Director, Technical Design

Who We Are

At Rhone, we cultivate a work culture that is empowering and rooted in our core values. We are gritty, approaching challenges with resilience and determination. We are responsible, holding ourselves accountable to each other and the work we do. We strive for excellence, pushing boundaries to deliver our best every day. We remain authentic, embracing honesty, humility, and individuality. And above all, we are team centered, knowing that true success comes from collaboration and shared purpose.

About The Role

As the Director, Technical Design, you will lead the operational execution of Rhone’s Technical Design function across all product categories.  Partnering closely with the VP of Technical Design and Quality,  you will drive scalable processes, technical consistency, commercialization readiness, and cross-functional alignment from concept through production. 

You will build the foundational tools, systems, and talent necessary to achieve scalable, repeatable excellence, maintaining the highest standards of fit, function and construction for both seasonal innovations and core business drivers across a global supply chain.

What You'll Do

Functional Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead the day-to-day execution of the Technical Design function across all apparel categories

• Drive scalable technical design processes, workflows, calendars, and operational rigor to support business growth and commercialization timelines

• Balance team resources and prioritization across seasonal development and core business continuity

Fit, Function & Construction Governance

• Oversee technical execution standards related to fit, grading, garment construction, functionality, and manufacturability

• Serve as a key decision-maker on fit readiness and technical commercialization standards

• Partner cross-functionally to ensure product integrity, consistency, and performance expectations are achieved

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Technical Design team across multiple levels and product categories

• Build organizational capability through training, process documentation, technical education, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Partner with the VP on talent planning, hiring, and organizational development

Vendor & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Drive strong collaboration and accountability across Design, Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and external vendor partners

• Partner with vendors to improve technical execution, construction consistency, and development efficiency

• Facilitate cross-functional decision-making and problem-solving throughout the product lifecycle

Process Modernization

• Support the evolution of digital workflows and 3D capabilities within the Technical Design organization

• Champion process improvements and modernization initiatives that improve speed, accuracy, scalability, and communication across the product creation process

• Troubleshoot and problem solve in a fast-paced environment

What You'll Bring

• 15+ years Technical Design experience on a high functioning apparel team

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

• Proven experience leading Technical Design operations within a premium or performance apparel environment, including scaling processes, teams, and technical workflows in a growing organization

• Demonstrated success building scalable technical design infrastructure, operational processes, and team capability within a fast-paced product organization

• Expertise in managing complex development calendars and balancing competing priorities

• Strong operational mindset with the ability to balance technical excellence, commercialization timelines, and cross-functional business needs

• Ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, highly collaborative product creation environment

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

• 15+ years Technical Design experience on a high functioning apparel team

• Established time management and organization skills with a high degree of attention to detail

• Ability to maintain a high level of enthusiasm, motivation and a positive attitude in a high pressure, fast paced environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization

• Capability to build strong partnerships and to work collaboratively to achieve goals including resolving conflict to get to a decision

• Ability to travel globally and participate in weekly AM/ PM calls to Suppliers

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation

• Health, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits

• 401(k) with company incentive savings plan

• 10 company holidays annually

• Discretionary time off policy

• Career growth and advancement opportunities

• Clothing discount plus semi-annual gift card allotment

Other Details

Job Type: Full Time

Reports to:  VP, Technical Services and Quality

Location: Onsite - Based in Stamford, CT 

Our Commitment

Rhone Apparel, Inc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.

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