Manager of Technical Design - Dresses

JCrew•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

J.Crew is seeking an experienced Technical Designer to lead their Women's Dresses team. This role is responsible for upholding the brand's standards for fit, construction, and quality throughout the entire development process, from fit sessions to factory communications. The position involves mentoring a team, collaborating with Design, Production, and Merchandising, and driving technical excellence. The company is looking for candidates with strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating exceptional dresses, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

9+ years of technical design experience with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
In-depth knowledge of grade rules, sewing techniques, and garment construction methods specific to dress product, including draping, linings, closures, and varied silhouettes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator with strong technical documentation skills.
Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring abilities with sharp attention to detail and team training skills.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate fit problems and conduct independent fitting sessions on live models.

Nice To Haves

Experience with multiple product classifications and FlexPLM or similar PLM system experience.
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Technical Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent experience is a plus, but not required.
Patternmaking experience is preferred, with the ability to translate fit corrections directly into pattern adjustments.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of Technical Designers and Associate Technical Designers, fostering growth and ensuring high-quality execution of the design vision.
Collaborate with Design, Production, and Merchandising teams to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to the PLC and production calendar.
Manage comprehensive technical documentation, including tech packs, fit comments, specs, and bill of materials, while maintaining detailed data history for samples and patterns.
Provide innovative solutions for fit challenges by conducting independent fit sessions, evaluating problems on live models, and translating corrections to patterns across a range of silhouettes, drapes, and linings.
Coordinate information flow across fit processes, including sample tracking, tech log updates, and factory communications, while partnering with field representatives and vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure production feasibility.