Technical Design Manager, Dresses, Wholesale Apparel

The Kasper Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kasper Group, a leader in women’s wear, seeks a Technical Design Manager for Dresses to lead fit execution, workflow, and development processes across dress categories. You will supervise a 5-person team including assistants and designers, directing fittings and technical packages with factories and overseas partners.

Qualifications include a 10–12+ year track record in technical design for dresses, strong construction and grading knowledge, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Design, Patternmaking, or related field preferred.
• 10-12+ years of Technical Design experience within women's dresses.
• Prior management or small team leadership experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge of fit, grading, garment construction, and pattern correction.
• Strong woven dress construction and fit experience required.
• Proven experience leading fittings and communicating technical direction to overseas vendors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical design execution across assigned dress categories from development through production.
• Manage a team of 5 comprised of 1 Asst TD, 2 Assoc TD and 1 Jr TD and 1 TD.
• Lead and manage live fittings, ensuring consistency in fit, construction, and garment execution.
• Review and approve specs, grading, fit comments, and technical packages prior to vendor release.
• Partner closely with Design, Production, PD, Merchandising, and overseas vendors throughout development process.
• Troubleshoot fit, pattern, and construction issues and provide technical direction to factories.

Skills

Technical design

Dress construction

Leadership

Vendor communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Design/Patternmaking

Tools

Illustrator

Excel

PLM systems

3D tech platforms

Job description

The Kasper Group is an apparel industry leader, offering women wardrobe solutions for their wear-to-work and special occasion dressing needs. Driven by excellence and exceptional talent, The Kasper Group has remained a forerunner in fashion for over 30 years. We are committed to delivering iconic brands including Kasper, Anne Klein, LeSuit, and Kenneth Cole, delivering relevant fashion and trusted, quality products to our consumers.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Design Manager, Dresses to support leadership across the dresses division while overseeing fit execution, workflow management, and technical development processes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee technical design execution across assigned dress categories from development through production
• Manage a team of 5 comprised of 1 Asst TD, 2 Assoc TD and 1 Jr TD and 1 TD.
• Lead and manage live fittings, ensuring consistency in fit, construction, and garment execution
• Review and approve specs, grading, fit comments, and technical packages prior to vendor release
• Partner closely with Design, Production, PD, Merchandising, and overseas vendors throughout development process
• Troubleshoot fit, pattern, and construction issues and provide technical direction to factories
• Manage workload distribution, workflow prioritization, and calendar adherence across the technical design team
• Mentor and support Technical Designers and junior team members in fit execution and technical development
• Ensure adherence to company fit standards, construction standards, and technical procedures
• Assist Director in evaluating staffing needs, process improvements, and departmental efficiencies
• Support onboarding and development of new technical team members
• Participate in seasonal development meetings and cross-functional reviews
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and support escalation resolution as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Design, Patternmaking, or related field preferred
• 10-12+ years of Technical Design experience within women's dresses
• Prior management or small team leadership experience preferred
• Expert knowledge of fit, grading, garment construction, and pattern correction
• Strong woven dress construction and fit experience required
• Proven experience leading fittings and communicating technical direction to overseas vendors
• Strong understanding of development calendars and production timelines
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Illustrator, Excel, PLM systems, and technical development tools preferred
• Experience with 3D technical platforms a plus

We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.