Technical Designer - Baby Apparel

Ross•New York, NY

10d

About The Position

Technical Design Advisor (Concentration in Kids/Infant/Toddler) About Ross Stores: Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) Company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2019 revenues of $16 billion. The Company operates Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”), the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,546 locations in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. The Company also operates over 259 dd’s DISCOUNTS® locations in 19 states that feature a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at everyday savings. At Ross you will find: A career that fits you Teamwork Amazing culture and people Big company with a family feeling Customer focus Are you ready for the next big move in your career? We look forward to hearing from you! Additional information is available at: www.rossstores.com www.ddsdiscounts.com Ross Stores, Inc. is searching for a Technical Design Advisor based out of our NYC Buying Office. What does a Technical Design Advisor do at Ross? The Technical Design Advisor serves as a leader and subject matter expert with broad knowledge, experience and skill in their respective product categories – in this case, the person will bring expertise in the technical design of Kids/Toddler/Infant apparel. Actively leads the support of cross-functional teams (Sourcing, Merchants and Sample) by guiding and directing on proper fit, grading, construction and approval recommendations based on industry standards. Drives process improvements and change management to support preproduction through post production. Addresses issues, recommends solutions, and enforces those solutions to support strategy, goals and objectives. Builds and executes a plan for product development and technical design in priority areas designated by Merchandising and Sourcing. Manages, directs, coaches, and develops staff to deliver against operational objectives. Builds relationships with Product Sourcing and Services, Merchants, Fashion Office, and Sample teams, and helps refine and execute the vision for Product Technical Services team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Production, Sourcing, Technical Design or related field
10+ years experience in technical design working with Baby Apparel.
Full understanding of the technical design, commercialization, production, and retail side of product development
Strong comprehension of the product life cycle from a retail and manufacturing perspective
Experience working with and an understanding of the sourcing/operational aspects of overseas/domestic agents and factories
Deep technical expertise in apparel, materials, pattern making, construction, fit, and regulations related to Kids/Toddler/Infant apparel
Strong understanding of Kids/Toddler/Infant apparel manufacturing and global supply chain processes
Vendor and factory base knowledge in assigned product categories
Experience with overseas factory communication and visits
Strong working knowledge of all relevant Federal and State regulations for assigned product categories
Strategic mindset and experience managing projects and leading teams
Analytic and problem-solving garment/ product skills
Excellent written and oral communication, presentation and follow-up skills

Nice To Haves

Existing relationship with vendors, sourcing, and factories a plus

Responsibilities

Cross Functional Leadership Liaison between Sourcing, Merchants and the Product Technical Services team for their respective product categories.
Align leadership stakeholders on business strategies
Support and influence cross functional training and analytics
Oversee development of materials, training and technical development of Sample team to ensure successful support of the sample management process
Lead follow-up support and assessment testing on a continual basis to ensure the effectiveness of Sample team training
Support and train Merchants in accordance with Senior Merchant leadership requests
Manage direct reports, systems and projects to achieve goals in accordance with the Product Sourcing and Services and Product Technical Services mandate
Prepare and analyze plans and reports
Provide leadership by exhibiting influence and expertise, thus affecting the results of the operating area
Create an effective work environment by developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, encouraging teamwork, recognizing outstanding performance and maintaining open communications
Develop staff through coaching, providing performance feedback, delivering effective performance assessments and establishing performance and development objectives
Influence change and gain support of Sourcing, Merchant and Sample leadership for necessary process improvements and additional initiatives
Perform end-of-Quarter audit analysis of development timelines and process adherence
Drive process improvements related to the business to support the calendar
Prepare analysis and presentations for Quarterly senior leadership reviews
Plans and executes technical design for product development styles each season or directs their team to do so