Technical Design Director, Wilson Sportswear-Technical Apparel - Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Overview

Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. And these are the qualities that our global team embodies every day as we pursue one shared bold mission: to ignite the true potential in every athlete.

We know that great people are what makes our brand great. We know that teams who bring a variety of skill sets, experiences and perspectives to challenge the status quo and create game-changing product means we are doing right by the athletes and coaches we serve. And that’s why we work with each member of our team to help them dream, discover, grow and realize their own full potential.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players is no small task. We are continually looking to add hard-working, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference —and who love to help others win. Join us.

What You'll Do

Wilson Sportswear is a new division of Wilson Sporting Goods, the number one equipment brand in the sporting goods industry, with a mission to create beautiful, functional, technical and lifestyle apparel for young athletic men and women. The Technical Design Director – Technical Apparel, will strategically lead our Technical team in their development of sportswear that empowers our customers to live like an athlete.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Is accountable for managing technical design for all product designed globally, will lead a global team based in the US and China
• Own the lifecycle through initial first proto style set up with specs to vendor through to final approval.
• Responsible for owning the lifecycle per style (fit/construction) from start to finish.
• Leads the team in creating specs for all styles in PLM based off designs sketches or samples
• Prepares and leads all fittings
• Resolves and communicates fit and construction issues internally with all teams, and externally with vendors within production timelines and in a professional manner
• Establishes and maintains fit and construction standards. Manages all blocks to ensure brand consistency and quality
• Works with the team to improve fit and quality through review of customers comments, sales feedback, and understanding competition
• Understands how to read and correct patterns and teaches the team how to leverage that knowledge to create the best outcomes
• Can execute pattern/spec grading for all product categories across men’s and women’s categories and teach others to do so as well
• Is a team player, able to work closely with other team members to help manage overall workload for the department in addition to managing their own workload
• Is a strong leader and helps mentor and guide other designers on the team. Vision and goal focused.
• Responsible for managing and hitting all deadlines and communicating any issues
• Able to communicate clear ideas and know who the customer is through research and shopping. Must be able to analyze market trends and apply to specific categories
• Organized, amazing with time management and attention to detail
• Able to function in a fast-paced work environment that is growing and evolving rapidly.
• Can lead performance-based design team to create solution based collections – solve for the athlete

What We're Looking For

This role requires a 4-year design focused degree and 12+ years of apparel technical design experience and 3+ years leading high functioning tech design teams plus at least 3 years in technical athletic apparel. The ideal candidate would have worked for a major active brand.

Additional responsibilites will include:

• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proficient on Mac platform
• Must be able to work proficiently in Adobe Illustrator
• Photoshop and InDesign are a plus
• Knowledge of PLM systems and how to use them
• Expert knowledge of echnical apparel design and garment construction
• Expert knowledge of performance fabric and trims
• Proficient in seamless, sweater knits and wash development is a plus
• Experience with performance apparel is required
• Strong leadership skills and can also take direction
• Must have strong presentation skills
• Must have examples of work and portfolio to be considered
• Will report to VP of Design
• Will manage Technical Designers

Compensation:  $190K-200K + 20% bonus opportunity

What We’ll Provide

Los Angeles, like Wilson Sportswear, is at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture. Join us on this exciting adventure. We offer an open, collaborative, work environment with best-in-class amenities and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteering programs
• Team building outings
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• Smart casual dress (yes, jeans every day!)
• Summer hours
• Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
• Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.