What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Technical Design Manager position at LAKE?
Founded in Savannah, Georgia, in 2014, LAKE believes the most comfortable parts of your day should be celebrated, whether nights at home with family, weekend escapes with friends, or a dose of me-time at the end of the day. Our pajamas started with a simple silhouette and classic stripe in 100% Peruvian Pima cotton, the softest fabric imaginable. Now, LAKE offers pajama perfection for women, men, and children. You can find LAKE at our stores in Charleston and Atlanta and online at lakepajamas.com.
The Senior Technical Design Manager will own and manage all aspects related to technical design for LAKE, from design handoff through production approval. They will partner with the product team and sourcing partners to ensure fit standards are clear and consistent, design aesthetic is executed accurately, and production timelines are met. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a keen understanding of product development and production processes.
Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee the end-to-end technical design process from initial design handoff through TOP approval for all categories.
- Maintain fit standard consistency across the assortment and ensure sourcing partners execute accurately.
- Establish grade rules for the assortment and new product development.
- Own and manage the fit process including weekly fittings, tech pack creation, grade rules, and correction output.
- Manage timelines and workflows in coordination with overall department priorities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
- Continuously evaluate and improve the technical design process to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and fit consistency.
- Work with Senior Director of Product Development and Production to maintain fit schedule, priorities, and quality management.
- Lead and mentor the technical design team, ensuring their growth and development.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, including new technologies and production methods, to innovate and improve the technical design process.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Expertise in technical design and patternmaking
- Strong leadership and self-management skills
- A critical thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong organizational skills, can multi-task, is detail oriented, proactive, and collaborative
- Ability to function within varying deadlines across multiple calendars
- Can-do attitude and a team player
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel; advanced skills required
- Working knowledge of PLM
Education and Experience
- 7–10 years technical design experience
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Relevant apparel experience
- Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required
