TECHNICAL DESIGN MANAGER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: TECHNICAL DESIGN MANAGER

Company: Title Nine Sports Inc

Location: Emeryville, CA, US

Job Type: Active - Full Time Salary full-time

Category: Product Development & Technical Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-22T22:18:00

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead product engineering and technical design for the Title Nine in-house brand, ensuring design intent translates into commercialized products that meet fit, quality, performance, and margin standards.

• Own the technical point of view for the brand, including blocks, specifications, grading, construction, and fit consistency.

• Manage the Tech Design function, including team leadership, development, and mentoring.

• Serve as the primary technical voice in cross-functional decision-making with Design, Merchandising, Materials, and Sourcing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded in the product lifecycle operations, requiring a strong understanding of how technical specifications impact manufacturing, cost, and customer satisfaction. The emphasis on "fit integrity" and "carryover fit management" highlights the critical operational need for consistency and data-driven decision-making to minimize returns and maintain brand reputation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the signature technical point of view for the Title Nine brand across apparel and swim categories, driving product engineering to execute design intentions, fit, quality, and ease of manufacturing.

• Build and maintain consistent, signature technical specifications, including patterns, construction details, measurements, and grading, while owning and updating Title Nine style blocks to ensure size and fit consistency across all product categories.

• Execute comprehensive design specification packages, incorporating flat sketches, technical sketches, construction details, precise measurement specifications with appropriate tolerances, garment grading, and accurate placement of graphics or labeling.

• Develop 3D patterns to support initial product adoption in collaboration with Design and Merchandising teams.

• Lead fit sessions, product discussions, and quality reviews to deliver commercialized products on schedule, collaborating closely with Design and Merchandising to achieve clear design direction and consensus on fit intent.

• Evaluate all samples for fit, function, balance, movement, proportion, and construction prior to weekly fittings.

• Ensure all styles meet Title Nine's stringent fit and quality standards, communicating all fit comments to vendors promptly from the initial prototype through Pre-Production approval.

• Own fit governance for carryover styles, confirming consistency season-over-season, approving any deliberate changes to fits, blocks, or specifications, and ensuring all carryover fit changes are documented with clear rationale to prevent unmanaged drift.

• Audit carryover styles during re-order and vendor changes to identify unintended fit or construction drift, driving corrective actions when necessary.

• Own the monthly return rate reporting process for the in-house brand, compiling, analyzing, and distributing return rate and reason reporting to Product Development, Merchandising, and leadership.

• Identify fit-driven return trends by style, category, block, and vendor, translating these insights into specific specification, block, or construction corrections.

• Manage customer call-outs related to fit, reviewing feedback and service escalations to determine the root cause (specification, grading, construction, material, or quality control) and directing appropriate corrective actions.

• Close the feedback loop by integrating return and customer fit findings back into blocks, specifications, tolerances, and future season briefs, and reporting on the impact of implemented changes.

• Set and maintain Tech Design standards within the PLM system, including tech pack structure, BOM accuracy, specification format, naming conventions, and workflow milestones.

• Hold the team and vendor partners accountable for complete, accurate, and current records across styles, BOMs, materials, and samples.

• Support the adoption and continuous improvement of PLM and 3D tools to reduce manual tracking and enhance speed to market.

• Manage the sample development process from concept through final production approval, overseeing workflow tracking, managing all proto, PP, and TOP samples, and coordinating with all involved teams to meet calendar deadlines and drive on-time deliveries.

• Communicate effectively with in-house partners and overseas vendors regarding garment specifications, including issuing tech packs, measuring samples and size sets against approved specifications, commenting on garment fit and functionality, and resubmitting garments until final approval.

• Partner with the Sourcing and Product Development Director to achieve cost and margin objectives.

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Tech Design team, building technical capability and succession within the function, and fostering team building, cross-functional partnership, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Fulfill all manager responsibilities in accordance with Title Nine's policies and procedures, including interviewing, hiring, training, appraising performance, rewarding, disciplining employees, and resolving issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong operational oversight in product development. Phrases like "own fit governance," "monthly return rate reporting process," "identify fit-driven return trends," and "set and maintain Tech Design standards that live in the PLM system" highlight the data management, process control, and cross-functional alignment crucial for effective operations in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in apparel design, technical design, pattern making, textile science, or a related field; or equivalent related industry experience.

Experience: 7+ years of technical design and/or product development experience in the apparel industry, including pattern making, grading, construction, materials, costing, manufacturing, and quality control. Experience managing a team is required.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design & Product Engineering: Deep expertise in establishing technical points of view, product specifications, and engineering designs for commercialization.

• Patternmaking & Grading: Proficiency in creating and maintaining style blocks, developing precise technical specifications, and executing accurate grading across sizes.

• 3D Patterning Software: High proficiency in 3D patterning software such as Gerber, Browzwear VStitcher, or equivalent.

• Adobe Illustrator: High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating technical sketches and design packages.

• PLM System Proficiency: Working proficiency in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, with the ability to set and enforce data standards.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Comfort working with data, including building, reading, and acting on return rate and quality reporting in Excel.

• Fit Leadership: Proven ability to lead fit sessions, evaluate samples for fit and function, and provide clear, actionable fit comments.

• Vendor Management & Communication: Strong ability to communicate effectively with overseas manufacturing partners and in-house teams regarding garment specifications and development.

• Team Leadership & Development: Experience managing, mentoring, and developing a technical design team, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.

• Organizational & Time Management: Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to learn quickly, adapt to new problems, and provide technical solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in woven and knit apparel.

• Performance, swim, and sweater product development experience.

• Experience interpreting creative design intent and offering technical suggestions or solutions.

• Experience working within a PLM system in a development or technical design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Gerber, Browzwear VStitcher, Adobe Illustrator) and systems (PLM) is critical for operations roles. The requirement for "working proficiency in a PLM system, with the judgment to set and enforce data standards" indicates a need for not just user-level skills but also an understanding of data integrity and operational efficiency within these systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Specification Packages: Showcase examples of comprehensive tech packs, including flat sketches, detailed construction diagrams, measurement charts, grading rules, and material specifications.

• Fit Analysis Case Studies: Present instances where you analyzed fit issues, used data (e.g., return rates, customer feedback), and implemented specific corrections to improve garment fit and reduce returns.

• PLM/3D Workflow Examples: If possible, demonstrate understanding of PLM workflows or 3D pattern development processes, highlighting how these tools were used to improve efficiency or accuracy.

• Product Development Lifecycle Management: Illustrate your role in managing a product from concept through to production approval, emphasizing how you ensured technical requirements were met at each stage.

Process Documentation:

• Fit Governance Procedures: Detail your approach to establishing and maintaining fit blocks, managing carryover fits, and documenting changes to ensure consistency.

• Quality Control & Measurement Standards: Provide examples of how you set and enforced measurement specifications, tolerances, and quality standards for vendors.

• Return Rate Analysis & Action Plans: Showcase a process for analyzing return data, identifying root causes related to fit or construction, and developing actionable plans for improvement.

• Technical Specification Development Workflow: Outline your process for creating and communicating technical packages to vendors, including sample review and approval stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on technical design and product engineering, a portfolio demonstrating a systematic approach to product development is crucial. This includes showcasing the ability to translate design into actionable specifications, manage the fit process with data, and leverage technology like PLM and 3D software for operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 per year. (Note: The provided salary data indicated "$120,000 - $140,000, UNIT_TEXT: HOUR". This is highly unusual for a full-time salaried position and is assumed to be a data entry error. The range has been adjusted to an annual figure typical for a Technical Design Manager role with 7+ years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a high cost of living.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and numerous Holidays, including a birthday holiday.

• Employee discounts on Title Nine products and access to pro deals.

• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

• On-site gym with daily fitness classes, promoting employee well-being.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time, Salaried).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided was for "HOUR", which is atypical for a management role of this nature. Based on the experience level (7+ years), location (Emeryville, CA), and responsibilities, an annualized range of $120,000 - $140,000 is a more realistic estimate for a full-time salaried position. This estimate is benchmarked against similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area, considering the high cost of living and competitive market for technical design talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Retail & Manufacturing. Title Nine is known for its focus on activewear and outdoor apparel for women, emphasizing performance, functionality, and a strong brand ethos.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Title Nine is a recognized brand with multiple retail locations and an established e-commerce presence, suggesting a medium to large enterprise size, likely with dedicated departments for design, merchandising, sourcing, and operations.

Founded: Title Nine was founded in 1989, indicating a long-standing presence and established operational history in the apparel market.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Design Manager will lead the Tech Design function, which likely includes a team of Technical Designers and potentially Patternmakers.

• This role operates within the broader Product Development department, collaborating closely with Design, Merchandising, Materials, and Sourcing teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with the Technical Design Manager acting as the central technical liaison for product realization. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Improvement: The role emphasizes using data from return rates and customer feedback to drive product improvements, indicating a data-centric operational approach.

• Process Standardization: A key responsibility is setting and maintaining Tech Design standards within the PLM system, highlighting a focus on process documentation and consistency.

• Agile Development Cycles: The mention of weekly fit sessions and managing samples through to production suggests an agile and iterative product development process.

Company Website: https://www.titlenine.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Title Nine's focus on performance apparel and its established history, the company likely values rigorous product development processes and a commitment to quality. The "in-house brand" aspect suggests a desire for strong internal control over product engineering and technical specifications, making this role pivotal to operational execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position, typically considered mid-to-senior management within the product development operations function. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Vice President of Product Development, Sourcing, or Merchandising, overseeing a team of Technical Designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the profitability and customer satisfaction of the Title Nine in-house brand. By ensuring accurate fit, consistent quality, and efficient manufacturing, the Technical Design Manager helps reduce costly returns, improve product performance, and enhance brand loyalty. Success in this role contributes significantly to the operational efficiency and financial health of the product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Technical Design, Director of Product Development, or VP of Product Operations, overseeing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., performance wear, swimwear) or technical areas (e.g., advanced 3D modeling, material science integration).

• Process Optimization Leadership: Lead initiatives to further integrate and optimize PLM, 3D technology, and data analytics within the product development lifecycle.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop broader strategic influence across the product creation process, from design concept to final production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical operational leadership function. The "growth opportunities" are framed around expanding operational scope, strategic influence, and technical leadership within the product development ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in Emeryville, CA. The environment is likely a corporate office setting that supports product development, design, and merchandising functions.

Office Location(s): Emeryville, CA, which is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, offering access to a vibrant talent pool and a hub for retail and apparel businesses.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant interaction with Design, Merchandising, Materials, and Sourcing teams, suggesting a collaborative office layout and culture.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary technical design software (Adobe Illustrator, 3D patterning software), PLM systems, and standard office productivity tools (Excel, Google Workspace, MS Office) is expected.

• Team Interaction: The role involves leading and mentoring a team, implying opportunities for direct team collaboration and management.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week), with the expectation of adaptability to meet project deadlines and manage the product development calendar.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Emeryville, CA, implies a need for candidates comfortable with a physical presence in a product development hub. The workspace context suggests an environment where operational processes are integrated into daily work, requiring efficient use of technology and strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, focusing on relevant experience in technical design, product development, and team management.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing examples of technical specification packages, fit analysis case studies, and problem-solving approaches. This stage assesses technical proficiency, data analysis skills, and process understanding.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially cross-functional team members to assess leadership style, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to managing teams, handling difficult vendor situations, and driving process improvements.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Technical Rigor: Clearly present detailed technical specification packages, highlighting accuracy and completeness.

• Demonstrate Data-Driven Problem Solving: Use case studies to show how you analyzed return data or customer feedback to identify fit issues and implement effective solutions. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "reduced fit-related returns by X%").

• Highlight PLM/3D Proficiency: If possible, show how you've leveraged PLM or 3D tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, or speed to market.

• Emphasize Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples of how you've led teams, managed cross-functional projects, and collaborated effectively with design, merchandising, and sourcing.

• Tailor to Title Nine: Research Title Nine's product lines and brand ethos to align your examples with their focus on performance and quality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Fit Analysis Scenario: Be prepared to analyze a sample garment (potentially provided or described) and articulate fit comments, construction feedback, and proposed solutions.

• Process Improvement Proposal: Think about how you would approach improving the technical design process at Title Nine, drawing on your experience with PLM, data analysis, and vendor management.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would mentor junior designers, handle performance issues, and foster a collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential technical challenges underscores the operational nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but practical application of technical design principles and data-driven decision-making within a product development context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical sketches, spec sheets, and design packages.

• 3D Patterning Software: High proficiency required in tools such as Gerber, Browzwear VStitcher, or equivalent for developing 3D patterns and virtual prototypes.

• PLM System: Working proficiency in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is critical for managing product data, tech packs, BOMs, and workflow milestones. The role requires the ability to set and enforce data standards within this system.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Expected for data analysis, reporting on return rates, and managing specifications. Proficiency in building, reading, and acting on Excel reports is a key requirement.

• Google Workspace: Likely used for collaboration and document sharing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, understanding how technical data flows into broader systems (like ERP or potentially CRM for customer feedback integration) could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of creative design tools, specialized 3D/CAD software, robust PLM systems for operational control, and data analysis tools like Excel. Proficiency and the ability to manage data standards within these systems are paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Performance: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, well-performing products that meet customer expectations.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data from returns, customer feedback, and product performance to inform technical decisions and process improvements.

• Efficiency & Speed to Market: Focus on streamlining the product development process, reducing manual tracking, and improving turnaround times.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and accountable team environment, with strong cross-functional partnerships across departments.

• Accountability & Continuous Improvement: Holding oneself and the team to high standards, and actively seeking ways to enhance processes and technical capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Technical Liaison: The role serves as the primary technical point of contact, translating design intent into manufacturable products and bridging communication between creative teams and production partners.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Requires seamless collaboration with Design, Merchandising, Materials, and Sourcing to ensure alignment on product vision, feasibility, and cost objectives.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging open communication and feedback loops to refine product specifications, construction methods, and overall quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a blend of technical excellence, data-informed operations, and collaborative execution. For operations professionals, understanding and aligning with these values will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Intent with Manufacturing Constraints: Effectively translating creative visions into products that are technically feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable at scale.

• Maintaining Fit Consistency Across Seasons and Vendors: Ensuring that established fit blocks and specifications are consistently applied, especially with carryover styles and multiple manufacturing partners.

• Driving Data Adoption and Action: Ensuring that return rate and customer feedback data are not just reported but actively used to drive concrete improvements in product specifications and processes.

• Leading and Developing a Technical Team: Mentoring and upskilling a team of technical designers while managing workload and performance in a dynamic environment.

• Integrating New Technologies: Supporting the adoption and effective use of PLM and 3D tools to enhance operational efficiency and product development speed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D Modeling: Opportunity to deepen expertise in 3D pattern development and virtual prototyping technologies.

• Data Analytics for Product Development: Expanding skills in analyzing product performance data to drive strategic technical decisions.

• Leadership Development: Formal training or mentorship opportunities for managing teams and leading operational initiatives.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of innovations in apparel manufacturing, materials science, and technical design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges within product development, driving tangible improvements in efficiency and product quality. The challenges are directly tied to operational execution and process optimization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you establish and maintain a consistent fit block for the Title Nine brand across different product categories like apparel and swim?" (Assesses understanding of fit governance and technical specification management.)

• "Describe a time you used return rate data to identify and resolve a significant fit or quality issue. What was your process and what were the results?" (Tests data analysis skills and ability to translate insights into action.)

• "How do you ensure that technical specifications are accurately communicated to and implemented by overseas manufacturing partners?" (Evaluates vendor management and communication skills in an operational context.)

• "What is your approach to leading and developing a team of technical designers? How do you foster accountability and continuous improvement?" (Gauges leadership and team management capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Title Nine's brand and our focus on performance apparel for women?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of the brand's mission.)

• "How do you see the role of Technical Design evolving with advancements in 3D technology and data analytics?" (Probes forward-thinking and adaptability to operational changes.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with Design and Merchandising to achieve a product goal. What were the challenges and how did you navigate them?" (Evaluates cross-functional collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio example, clearly state the objective, your role, the process/methodology used (especially data and tools), the challenges encountered, your solution, and the measurable outcome.

• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your work contributed to efficiency, cost savings, reduced returns, or improved product quality. Use metrics whenever possible.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly articulate your use of software like Adobe Illustrator, 3D patternmaking tools, and PLM systems.

• Showcase Leadership: If applicable, include examples of how you've guided team members or influenced cross-functional decisions.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, decisions, and the specific technical details of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong operational mindset – how you use data, manage processes, leverage technology, lead teams, and drive measurable results in product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the ADP portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that highlight your technical design expertise, data analysis capabilities, leadership experience, and ability to manage the product development lifecycle. Ensure these examples demonstrate your understanding of fit governance, specification management, and process optimization.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to technical design, product engineering, PLM, 3D patterning, Adobe Illustrator, fit leadership, vendor management, and team management. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio examples, clearly articulating your process, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and the positive operational impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you would approach similar challenges at Title Nine.

• Research Title Nine: Understand the company's brand, product offerings, and values. Consider how your operational approach and technical expertise align with their mission and goals.

⚠️ 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.