TECHNICAL DESIGN MANAGER
Madhappy is a Los Angeles-based clothing brand made for a community of optimists, born in 2017. Madhappy uses apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces – including its permanent flagship in West Hollywood – to explore a personal expression as a means to an improved state of mind. Its own seasonal stores – with past and present locations including New York City (Soho), Aspen, Miami, East Hampton, and Tokyo – are each designed to reflect their site, while still sharing the brand’s DNA. The brand currently produces a selection of ever-evolving, evergreen classic styles, seasonally available collections and collaborations. Madhappy supports research and awareness in mental health through The Madhappy Foundation (a 501c(3) non-profit) and writes Local Optimist, a print magazine.
About The Job
We are looking to hire a full-time Technical Design Manager on our Product Development & Production team.
In this position, you will be responsible for fit, grading, garment construction across a wide range of domestic and overseas garment dye knits/wovens/sweaters and outerwear categories. This role will report directly to our VP of Product Development & Production.
You must be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles to be considered for this position.
Responsibilities
- Product measurement specification
- Oversee the Technical Department by leading all seasonal fittings
- Provide mentorship to Technical team
- Collaborate with Design and PD on tech pack hand-offs to help identify reference silhouette and/or fit block for each model and troubleshoot construction details suitable for development
- Support Design team in initial build of Technical Packages
- Create POMs, construction and hand off comments for all programs and coordinate with PD for release with relevant direction, samples and reference garments
- Review and analyze blocks/core fits for consistency
- Ensure all fit garments and evaluation sheets have been received from factories and measure/evaluate prior to fitting from initial Development through Production
- Schedule and lead live fittings
- Management of fit approval process/comments in accordance with Protos, Samples, Bulk Fit/PPS, and TOP deadlines
- Maintain consistent and accurate fit comments, grade rules, and tolerances and supply POM sketches and detail grading as appropriate for category at stock approval
- Create diagrams/sketches and pattern corrections as needed to support revisions visually
- Specification details - create + edit measurement pages and all related pages alongside the other product functions
- Maintain information on Excel/Chart System and share drive with all updates, graded specifications, fit photos, fit notes, technical diagrams, and written comments
- Maintain digital and physical style reference libraries by category
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years experience in technical design function participating in live model fittings
- Extensive experience with team management
- Expertise in Garment Dye and Shrinkages required
- Knits, wovens, and outerwear categories preferred
- Patternmaking experience required. Draping a plus
- High level of experience with Grade Rules, Grade charts for domestic and imports
- High level of computer proficiency: requirement in Microsoft + Google Suite
- Adobe proficiency (Illustrator + Photoshop) preferred
Characteristics
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a high attention to detail
- Demonstrates initiative, time management skills and flexibility
- Excellent communication and follow up skills with ability to work across cultures and collaborate
- Can thrive in a high volume, high traffic start-up environment
Benefits
- 15 days PTO, and 9 days sick pay annually
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with 75% premium coverage by Madhappy
- Retirement plans available
- $600 quarterly health stipends
- Employee discount and early access to products
About Madhappy
Learn more about our initiatives including Local Optimist & The Madhappy Foundation below and via Madhappy.com and @Madhappy.
About Local Optimist
Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources — available at any moment.
About The Madhappy Foundation
The Madhappy Foundation is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement. #J-18808-Ljbffr