Manager, Apparel Technical Design

Job ID: 7911 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

The Manager, Apparel Technical Design is responsible for overseeing the development of Newell Brands Technical Apparel (NBTA) products and managing Technical Design Team members with the Brand’s Consumer in mind. NBTA is a division of Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL), a globally-recognized designer, developer, marketer and retailer of high-performance technical apparel and equipment with a portfolio of brands that includes Marmot® and ExOfficio®.

The Manager, Apparel Technical Design elevates the Consumer experience through superior product craft and pushes the limits of Technical Design. The Manager, Technical Apparel Design demonstrates leadership that influences process changes. The incumbent manages other members of the Technical Design Team and is responsible for the output and execution of designs by the Team, and managing any freelance support. This Manager, Technocal Apparel Design will have their own workload of styles to develop each season in addition to managing the workload of the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Technical Design and Cut/Sew strategy to drive the development and production of seasonal collections, chase product, and test orders.  Ensure that all products are developed in a manner consistent with established fit, quality, and performance standards.
• Identify immediate priority deliverables and longer term projects, allocate workload to Team, and oversee to completion.

• Lead Team in problem solving challenges related to problematic construction, fabrics, or trims.
• Drive pattern work to achieve best in class fits and well thought out, market relevant grading philosophies.   
• Oversee process and drive calendar adherence in support of timely and accurate technical development across all categories.
• Constantly review tools and processes for continuous improvement opportunities for increased productivity and best practices with in Technical Design and  Cut/Sew.
• Work closely with the Sourcing Team to optimize all supply chain opportunities against product priorities and business objectives.
• Support commercialization process and ensure readiness and timeliness of global buys.

• Manages the performance of all category technical design staff including any freelance designers.
• Actively manages Team professional and career development.
• Cross functional leadership liaison between the Business (Merchandising and Sales) and the Product (Design and Sourcing) with ability to evaluate and synthesize needs from the position of Product Development.

SKILLS:

• Strong leadership, teamwork, and coaching skills
• Computer skills:  Google Apps, MS Windows, PLM, pattern design software.   Patternmaking, pattern grading, marker making experience
• Experience leading garment fitting meetings
• Technical experience and knowledge in technical design, patternmaking, pattern grading, and material utilization.
• Fabrics and trims knowledge for construction and product integration.
• Knowledgeable in all aspects of apparel product creation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced analytical skills as it applies to costing/BOM’s, material consumption, and margin analysis
• Acute attention to detail
• Ability to multitask, manage/coordinate multiple dadelines and changing priorities

• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.  Able to manage and lead change

• Cost engineer to balance proeuct aesthetic with margin target and able to present multiple options.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• University or four-year college degree in apparel/fashion design or equivalent experience / BA Apparel Design or Apparel Production, or job related equivalent.
• 7+ years management experience leading a team of 5+ people; experience managing other Apparel Technical Designers required.
• Prior technical experience in men’s, women’s, and kid’s, outerwear, activewear, or sportswear.
• 10+ years experience in technical product creation e.g. technical design, pattern making, pattern grading, maker making, etc.
• Strong project planning, organizational and time management skills and a high level of initiative.
• High degree of proficiency in PLM systems and Illustrator. Proficiency in all Microsoft programs.
• Strong knowledge of technical and design needs to build exceptional product focused on fabric, fit and margin.
• Practical knowledge of other functions such as Sourcing, Production, Sales, Marketing and Merchandising preferred.  Experience working with factories and Product Development Teams, technology and construction innovation.
• Ability to effectively work with department executives, suppliers, engineers, and manufacturers to identify and develop new product concepts, innovations and construction technologies.
• Proactive and passionate approach to driving fresh, innovative thinking from product concept to final execution.  Able to manage to deadlines, be flexible with change, drive to timely resolution.
• Mentor and guide/collaborate among cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.  Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal influence, and teamwork skills (maintains effective communication and working relationships).
• Presentation/speaking skills – able to present and sell to all levels of the organization as well as the customer, communicating a clear and inspiring vision.  Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to precisely communicate and negotiate time frames verbally and in writing in a multi-cultural environment.
• Results orientation while exhibiting great energy and resourcefulness.  Self-starter who brings passion, enthusiasm and focus to each project.
• Able to travel up to 10% of the year, including international travel to factories.

The base pay range for this position is from $120,000 to $160,000. Salary will be based on prior experience related to the skills required for this position.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.