EXPRESS Technical Designer Manager (Columbus, OH)

Express (NYSE: EXPR) is the sixth largest specialty retailer of women's and men's apparel in the United States. The Company has 30 years of experience offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality for multiple lifestyle occasions at an attractive value. Express operates more than 560 retail outlets in high-traffic shopping malls, lifestyle centers and street locations across the United States.

Role Statement:

The Technical Services Manager is accountable for overseeing the technical group. Closely partners with all cross functional teams and global partners. Ensures team is following consistent processes in keeping with Express standards while maintaining development and production timelines. Strategically plans and executes to technical initiatives.

Essential Tasks:

1. Oversee Technical Designers in maintaining fit and aesthetic standards.

2. Ensure garment and trim lab testing results are compliant with Express standards.

3. Oversees and ensures status of all development and production styles.

4. Establish and implement best practices for product category.

5. Partners closely with the Pre-Production and Production teams to ensure all deadlines are met.

6. Coordinates and strategizes with New York Product Development (NYPD) and Merchant teams to determine critical development needs.

7. Supports team at weekly production and “product team workshop” (PTW) meetings to gain cross functional alignment.

8. Attends the milestone meetings.

9. Communicates Express initiatives to team.

10. Coach and mentor direct reports.

11. Oversees the daily activities of direct reports.

12. Strategically distort technical efforts to Top 30/Key Items/Best At/Win at product categories.

13. Provide technical input to support company CFI’s.

14. Lead in department special projects and initiatives.

15. Continuous prioritization of workload and tasks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Ability to lead a team.

· Ability to interact with cross functional leadership.

· Thorough understanding of garment fitting, construction and patternmaking.

· A trained eye for proportion and balance as well as aesthetic detail.

· Factory assessment/onboarding

· Ability to research and resolve quality issues.

· Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to multitask.

· Product risk assessment skills.

· Problem solving and resolution oriented.

· Ability to lead thru clear and consistent actions.

· Ability to influence in a cross functional team environment.

· Ability to self manage/work independently.

· Coaching and mentoring skills for direct reports and cross functional partners.

· Proficiency in computer skills:

- Web PDM

- Micrografx

- Outlook

- Excel

- Word

Work Experience and Education:

· 10+ years technical design experience in the garment industry.

· College degree or equivalent work experience.

Special Physical Requirements:

· Light lifting.

· Ability to lift mannequin form when evaluating proper fit.

· Occasional transporting of samples.

· Domestic and international travel as needed.

An equal opportunity employer, Express, LLC does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. Express, LLC only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

Posted by Kris Iringan