Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Manager

Company: Workwear Outfitters

Location: Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: June 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the end-to-end technical product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with brand standards and market relevance.

• Manages and mentors a team of Technical Designers, fostering a collaborative and solutions-oriented environment.

• Drives the creation and maintenance of comprehensive tech packs, including technical sketches, grade rules, and construction details, utilizing PLM and other relevant systems.

• Leads fit sessions, providing crucial feedback on fit, construction, and trim, and resolving quality control issues to maintain product integrity.

• Conducts market research and trend forecasting to inform product development strategies and ensure competitiveness in the workwear industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Product Development and Design Operations category, emphasizing the blend of technical design expertise with operational management and process improvement. The "10+ Years" experience level suggests a senior individual contributor or management role, requiring a deep understanding of garment construction and product lifecycle management. The "On-site" designation indicates a requirement for physical presence in the Greenville, SC office.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Tech Pack & Final Product Approval:

  • Create, maintain, and update detailed tech packs, incorporating technical sketches, grade rules, and precise sewing construction specifications.
  • Leverage Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or Excel for efficient tech pack generation and management.
  • Conduct and lead fit sessions, providing clear, actionable feedback on fit, construction, and trim changes to overseas teams and clients.
  • Collaborate closely with the design team to ensure fabrications, trims, labeling, and packaging meet design specifications and brand standards.
  • Proactively address and resolve quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) issues throughout the development process.

• Fit Samples & Quality Standards:

  • Maintain an organized library of approved product samples and archive historical samples as per established protocols.
  • Define and enforce quality standards for all product designs, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand requirements.

• Design, Development & Trend Forecasting:

  • Conduct thorough research into market trends, innovative fabric technologies, styling techniques, and construction methods to align programs with strategic market objectives.
  • Analyze wear test results and focus group feedback to identify potential impacts on product specifications and inform future line development.

• Operational Ownership & Program Support:

  • Develop and implement technical design strategies that align with overarching brand standards, client-specific requirements, and overall business objectives.
  • Establish, document, and continuously improve technical design processes, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and best practices across all product categories.
  • Lead technical alignment with vendors and factories, ensuring clear communication of expectations regarding fit, construction, and overall quality.
  • Provide technical expertise and support for client presentations and program onboarding, focusing on product feasibility, fit, and construction.

• Systems & Process Improvement:

  • Champion the adoption and effective utilization of PLM systems, including process adherence and data integrity within technical design workflows.
  • Analyze fit, wear test, and quality data to identify opportunities for continuous product improvement and innovation.

• Technical Design Leadership & Team Development:

  • Establish team priorities, effectively allocate workload, and ensure timely completion of tasks and projects for all assigned programs.

  • Provide direct coaching and mentorship on fit, construction, and technical problem-solving to enhance the capabilities of the Technical Design team.

  • Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment that actively embodies Workwear Outfitters' purpose and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process ownership, system utilization (PLM), and team leadership, indicating a role that requires not only technical design acumen but also significant operational management skills. The mention of "client presentations" and "program onboarding" suggests a client-facing component or strong support for sales and account management teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Fashion Design, Apparel Production, or a related discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in fashion and technical design, with a demonstrated track record of success in product development.

Required Skills:

• Garment Construction Expertise: Deep knowledge of apparel construction techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Technical Sketching & Design: Proficiency in creating detailed technical sketches and understanding of flat pattern making or CAD pattern making.

• Fit & Sample Management: Proven ability to conduct effective fit sessions, provide constructive feedback, and manage sample progression through development.

• PLM System Proficiency: Extensive experience utilizing PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for tech pack creation, data management, and workflow tracking.

• Adobe Illustrator: Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator for technical sketching, graphic design, and visual communication.

• Trend Forecasting & Market Research: Ability to research and interpret market trends, fabric innovations, and competitive landscapes.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Understanding of quality standards and experience in resolving QC/QA issues.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across teams and with external partners.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive and resolution-oriented approach to identifying and solving technical design challenges.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical designers.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Outlook, Excel, and Word for reporting, data analysis, and general business communication.

• Public Speaking & Presentation Skills: Ability to present technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including clients and internal stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively within cross-functional teams (e.g., Design, Merchandising, Production, Sales).

• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to self-manage, prioritize tasks, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Workwear Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the specific demands and nuances of the workwear apparel market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 15+ years of experience alongside a Bachelor's degree indicates a senior-level role, likely involving strategic input and team management. The explicit mention of PLM and Adobe Illustrator points to essential technical proficiencies. The "10+" experience level in the AI data seems to be an underestimation given the "15+ years" explicitly stated in the description; the latter should take precedence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Design Case Studies: Showcase examples of completed tech packs, highlighting detailed technical sketches, construction call-outs, and material specifications.

• Fit Improvement Examples: Demonstrate instances where technical expertise led to significant improvements in garment fit, comfort, or performance, supported by visual evidence or data.

• PLM Workflow Examples: Provide evidence of proficiency in using PLM systems for managing product data, tracking development milestones, and facilitating communication.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Highlight any projects or contributions where you identified inefficiencies in the technical design process and implemented improvements (e.g., SOP development, template creation).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of ability to map out and document technical design workflows, from concept initiation to final product approval.

• SOP Development: Examples of creating or contributing to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for technical design processes, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Performance Metrics: Demonstrate how you track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to technical design, such as sample turnaround time, fit approval rates, and quality issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Technical Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase design output but also demonstrate process ownership, system utilization, and leadership capabilities. The emphasis is on how candidates manage the technical design process efficiently and effectively, driving quality and brand consistency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Technical Design Manager with 15+ years of experience in Greenville, SC, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This estimate considers the experience level, the nature of the role (management and technical expertise), and the cost of living in the Greenville, SC metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans.

• Life & Disability Protection: Life and Disability coverage for peace of mind.

• Retirement Savings: 401K plan to support long-term financial goals.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for continuous learning and support.

• Financial Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for managing healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Additional Perks: "Many others" likely include paid time off, holiday pay, and potential employee discounts.

Working Hours: The role is designated as Full-Time, typically equating to approximately 40 hours per week. However, the fast-paced environment and management responsibilities may require flexibility and occasional overtime to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for management roles with extensive experience can vary significantly. This estimate is based on general market data for similar positions in the Southeast US and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, interview performance, and the company's internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Workwear Apparel & Footwear Manufacturing. Workwear Outfitters is a significant player in a niche but essential industry, supplying protective and functional clothing to a wide range of occupational sectors. This context implies a focus on durability, functionality, safety standards, and B2B client relationships.

Company Size: Over 5,800 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with potentially complex operational structures, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for career growth within a substantial enterprise.

Founded: Workwear Outfitters has a "strong legacy," suggesting a long-standing presence in the market, likely built on established brand recognition and a deep understanding of worker needs. The company is based in Nashville, TN, with over $800 million in sales.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Design Manager will likely lead a team of Technical Designers.

• This team will operate within the broader Product Development or Design department.

• Close collaboration with Design, Merchandising, Production, Quality Assurance, and potentially Sales/Client Management teams is expected.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Technical Design Manager under a Director or VP of Product Development/Design. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Emphasis on using wear test data, focus group feedback, and quality metrics to inform product specifications and improvements.

• Process Standardization: Implementation and adherence to SOPs and best practices for consistent and high-quality technical design execution.

• Collaborative Workflow: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to ensure alignment on product vision, feasibility, and market readiness.

• Trend Integration: Actively researching and integrating market trends and material innovations into product development.

Company Website: https://www.wwof.com/ (Derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Workwear Outfitters' purpose ("We champion and empower workers who make our world work better") provides insight into the company's values and the operational ethos expected from its employees. The focus on workwear implies a need for practical, durable, and functional product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the product development and design function, specifically focused on the technical execution of product creation. It bridges the gap between creative design and manufacturing reality, requiring a blend of technical expertise, operational management, and leadership. The responsibilities indicate a strategic contributor role with direct impact on product quality and brand consistency.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the Product Development, Design, or Operations division (e.g., Director of Product Development, VP of Design). They will directly manage a team of Technical Designers, overseeing their day-to-day activities and professional development.

Operations Impact: The Technical Design Manager's work is critical to the operational success of Workwear Outfitters. By ensuring accurate tech packs, consistent fit, and high product quality, they directly impact:

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing sample revisions, minimizing production errors, and preventing costly rework.

• Time-to-Market: Streamlining the development process to ensure products launch on schedule.

• Brand Reputation: Maintaining product quality and consistency builds trust with B2B clients and end-users.

• Customer Satisfaction: Delivering functional, durable, and well-fitting workwear enhances user experience and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director or VP roles within Product Development, Design, or Operations, managing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Specialization: Deeper expertise in specific product categories (e.g., protective apparel, footwear) or advanced technical areas (e.g., material science, sustainable design).

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to transition into roles in Merchandising, Production Management, or Quality Assurance, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Leading company-wide initiatives to enhance product development processes, PLM adoption, or global manufacturing standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Technical Design Manager often involves a progression from individual contributor to team lead and then to broader management responsibilities. The emphasis on process improvement and operational ownership within the role description suggests pathways into operational leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Greenville, SC, suggesting a traditional office environment. This typically includes collaborative workspaces, individual workstations, meeting rooms, and potentially a sample room or lab area for fit sessions.

Office Location(s): Greenville, SC. This location is specified, indicating the primary place of work. The company also has facilities spanning the globe, suggesting potential for international collaboration but requiring on-site presence in Greenville.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect regular interaction with design teams, product developers, and potentially marketing or sales teams. Meeting rooms and shared spaces will facilitate this collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Illustrator), PLM systems, and standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite) is expected. A dedicated space for fit sessions, potentially with mannequins and fitting models, is likely.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with direct reports for coaching, feedback, and workflow management, as well as with peers and senior leadership for strategic alignment and project updates.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time, on-site position. However, given the management responsibilities and the nature of product development cycles, flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods or to meet critical deadlines may be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Greenville, SC, suggests a focus on in-person collaboration and direct oversight of technical design processes. The company's global presence implies that while this role is based locally, interactions with international teams (overseas offices, clients, factories) will be a regular part of the job.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a preliminary review of the resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Director or VP) focusing on technical expertise, leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with team objectives. This is where initial portfolio review might occur.

3. Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential peers or direct reports to assess collaboration style, technical approach, and team dynamics.

4. Technical Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate technical design skills, process thinking, and ability to handle real-world scenarios. This might involve critiquing a sample, developing a partial tech pack, or outlining a process improvement plan.

5. Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader or executive, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit with Workwear Outfitters' mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., tech pack creation, fit improvement, process optimization).

• Showcase Technical Detail: For tech packs, ensure detailed construction call-outs, accurate measurements, and clear material specifications are visible. Use high-quality technical sketches.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced sample revision rounds by X%," "Improved fit approval rate by Y%," or "Streamlined tech pack creation process, saving Z hours per week."

• Highlight Process Ownership: Include examples where you developed or improved processes, SOPs, or workflows. Explain the "before" and "after" to showcase your problem-solving and efficiency orientation.

• PLM Proficiency: If possible, include screenshots or descriptions of how you've utilized PLM systems to manage product data and workflows.

• Tailor to Workwear: If you have specific experience in workwear or similar functional apparel, emphasize it. Show an understanding of durability, safety, and performance requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Company & Brand: Understand Workwear Outfitters' purpose, brands (Red Kap, Bulwark, Dickies B2B, etc.), and the types of industries they serve.

• Anticipate Fit/Construction Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would address common fit issues or complex construction challenges specific to workwear (e.g., reinforced seams, durable fabrics, functional pockets).

• Process Improvement Thinking: Think about how you would assess and improve the technical design process in a large organization. Consider scalability and global collaboration.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, handle performance issues, and foster a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role needs to balance technical design output with evidence of process management, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities essential for a manager position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Essential for managing product data, tech packs, BOMs, and development timelines. Specific PLM software experience (e.g., PTC FlexPLM, Centric PLM, Lectra, or proprietary systems) is highly valued.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for creating technical sketches, flat drawings, and graphic elements within tech packs.

• Microsoft Excel: Used for data analysis, creating spreadsheets for tracking, reporting, and potentially simpler tech pack versions.

• Microsoft Word & Outlook: Standard for documentation, communication, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• PLM Reporting Modules: Often have built-in capabilities for tracking development progress, sample status, and key metrics.

• Excel: For custom data analysis, pivot tables, and creating reports from exported data.

• Data Visualization Tools (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be beneficial for analyzing wear test data or quality metrics if the company utilizes them for broader reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM System Integration: Understanding how PLM integrates with other enterprise systems (ERP, MES) may be beneficial, though direct experience with CRM or automation tools beyond PLM is less likely to be a primary requirement for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in PLM and Adobe Illustrator is paramount for this role. The emphasis on PLM suggests that the company relies heavily on this system for managing its product development workflows and data integrity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Championing Workers: A core value likely translates into a focus on creating functional, durable, and comfortable workwear that genuinely serves the end-user. This means practical problem-solving and attention to detail in product design.

• Empowerment: Fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute ideas, take ownership of their work, and develop their skills.

• Accountability: Expectation that individuals are accountable for their contributions, meet deadlines, and uphold quality standards.

• Innovation & Improvement: A drive to continuously improve products, processes, and technologies to stay relevant and competitive.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Design (creative vision), Merchandising (market alignment), Production (manufacturability), Quality Assurance (standards), and potentially Sales (client needs).

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing processes, providing constructive feedback, and making iterative improvements to workflows and product designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise, best practices, and lessons learned among team members and across departments to elevate overall team capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's purpose statement, "We champion and empower workers who make our world work better," is a key indicator of their cultural values. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to be user-centric, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and efficiency that supports the end-user.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Speed: Ensuring meticulous technical detail and quality while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced fashion/apparel industry.

• Global Supply Chain Complexity: Managing technical alignment and quality control across diverse international manufacturing partners, each with unique capabilities and standards.

• Evolving Material Technologies: Keeping abreast of new fabric innovations, sustainable materials, and performance technologies relevant to the workwear sector.

• Team Development & Management: Effectively leading and motivating a team of technical designers, ensuring consistency in their output and fostering individual growth.

• System Adoption & Data Integrity: Championing and ensuring the correct use of PLM systems across the team to maintain accurate and reliable product data.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Deep dive into specialized areas of garment construction, material science, or performance wear technology.

• Leadership Development: Formal training or mentorship programs focused on management best practices, strategic planning, and team leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events (e.g., apparel sourcing shows, technical textile expos) and pursue certifications in areas like QA or PLM implementation.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of other departments like production, sourcing, or merchandising through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a strong leader, process improver, and adaptable problem-solver in a dynamic global environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a comprehensive tech pack from initial design concept to final approval. What are the critical elements you ensure are included?" (Focus on detail, clarity, and completeness.)

• "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant fit issue on a garment. How did you diagnose the problem, communicate the necessary changes, and ensure resolution?" (Assess problem-solving, communication, and technical acumen.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging fabric technologies, construction methods, and market trends relevant to the workwear industry?" (Evaluate research skills and industry awareness.)

• "Describe your experience leading a team of technical designers. What is your approach to coaching, performance management, and fostering a collaborative environment?" (Assess leadership style and team development capabilities.)

• "How have you utilized PLM systems in your previous roles? What are the key benefits and challenges of implementing and managing PLM workflows?" (Gauge system proficiency and understanding of its operational impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Workwear Outfitters and our mission to empower workers?" (Demonstrate understanding of the company's purpose and values.)

• "How would you ensure technical design standards are consistently met across different product categories and by various team members?" (Assess approach to quality control and standardization.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a challenging cross-functional partner. How did you navigate the situation to achieve a positive outcome for the product?" (Evaluate collaboration and conflict resolution skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the context, your specific role, the technical challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your technical sketches, construction details, and material choices. Explain why certain decisions were made.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to illustrate the success of your projects – improved fit, reduced errors, faster turnaround times, cost savings.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If applicable, include examples of how you've mentored junior designers, improved team processes, or led initiatives.

• Focus on Relevance: Select examples that best align with the requirements of this Technical Design Manager role, particularly those related to workwear or functional apparel if possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of technical design principles, strong leadership and operational management skills, and a clear alignment with Workwear Outfitters' values and market focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workwear Outfitters careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and achievements directly relevant to technical design, garment construction, PLM usage, team leadership, and process improvement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work, focusing on technical packs, fit improvements, process documentation, and any leadership examples. Ensure it's well-organized and easily navigable.

• Research Workwear Outfitters: Familiarize yourself with their brands (Red Kap, Bulwark, Dickies B2B, etc.), company purpose, and the industries they serve. Understand the unique demands of workwear.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your experience, leadership philosophy, and how your skills align with the role and company culture during interviews. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions.

⚠️ 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.

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