Director of Technical Design

Company Description

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.

Job Description

This Director of Tech Design will oversee, lead, and develop the Vuori technical design team and will have a balance of both the technical skillset and the high EQ needed to build the department as we continue to grow. This position is responsible for all block and grade standards, monitoring vendor quality/consistency, and ensuring the fit cadence adheres to the company calendar. This person will inspire innovation within construction/fit and work collaboratively with the product development team to make the absolute best performance apparel on the market. There is a high level of engagement required to support, coach, and grow the TD team. This role requires proficient interpersonal communication skills and should foster a culture of respect, connection, and authenticity.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead Global Fit Initiatives which includes competitive market research, competitive product fit reviews, creating body target measurements and grade, creating and evaluating fit blocks and analyzing consumer feedback to drive final fit block approvals
• Expertise in understanding fit, construction, measuring and evaluating samples, materials, workmanship, function, and production feasibility in performance apparel
• Tracks fit evolutions from factories; full understanding of styles, historical issues, understanding of fabrications and the ability to effectively communicate those findings to multiple stakeholders
• Guides and monitors fit process to ensure “intended fit” is met, collaborating with Design, Merchandising and Product Development teams; ensures consistency within all blocks and grades
• Proactive approach to QC: Evaluates potential QC issues pre-season and again at salesperson sample stages and reviews and communicates findings to cross-functional teams
• Dynamic in demeanor; leads collaboratively and exercises clear and effective communication
• Strong understanding of how to read and correct patterns either through software or other methods
• 3D advocate for efficiency and advancement; utilize new methods of working to improve development processes
• Communicates daily with domestic & international vendors to supplement sourcing strategy, enhancing respected relationships for combined growth
• Assesses vendor base performance related to fits to allocate appropriately based on strengths and quality
• Benchmark fit and quality standards against other key competitors to ensure best in class fit and construction
• Improve fit and quality through review of customers comments, sales feedback, and understanding of competition
• Collaborate with the merchandising team to analyze return rate reports and enhance carry over product if necessary
• Support and drive to evolve TD operations, methods and efficiencies; build an end-to-end process including key time and action checkpoints
• · Includes travel to Sourcing offices and/or factories to work with factories technical teams to troubleshoot and understand factory capabilities
• · Assists the department with fittings on product categories as needed, range of outdoor and active segments experience needed
• · Coordinate all fit model scheduling and budgets

Qualifications

• Degree in tech design, patternmaking, or related field and/or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technical design and minimum of 5 years managerial experience
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with cross functional teams (design, merch, development, materials, and production)
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills
• Must be detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Must be able to work proficiently in Google/Google Drive/Gmail, Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator
• Knowledge of computer patternmaking is required
• Knowledge of PLM is a plus
• Expertise in 3D fit technology
• Experience communicating with vendors overseas is required
• Experience in Global markets regarding fit conversion, grade, and size charts
• Experience in inclusive sizing for men’s & women’s
• Ability to thrive in a fas