Manager - Technical Development & Fit

*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Richmond, CA. In-office expectation is 3 days a week*

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Mountain Hardwear (MHW) Technical Development/Fit Manager is a leader in the Product Development department and manages their own workload as well that of their team. They are accountable to deliver both Design’s creative vision and the brand’s customer expectations through the fit, construction, and quality of our product.

The Technical Development/Fit Manager understands the MHW consumer and has inspiring leadership and management skills in addition to excellent pattern making capabilities, manufacturing, and related technology knowledge. This individual has a proactive and collaborative communication style and can work across the diverse cultures of our internal cross functional partners and external vendor base.

This role works closely with all Product Creation functions (Product Management, Merchandising, Design), Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC) shared services and manufacturing (Liaison Offices (LOs), Quality Assurance, etc).

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Maintain and execute Fit Classifications through understanding of business needs and collaboration with Technical Development team.

• Initiate and maintain all Fit Blocks.  Gather and organize Fit Block feedback from Product Creation team and Fit Engineers for constant improvement to the Fit Block Library. 

• Lead Block Review presentation and training for Product Creation team each season. 

• Lead Technical Development team to monitor fit model measurements regularly and incorporate into fit process, maintain grading standards and manage exceptions effectively and use Block Library to ensure brand integrity and consistency.

• Maintain and execute construction standards through understanding of business needs and collaboration with Technical Development team.

• Lead team to follow garment construction standards and manage exceptions effectively, follow label placement standards, follow thread and fusing standards and ensure garment construction consistency within product category.

• Understand Design’s creative vision, including silhouette, fabrication, fit intent, and design details, and effectively collaborate to translate to the brand’s customer. 

• Proactively recommend solutions that will ensure Design intent, fit, construction, quality, timelines and cost are met.

• Provide leadership to the product creation teams in all fit sessions.

• Propose and implement changes that will ensure fit sessions are productive.

• Leads a strong team in executing design and fit intent into bulk production while maintaining corporate standards.

• Collaborate with cross functional departments to prepare and present to internal and external leaders and stakeholders.

YOU ARE

• Passionate about the outdoors, camping, hiking, and climbing.

• Knowledgeable about apparel design.

• Excited about creativity, collaboration, and exploration.

YOU HAVE

• College degree or equivalent with course work in textiles, apparel manufacturing or related experience.

• 8 to 10 years’ experience in pattern-making and/or garment engineering. 

• A strong people leader with experience managing a design team.

• Pattern-making/grading computer skills desirable. 

• Large scale factory experience is beneficial. 

• An understanding of the MHW core consumer is desirable. 

• Possess advanced knowledge of patternmaking, fit engineering, and MHW’s end-user activities. Advanced knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing practices is essential.

• Knowledge of the outdoor industry, the department store channel, consumer buying patterns and retail dynamics is recommended.

• Proficient in manipulating data including statistical analysis and advanced math calculations. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.

#LI-JC1

#Hybrid

#Mountainhardwear

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The Know Your Rights poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster The pay transparency policy is available here: https://www.do