PBS Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PBS Technical Design Manager

Company: Zumiez Inc

Location: Lynnwood, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the technical design function for apparel, driving fit execution from initial development through bulk production to meet Zumiez's stringent quality and construction standards.

• Establishes and maintains best practices for fit sessions, ensuring efficient diagnosis and correction of fit issues at the pattern level while preserving design intent.

• Drives best practices in digital patternmaking and CLO3D development, leveraging 3D tools to enhance fit accuracy, streamline timelines, and foster cross-functional collaboration.

• Manages, coaches, and mentors a team of technical designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, craft excellence, and skill advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Product and Brand Services (PBS) department, indicating a focus on owned and licensed brands. The emphasis on leadership through teaching and developing people suggests a strong people management component alongside technical expertise. The role requires a blend of deep technical knowledge in apparel construction and fit, coupled with strong leadership and mentorship capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical design function from development through bulk production, ensuring all garments meet Zumiez standards for fit, construction, quality, and manufacturability.

• Act as a senior member of the Product and Brand Services leadership team, contributing to strategic initiatives and aligning technical design practices with overall business objectives.

• Manage, coach, and mentor technical designers, facilitating their onboarding, career development, and ongoing skill enhancement, fostering a culture of learning and craft excellence.

• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, Production, Compliance, and Sourcing teams to ensure alignment on fit, construction, costing, timelines, and product quality throughout the product lifecycle.

• Champion best practices in digital patternmaking and CLO3D development, guiding the team in utilizing 3D tools for improved fit accuracy, development efficiency, and cross-team collaboration.

• Establish and uphold best practices for fit sessions across all apparel categories, ensuring rapid diagnosis of issues and precise correction at the pattern level while maintaining design integrity.

• Provide expert guidance on complex fit, patternmaking, and construction challenges, empowering the team to develop practical and manufacturable solutions.

• Initiate and drive process improvements to enhance development workflows, technical tools, and operational processes, aiming for increased efficiency, consistency, and superior product quality.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive technical standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and documentation to ensure consistent execution by internal teams and external vendor partners.

• Evaluate garments throughout the development cycle to ensure strict adherence to fit standards, construction requirements, quality expectations, and relevant regulatory compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process improvement, technical standards, and quality oversight, which are critical in operations-focused roles. The role requires not only technical execution but also the strategic management of processes and people to achieve operational excellence in product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in technical design, with comprehensive expertise spanning multiple apparel categories including men’s and women’s knits, wovens, denim, sweaters, swim, outerwear, and technical jackets.

• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in a leadership capacity, managing and developing a team of technical designers, with direct oversight of multiple reports and a demonstrated track record of talent development and team performance improvement within a mid-sized team environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in leading fit sessions and resolving complex fit and construction challenges within a production environment.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage a technical design team and function effectively.

• Patternmaking & Fit Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of flat pattern techniques and digital patternmaking tools for pattern development, modification, and troubleshooting.

• Garment Construction Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of apparel construction methods and their impact on fit, quality, and manufacturability.

• Digital Design Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in CLO3D for 3D pattern development and virtual prototyping, as well as Adobe Illustrator for technical flat creation.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical design talent, fostering a culture of learning and continuous skill advancement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with Design, Product Development, Production, Sourcing, and Compliance teams.

• Problem-Solving: Analytical and solution-oriented mindset, capable of diagnosing complex fit and construction challenges and guiding teams toward practical, manufacturable solutions.

• Process Improvement: Ability to drive initiatives that enhance development workflows, technical tools, and operational processes for increased efficiency and consistency.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for managing product data and workflows.

• Knowledge of global sourcing and production processes, including vendor communication and quality control.

• Familiarity with compliance standards and regulations relevant to apparel manufacturing.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for reporting, data analysis, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience and 3+ years of management experience positions this role at a senior level, demanding significant leadership and technical depth. The emphasis on CLO3D and Adobe Illustrator highlights the modern tools expected in technical design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Flats & Specifications: Examples of detailed technical flats, spec sheets, and measurement charts that clearly communicate design intent and construction details to overseas partners.

• Fit Review Documentation: Case studies showcasing the process of fit sessions, including before-and-after garment adjustments, explanations for pattern corrections, and final approved fits.

• 3D Prototyping Examples: Demonstrations of CLO3D usage, illustrating how 3D modeling was used to resolve fit issues, communicate design changes, or improve development efficiency.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Documentation of initiatives led or contributed to that improved technical design workflows, reduced development time, or enhanced product quality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of standardized workflows for technical package creation, fit session preparation, and issue resolution, demonstrating an understanding of process efficiency.

• Technical Standards & Guidelines: Evidence of contributing to or creating technical manuals, construction guides, or fit standards that ensure consistency across product lines and vendor bases.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Samples of how data analysis (e.g., fit feedback, quality reports) was used to identify trends, inform pattern adjustments, and improve overall product consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on technical design, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase technical skills but also the candidate's ability to lead processes, mentor others, and drive improvements within the technical design function. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating problem-solving capabilities and the impact of their work on product quality and development efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 annually

Benefits:

• Bonus Eligible: Opportunity for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance provided after an initial waiting period.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan available after meeting eligibility requirements.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance, supplemental voluntary life insurance, and disability insurance.

• Family Support: Paid Parental Leave.

• Time Off: Paid Sick Leave and Paid Vacation, both following an initial waiting period.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional well-being.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for pre-tax savings.

• Perks: Employee Discount on Zumiez products.

• Equity: Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) after meeting eligibility requirements.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Full-Time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a management role with this level of experience in the Lynnwood, WA area. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard benefits expected for a full-time position in the retail sector. The "Bonus Eligible" status indicates a performance-driven component to compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Accessories Retail (Specialty Retailer)

Company Size: Over 700 stores globally, indicating a large operational footprint. The corporate office in Lynnwood, WA likely houses a significant team for product development, merchandising, and operations.

Founded: Zumiez was founded in 1978, signifying a long-standing presence and established brand in the market.

Team Structure:

• Department: Product and Brand Services (PBS) – This team manages multiple owned and licensed brands, suggesting a diverse product portfolio and a need for strong operational coordination.

• Reporting: The role reports to the Director, Product Development, placing it within the core product creation pipeline.

• Collaboration: Close partnership with Design, Product Development, Production, Compliance, and Sourcing teams is critical. This indicates a highly cross-functional environment where clear communication and process alignment are paramount for operational success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: The role emphasizes leveraging data and technical insight to improve consistency, refine standards, and enhance the customer experience, reflecting a move towards more analytical operations.

• Learning & Development Focus: The company culture explicitly prioritizes learning as a driver of quality, consistency, and growth. The Technical Design Manager is expected to lead by teaching, building confidence and capability within the team.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis is placed on technical craft, precision (e.g., "crooked grainline, twisted side seam"), and achieving high standards in fit, construction, and overall product quality.

Company Website: https://www.zumiez.com/ (Note: The provided URL https://myjobs.adp.com/zumiezhomeoffice/cx/job-listing is for the job application portal, not the main company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Zumiez operates in a dynamic retail environment focused on youth culture and action sports. The PBS division suggests a strategic move towards brand building and product control. The emphasis on teaching and learning within the Technical Design team points to a culture that values mentorship and skill development as core operational competencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position within the technical design and product development operational framework. It requires significant technical expertise combined with proven leadership and people development skills. The role sits at the intersection of creative design execution and manufacturing reality, making it a pivotal operational function.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Product Development. This suggests a clear hierarchy within the product development leadership team. The individual will manage a team of technical designers, directly influencing their day-to-day work and professional growth.

Operations Impact:

• Product Quality & Consistency: Direct impact on the quality, fit, and consistency of apparel products across multiple brands, which is fundamental to customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

• Development Efficiency: By streamlining technical processes, leveraging digital tools (CLO3D), and improving pattern accuracy, this role significantly influences the speed and efficiency of the product development cycle.

• Cost Management: Accurate technical specifications and manufacturable designs contribute to better costing and reduced waste/rework, impacting the overall profitability of the product lines.

• Team Capability: Development of the technical design team enhances the overall operational capacity and expertise of the PBS department, enabling the company to handle a larger volume of product and more complex designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director Level: Potential progression to Director of Technical Design or Director of Product Development, overseeing a broader scope of operations.

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific product categories or advanced digital design technologies (e.g., leading CLO3D implementation across more departments).

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to move into broader product management or operational leadership roles within the retail or apparel industry, leveraging a strong understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in advanced patternmaking, 3D design software, and leadership methodologies, supported by the company's emphasis on training and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within technical operations, emphasizing both vertical advancement and the development of specialized skills. The focus on teaching and mentorship also positions the candidate to develop strong leadership competencies, which are transferable to many operations management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-Office position at the Zumiez Home Office in Lynnwood, WA. This indicates a traditional office environment focused on in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Lynnwood, Washington, USA. This location serves as the central hub for the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close partnership with various departments, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout that facilitates frequent interaction and communication.

• Technical Tools & Technology: Access to necessary hardware and software for detailed technical work, including computers for CLO3D, Adobe Illustrator, and potentially PLM systems.

• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities for direct collaboration with the technical design team, product developers, designers, and production staff. The emphasis on teaching implies a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Physical Requirements: The role involves standing at workstations/measuring tables for garment reviews and occasional lifting of materials, requiring a functional workspace that accommodates these needs.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (40 hours/week). The role is office-based, with no hybrid or remote options available, emphasizing the importance of physical presence for team collaboration and hands-on work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an in-office presence underscores the company's value placed on direct team interaction, hands-on work, and immediate problem-solving within a physical product development setting. This is common for roles that involve direct garment handling and team mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of the resume and potentially a brief phone screen by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the Director, Product Development, focusing on leadership experience, technical expertise, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the company's teaching-centric culture.

3. Portfolio Review & Technical Challenge: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing specific projects, leadership examples, and technical problem-solving methodologies. A practical technical challenge or case study related to fit, patternmaking, or team management may be presented.

4. Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Design, Product Development, and potentially team members to assess collaboration style and team dynamics.

5. Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a more senior leader or HR to discuss overall fit, compensation, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Through Teaching: Showcase examples where you mentored junior designers, conducted training sessions, or resolved issues by educating others. Quantify the impact of this mentorship if possible (e.g., improved team efficiency, reduced errors).

• Demonstrate Technical Depth with Clarity: For fit issues, clearly articulate the problem, the pattern correction made, and the rationale behind it. Use visual aids (photos, 3D renderings) to illustrate complex concepts.

• Showcase Process Improvement: Present a case study of a process you improved, detailing the "before" and "after" states, the steps taken, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., time saved, quality increased).

• Emphasize CLO3D Proficiency: Include examples of how you've used CLO3D effectively to solve fit problems, communicate designs, or streamline workflows.

• Align with Company Values: Frame your experience and approach in the context of Zumiez's emphasis on learning, craft, and developing people.

Challenge Preparation:

• Fit Problem Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a described fit issue and propose specific pattern adjustments and construction solutions.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about managing team conflicts, prioritizing tasks, handling difficult feedback, or motivating a team.

• Technical Knowledge Assessment: Review core principles of patternmaking, grading, garment construction, and fabric properties relevant to various apparel categories.

• Leadership Philosophy: Be ready to articulate your management style, particularly your approach to mentorship and team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "teaching" and "developing people" as core to the role means that candidates must be able to demonstrate not just technical skills but also their ability to elevate others. The portfolio should reflect this dual capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CLO3D: Essential for digital patternmaking, 3D prototyping, fit simulation, and creating virtual garments. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Adobe Illustrator: Used for creating technical flats, spec sheets, and other design documentation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard suite for general productivity, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel (Advanced): Likely used for data analysis related to fit feedback, production issues, and workflow efficiency.

• Potential PLM System: While not explicitly stated, a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is common in apparel development for managing product data, workflows, and communication. Candidates with experience in systems like Centric PLM, YuniquePLM, or similar would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core technical design function, but collaboration with teams using CRM or project management tools is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of CLO3D and Adobe Illustrator indicates the company's investment in digital tools for technical design. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable. Experience with PLM systems would be a strong plus for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Precision: A deep respect for the technical details of apparel making, where accuracy in fit, pattern, and construction is paramount.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing skill development, embracing new technologies (like CLO3D), and sharing knowledge to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in working closely with Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing to achieve shared goals and ensure product success.

• Accountability & Problem-Solving: Taking ownership of challenges, analyzing issues thoroughly, and developing practical, effective solutions.

• Developing People: A core value centered on mentorship, coaching, and empowering team members to grow their expertise and confidence.

Collaboration Style:

• Teaching-Oriented: The team operates with an emphasis on educating colleagues and fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong partnerships are maintained across departments, requiring clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of product development processes.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback and constructive critique is essential for continuous improvement in both individual skills and product quality.

• Process-Driven: While creative input is vital, the work is underpinned by structured processes for technical package creation, fit sessions, and issue resolution to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described is highly conducive to individuals who are both technically skilled and possess strong interpersonal and leadership qualities. The emphasis on teaching and learning suggests a supportive yet performance-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Intent with Manufacturability: Ensuring that creative designs can be efficiently and accurately produced at scale, meeting both aesthetic and quality standards.

• Managing Diverse Product Categories: Overseeing technical design for a wide range of apparel types requires broad expertise and the ability to adapt standards and processes.

• Elevating Team Skills: Continuously developing a team with varying levels of experience and skill in a rapidly evolving technical design landscape.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Encouraging and facilitating the adoption and effective use of advanced digital tools like CLO3D across the team and potentially with external partners.

• Maintaining Consistency Across Brands: Ensuring that technical standards and fit consistency are maintained across multiple owned and licensed brands within the PBS division.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D Design Techniques: Deepening expertise in CLO3D for complex simulations, pattern manipulation, and virtual prototyping.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Enhancing capabilities in team management, coaching, performance evaluation, and strategic planning through hands-on experience and potential company-provided training.

• Product Development Strategy: Gaining broader insights into the strategic aspects of product development and brand management within the retail sector.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of new materials, manufacturing technologies, and sustainability practices in the apparel industry.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunity to mentor junior technical designers and potentially benefit from mentorship from senior leadership within Zumiez.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex technical and leadership challenges. The company's focus on learning ensures that employees are encouraged to develop new skills and stay current with industry advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to teach a complex technical concept (e.g., balance, pitch, proportion) to your team. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your teaching methodology and impact).

• "Walk us through a challenging fit issue you encountered. How did you diagnose it, what pattern adjustments were made, and how did you ensure it was resolved across all sizes and production?" (Showcase your analytical process and problem-solving skills).

• "How do you balance the creative vision of the design team with the practical constraints of production and cost?" (Highlight your understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle and your ability to find solutions).

• "Describe your experience using CLO3D. How have you leveraged it to improve efficiency or resolve fit challenges?" (Be ready to discuss specific projects and quantifiable results).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Zumiez and specifically our PBS division?" (Research the brands they manage and their market position).

• "How do you see your role contributing to Zumiez's mission of helping young people express individuality?" (Connect your operational role to the company's broader brand identity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key themes: leadership/mentorship, technical problem-solving, process improvement, and digital tool utilization.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced fit comments by X%", "streamlined development time by Y days," "improved team's CLO3D proficiency by Z%").

• Tell Stories: For each project, explain the challenge, your role, the solution implemented, and the positive outcome. Focus on how you achieved results, not just what you did.

• Highlight Teaching Moments: Include examples where you guided a junior team member, developed training materials, or explained complex concepts clearly.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Have detailed knowledge of your presented work, ready to answer specific questions about pattern drafting, construction details, or software functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize leadership through teaching, technical problem-solving, and alignment with Zumiez's culture. Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate these attributes, ideally supported by their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided ADP job portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of technical design experience, minimum 3 years of management experience, and specific expertise in apparel categories, CLO3D, Adobe Illustrator, and patternmaking. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your leadership in technical design, mentorship capabilities, proficiency in CLO3D and Adobe Illustrator, and examples of process improvement initiatives. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to solve complex fit and construction challenges.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on providing specific, STAR-method examples that align with the role's emphasis on teaching and problem-solving.

• Research Zumiez & PBS: Understand Zumiez's brand, target market, and the role of the Product and Brand Services (PBS) division. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings and company culture, particularly their emphasis on individuality and learning.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.