Senior Director, Technical Design - Apparel

Position Details:

Title: Sr Director Technical Design

Department: Global Product Development

Reports to: Vice President Global Product Development

Location: Dearborn, MI

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Executive

Job Summary

The Sr Director of Technical Design will lead the strategic vision and execution of Carhartt’s product fit across all business units: Men’s, Women’s and PPE and categories from concept through commercialization. This role is critical in delivering consistent fit and function for the consumer, enabling the brand to maintain our leadership position in workwear.  As a key member of the Product Development leadership team, this individual will champion cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Design, Consumer Insights, Sourcing, and Quality to deliver product fit that is commercially viable. This Sr Director will also foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring Carhartt products to continue to meet current and future needs of the consumer.

Inspired by Hard Work

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products—we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

Associate Responsibilities

• Inspire, coach, and lead the Technical Design global organization and strategy for fit and function for all products.
• Develops and executes the global technical design strategy for fit and function, leading the team and resolving complex fit or construction challenges while maintaining design intent and cost targets.
• Establish best-in-class fit, construction, grading and function across all workwear categories. Ensuring consistency across seasons, categories, and regions.
• Champion functional performance requirements including mobility, durability, safety, protection, and comfort.

• Build a high-performing, global team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer-centric thinking; develop succession plans and career paths to grow future leaders within the department.
• Establish and manage the annual operating budget to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Own the seasonal technical design process, calendar, workflow and governance to support Go-To-Market timelines.
• Leads process to conduct and share competitive market research for fit and construction. 

• Ensure all products meet Carhartt’s standards for fit, function, quality, and durability, while simultaneously integrating consumer insights to ensure relevance.
• Oversee fitting strategy including in-person, virtual, and vendor led fittings

• Partner with Quality and Product Supply teams to ensure seamless commercialization from development to production and understanding supplier capabilities to ensure fit and function. Serve as a subject matter expert to Merchandising and Marketing supporting product fit messaging.

• In partnership with Technical Design Managers, advance digital capabilities such as 3D pattern development and PLM optimization.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and training to ensure alignment with Carhartt’s fit and construction standards and expectations.

Required Education    

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel & Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

• Master’s degree or executive education in Business, Supply Chain, or Innovation Management is a plus.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in Technical Design
• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing high-performing, professional team, with a demonstrated focus on development of fit strategy with a focus on product performance and quality

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision (50%) with hands-on execution (50%), and technical expertise (30%) with leadership (70%).

• Experience with PLM systems and digital development tools is preferred.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, including executive leadership and global vendor partners.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Domestic and international travel (up to 20%)
• Physical lifting may be required (approximately 25 lbs.)
• Typical office environment. Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
• This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

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