Technical Development Manager

Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc•Portland, OR

About The Position

Pendleton has been woven in the West since 1863. Built on a legacy of craft, quality, and authenticity, our products are known for their timeless design and enduring stories. The Technical Development Manager plays a critical role in bringing that legacy to life by leading the technical development process that transforms seasonal concepts into beautifully crafted, production-ready products. This role partners closely with Design, Product Management, Costing, Sourcing, and global manufacturing teams to ensure each garment reflects Pendleton’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, fit, and timeless design. In addition to leading a team of Product and Technical Developers, you will drive technical excellence through fit consistency, construction standards, process improvements, and strong cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Technical Design, Product Development, Patternmaking, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
8+ years of technical development or technical design experience, including leadership responsibilities.
Deep knowledge of apparel fit, patternmaking, grading, garment construction, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
Proven ability to lead teams, mentor others, and manage multiple development calendars and priorities.
Strong understanding of apparel product commercialization from concept through production.
Experience working with PLM systems and technical documentation.
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to balance design intent, product quality, manufacturability, cost, and timeline.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and global manufacturing partners.
Growth mindset with a passion for continuous learning, process improvement, and developing others.
Appreciation for Pendleton's heritage, craftsmanship, and commitment to creating enduring products of exceptional quality.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of 3D product development tools (CLO or Browzwear is preferred).

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of Product and Technical Developers while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
Plan and manage seasonal workload and resource allocation across the team tracking to Seasonal Development Calendars.
Partner with Design and Product Management to translate design intent into commercially viable products while preserving Pendleton's heritage of quality and craftsmanship.
Drive consistency in fit, construction, and garment engineering through detailed fit analysis, pattern corrections, technical communication, and block utilization.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners to establish and maintain fit standards, grading guidelines, construction standards, and block libraries across product categories.
Ensure accuracy and completeness by team of all technical packages, measurement specifications, Bills of Materials, construction details, grading, and product documentation within PLM.
Attend fit sessions to support the team, providing clear technical direction and partnering with vendors to resolve fit and construction challenges.
Oversee the progression of styles from prototype through commercialization, ensuring products are production-ready and approved on schedule.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, improve technical standards, and enhance cross-functional collaboration.
Champion the adoption of digital tools and emerging technologies that improve development efficiency, consistency, and communication.
Lead a team of Product Developers and Technical Developers responsible for bringing seasonal product concepts to life—from design handoff through production readiness.
Partner closely with Design, Product Management, Costing, and Sourcing to ensure every garment reflects Pendleton's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, fit, and timeless design.
Oversee the execution of technical development across your category, ensuring products meet aesthetic, performance, quality, cost, and manufacturing objectives while maintaining consistency with Pendleton's fit standards and construction expectations.
Coach and develop your team, drive process improvements, establish technical standards, and build strong partnerships across internal teams and global manufacturing partners.