide expertise on pre‑production pattern development, technical construction specifications, and materials finalization, ensuring all pre‑production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines.
• Collaborate closely with Product Development to pass off complete, on‑time design packages to Production and production‑ready technical design teams for field manufacturing, overseas offices, and vendor suppliers.
• Communicate design/merchandising product changes to Production Technical Design and/or Manufacturing promptly to ensure accurate execution in bulk production.
• Maintain up‑to‑date information and workflow in current tools and related systems.
• Assist in establishing new fit blocks, maintain the core fit library, manage 3D pattern design assets, and update technical construction manuals.
• Develop standard operating procedures for materials management (Bills of Materials), labeling & packaging manuals, and folding guides.
• Serve as a technical problem‑solving resource throughout product development to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in the pre‑production stage.
• Pursue efficiency in system management, identifying and deploying best practices within the unit and cross‑functionally.
• Adopt new skills to implement new technology and optimal processes.
• Oversee training and development of all team members.
• Assist the Manager with appraisals of team members to achieve department goals.

Skills for Success

• Leadership ability to motivate result‑driven, high‑performing teams.
• Analytical thinker with keen attention to detail and a passion for problem‑solving.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines while driving optimal results.
• High proficiency with systems – Illustrator, MS Office (SharePoint, Teams, Excel), preferably Gerber Accumark 2D Pattern Software, Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Pattern Software, and PLM experience, including implementation.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.

Experience & Education

Extensive apparel manufacturing experience with in‑depth knowledge of pattern, technical product development processes and systems development or related manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas. Proven expertise in end‑to‑end product manufacturing processes. Preferred experience in women’s denim and familiarity with multiple product categories (e.g., bottoms, tops, outerwear, sweaters, wovens, knits). Ability to manage teams; project management skills a plus. Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.

Leadership Competences Expected for this Role

• Emerging Leader
• Global Agility – open to diverse views and new ways of working.
• Purposeful Integrity – demonstrates ethical behavior and follows through on commitments.
• Strategic Foresight – understands team goals, asks strategic questions.
• Customer‑Centric Innovation – suggests improvements from customer feedback and experiments with new methods.
• Urgency for Impact – acts quickly and takes ownership of outcomes.
• Bold Accountability – owns work and consistently delivers strong results.
• Empowered Collaboration – shares ideas, listens well, collaborates with peers.

Benefits

Kontoor Brands offers a comprehensive benefit package tailored to your lifestyle, including competitive health, dental, vision, and retirement options. Employees receive paid parental leave (up to four weeks for new parents), flexible Fridays, tuition reimbursement, and exclusive discounts on Kontoor apparel. The program is designed to support physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kontoor Brands is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans, and the disabled. The company is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating all associates and applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.