Job Description

Director of Technical Design

This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at our Cypress, CA location, and remote work on Monday and Friday.

WE ARE SPEEDO

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water. The brand's heritage of innovation derives from its leadership in competitive swimming, where more Olympic Gold Medals have been won in Speedo than any other brand. Unmatched in performance, fit and feel, we are also America’s #1 goggle brand.

From the first splash, to every stroke, the genuine love and excitement we have working with the water is what creates exciting and meaningful relationships.

Speedo is not where we work, but is who we are.

It’s watching a baby in the pool for the first time or our athletes make history. What we do is sacred to us and our connection to the rest of water lovers around the world. Driven by the challenge, not the glory. At Speedo, it is never enough to be good at what you do; you have to love what you do.

Speedo is a part of the Pentland Brands Limited Family.

We are Pentland Brands, a global family business bringing some of the most loved active and footwear brands to millions of people around the world.

We own Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, Mitre, ellesse, Red or Dead and we’re the UK licensee for Kickers and have a joint venture partnership for Lacoste footwear. Our products are available in over 190 countries and are sold either directly by Group companies or are represented by licensees and distributors.

All our brands have their own unique identities and every one of them is powered by Pentland. We have more than 1,200 employees worldwide and we’re always on the lookout for talented, enthusiastic people to help shape our future.

We celebrate differences and give everyone the freedom to innovate and develop, be it through creative working environments or learning opportunities. Our brands are there in the moments that matter - being there for more people, in more of those moments, drives everything we do.

At Pentland, we’re guided by four principles, we use these to make sure we’re not only doing a great job, but we’re doing it in the right way:

• Success is a team game
• With clarity and courage
• Better as standard
• In good conscience

We believe in building brands for the world to love, generation after generation. Your potential is our potential and together we can build and grow brands that last.

KEY PURPOSE:

The Director of Technical Design role is responsible for overseeing the entire technical design process, from concept to production, ensuring fit, construction, and performance standards are met while driving efficiency and collaboration across design, merchandising, and manufacturing teams. This person will lead the technical design team in delivering innovative, high-quality apparel products that align with the company’s brand vision and market demands. This role is pivotal in spearheading the company’s transition to 3D design and patternmaking, driving a paradigm shift from traditional methods to cutting-edge digital processes. The successful candidate will champion this transformation, ensuring the team adopts and excels in 3D technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability while maintaining fit and performance standards. As a strategic leader, the Director will collaborate across departments to integrate these advancements into the product lifecycle, positioning the company as an industry leader in technical innovation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and inspire a team of technical designers, fostering a forward-thinking culture that embraces 3D design and patternmaking as a core competency.
• Develop training programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure the team masters 3D tools and workflows, driving adoption and proficiency.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and ensure professional development opportunities for the team.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define technical design strategies that support the company’s product roadmap and business objectives.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.

Transition to 3D Design & Patternmaking:

• Oversee the implementation of 3D design software (e.g., CLO, Browzwear, Optitex) and digital patternmaking processes across all apparel categories within the technical design departments.
• Lead the development of a robust 3D workflow, from virtual prototyping to production-ready digital assets, reducing reliance on physical samples and accelerating time-to-market.
• Champion the benefits of 3D technology—such as cost savings, sustainability, and enhanced design iteration—to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Technical Design Oversight:

• Direct the creation of technical packages, ensuring specifications, construction details, and grading align with both traditional and 3D methodologies, ensuring they meet technical requirements and standards.
• Establish and maintain consistent fit and quality standards, leveraging 3D simulations and physical fittings to refine designs before physical production.
• Evaluate virtual and physical prototypes, providing expert guidance to optimize fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Anticipate and resolve technical, fit, and quality issues during pre-production and production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to translate creative concepts into technically feasible, cost-effective designs.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Production teams to streamline processes, resolve manufacturing challenges, and ensure on-time delivery of products.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams and external vendors to maintain clear communication and alignment on technical requirements.

Innovation & Process Improvement:

• Drive the adoption of new technologies, tools, and methodologies (e.g., 3D design software) to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the technical design process.
• Identify opportunities to optimize fit, reduce costs, and improve sustainability without compromising quality or brand integrity.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, materials, and construction techniques to keep the company competitive in the market .

Quality Assurance:

• Establish and enforce quality control standards, conducting fit sessions and wear tests to validate product performance and customer satisfaction
• Address complex technical challenges, balancing innovation with practicality to deliver market-ready solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience in Technical Design.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in technical design within the apparel industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and leading 3D design and patternmaking initiatives in an apparel setting.
• Expertise across multiple apparel categories (e.g., activewear, outerwear, casual, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading, and fit analysis, with a strong emphasis on 3D applications.
• Proficiency in 3D design software (e.g., CLO, Browzwear) and traditional tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, PLM systems).
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven ability to drive change management and inspire teams through technological transitions.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, adaptable to both creative and technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to advocate for and educate others on the value of 3D design adoption.
• Experience with global sourcing and integrating 3D workflows with international manufacturers preferred.
• Background in sustainable design practices enhanced by digital tools preferred.
• Ability to participate in fit sessions which may require standing for extended periods and handling garment samples.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities or vendor sites may be required.

Pay Range: $140K - $160K annually

Base pay is a portion of our total compensation package and determined within a range that allows growth and development within your role. Your base pay will be determined based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Speedo and Pentland Brands are an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment on the basis of their individual capabilities and qualifications, consistent with applicable law and without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. In addition to complying with all applicable laws, we have a strong corporate commitment to inclusion, diversity and to ensuring that all current and future associates are compensated solely on job-related factors such as skill, ability, educational background, work quality, experience and potential. To achieve these goals, applicants are asked not to disclose salary history information.

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