Head of Apparel Development

In short

The Head of Apparel Development is a pivotal leader within the product creation pod, encompassing Design, Product Management, and Development. This role requires a deep commitment to product excellence, with a strong focus on the technical craft of apparel, including garment engineering, pattern making, and fit. The ideal candidate will not only lead long-term development strategy but also bring hands-on expertise to ensure the highest standards in garment construction, apparel innovation, and product buy-readiness. This role is crucial for driving game-changing innovation and building cohesive teams that excel in technical product development.

Your Mission

• Lead and Execute Technical Excellence: Co-create and execute a long-term apparel development vision and strategy that prioritizes product craftsmanship, ensuring technical excellence in garment construction, pattern making, and fit excellence. This vision should push the needle in terms of both innovation and technical precision.
• Hands-on Technical Leadership: Actively engage in the technical development process, from the concept stage through to manufacturing readiness. This includes attending fit sessions, pattern reviews, and material selections, ensuring that the end product meets the highest standards of quality, fit, and function.
• Champion Apparel Engineering: Collaborate with the Apparel Engineering Lead to drive fit, sizing, and construction initiatives, ensuring a coherent and superior consumer experience across all apparel categories.
• Advanced Garment Technology: Stay at the forefront of the latest garment technologies, processes, workflows, equipment, and software. Implement these innovations to maintain and advance the company's cutting-edge position in the market.
• Product Quality: Work closely with the Head of Apparel Product Integrity and the Testing Lead to ensure all apparel products meet rigorous quality, garment, and wear testing standards. Engage directly with global suppliers to explore and introduce new technologies and materials that elevate product outlook.
• Product Development Leadership: Represent product development within the product creation pod, driving both innovation, technical and PLM accuracy in every product. Ensure a seamless coordination of cross-functional alignment pertaining to creation calendar deliverables (milestones and timelines) across inline, in-season, brand collaboration, and innovation projects.
• Team Leadership with Technical Focus: Lead, mentor, and develop the apparel development team with a focus on technical skill-building. Empower your team to excel in craftsmanship while fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and refine development processes, with a particular focus on technical accuracy, efficiency, workmanship, buy-readiness, and cost engineering. Set clear guidelines and lean processes to improve the team's technical capabilities and speed to market, while ensuring the highest product quality.
• Supplier Innovation: Build and maintain strong relationships with global T1 suppliers, with a focus on introducing new garment manufacturing technologies that enhance the product's aesthetic, performance, and technical attributes.