Technical Design Manager

TECHNICAL DESIGN MANAGER

Madhappy is a Los Angeles-based clothing brand made for a community of optimists, born in 2017. Madhappy uses apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces – including its permanent flagship in West Hollywood – to explore a personal expression as a means to an improved state of mind. Its own seasonal stores – with past and present locations including New York City (Soho), Aspen, Miami, East Hampton, and Tokyo – are each designed to reflect their site, while still sharing the brand’s DNA. The brand currently produces a selection of ever-evolving, evergreen classic styles, seasonally available collections and collaborations. Madhappy supports research and awareness in mental health through The Madhappy Foundation (a 501c(3) non-profit) and writes Local Optimist, a print magazine. Each to celebrate us as works-in-progress, and the personal and collective expression that is a part of that.

About the job

We are looking to hire a full-time Technical Design Manager on our Product Development & Production team. 

In this position, you will be responsible for fit, grading, garment construction across a wide range of domestic and overseas garment dye knits/wovens/sweaters and outerwear categories. This role will report directly to our VP of Product Development & Production.

You must be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

●      Product measurement specification:

 ●      Ovesee the Technical Department by leading all seasonal fittings 

 ●      Provide mentorship to Technical team 

 ●      Collaborating with Design and PD on tech pack hand-offs to help identify reference silhouette and/or fit block for each model and troubleshoot construction details suitable for development

 ●      Support Design team in initial build of Technical Packages

 ●      Create POMs, construction and hand off comments for all programs and coordinate with PD for release with relevant direction, samples and reference garments

 ●      Review and analyze blocks/core fits for consistency

●      Fit approvals:

 ●      Ensure all fit garments and evaluation sheets have been received from factories and measure /evaluate prior to fitting from initial Development through Production

 ●      Schedule and lead live fittings

 ●      Management of fit approval process/comments in accordance with Protos,  Samples, Bulk Fit/PPS, and TOP deadlines

 ●      Maintain consistent and accurate fit comments, grade rules, and tolerances and supply POM sketches and detail grading as appropriate for category at stock approval

 ●      Create diagrams/sketches and pattern corrections as needed to support revisions visually

●      Systems:

 ●      Specification details - create + edit measurement pages and all related pages alongside the other product functions

 ●      Maintain information on Excel/Chart System and share drive with all updates, graded specifications, fit photos, fit notes, technical diagrams, and written comments

 ●      Maintain digital and physical style reference libraries by category

About you

Qualifications

●      Minimum of 10 years experience in technical design function participating in live model fittings

●      Extensive experience with team management Expertise in Garment Dye and Shrinkages required

●      Knits, wovens, and outerwear categories preferred

●      Patternmaking experience required. Draping a plus

●      High level of experience with Grade Rules, Grade charts for domestic and imports

●      High level of computer proficiency: requirement in Microsoft + Google Suite

●      Adobe proficiency (Illustrator + Photoshop) preferred

Characteristics

●      Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a high attention to detail

●      Demonstrates initiative, time management skills and flexibility

●      Excellent communication and follow up skills with ability to work across cultures and collaborate

●      Can thrive in a high volume, high traffic start-up environment

Benefits

●      15 days PTO, and 9 days sick pay annually

●      Paid holidays

●      Health, dental, and vision insurance with 75% premium coverage by Madhappy

●      Retirement plans available$600 quarterly health stipends

●      Employee discount and early access to products

About Madhappy

Learn more about our initiatives including Local Optimist & The Madhappy Foundation below and via Madhappy.com and @Madhappy.

About Local Optimist

Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources — available at any moment.

About The Madhappy Foundation

The Madhappy Foundation™ is non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation™, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.

Learn more here.