Vice President Technical Design

About PHOENIX 
PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide.
 
About Express
Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app.
 
About Bonobos
Our Bonobos menswear brand is known for being a style instigator and offering perfect-fit risks through our innovative retail model and personalized experience. Launched online in 2007 with its signature line of chinos, Bonobos now offers a variety of styles available to order online and to try on at any one of our 50 Guideshop locations and at www.bonobos.com. Our Guideshops are in-real-life stores that deliver one-on-one service and expert fit advice. Don't think traditional retail, Bonobos is something you haven't seen before.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Vice President of Technical Design leads the Technical Design Team for Phoenix (Express and Bonobos brands). This role is responsible for translating the creative vision of the design team into technical designs that can be produced by the factory to meet quality and fit specifications. The VP partners with Design, Product Development, Merchants, and Vendors to take responsibility for the technical development of styles and the application of all quality standards relating to fit and construction. They maintain garment consistency, quality, and fit integrity across all bulk production by communicating risks and opportunities during development and production. Additionally, the VP maintains and drives global standards for garment fit and execution across all vendors and regions, drives efficiency into the seasonal execution of product, and ensures consistent training across the vendor base to improve product fit and vendor calibration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and evolve a Tech Design strategy; operations, methods and measures of effectiveness 
• Manage the development and production of seasonal collections, chase product, and test orders.
• Collaborate cross functionally and globally in efforts to deliver on metrics while protecting brand DNA.
• Ensure that all products are developed in a manner consistent with established fit and comfort quality, performance, standards, manufacturer capabilities and cost specifications.
• Identify risks and work to rectify any problematic construction, fabrics or trims, collaborating with cross functional teams, early in the fit development process.
• Lead and manage fit process.
• Develop and maintain blocks for a more consistent fit and quicker product development timeline
• Drive calendar adherence and escalate exceptions or issues to the development calendar
• Identify internal/technical trim needs and request, track, and provide feedback on internal/technical trim submits
• Review tools and processes for continuous improvement opportunities, increased productivity and best practices within Technical Design
• Ensure engagement of the team through collaboration, training opportunities, and team development 
• Foster open communication and team environment with all Business Partners; receives constructive feedback professionally.
• Hold self and others accountable for work commitments and outcomes.
• Participate & lead departmental and cross-functional meetings as appropriate.
• Select, develop, and retain Associates especially focused on developing bench talent
• Mentor, coach and counsel direct reports to be accountable to performance expectations
• Travel to Ohio office as well as international vendors/factories to work with technical teams to troubleshoot, educate and understand factory capabilities.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, Patternmaking or equivalent work experience
• 20+ years in apparel technical design with 15+ years at a leadership level 
• Expertise in patternmaking including grading, construction and fit for multiple or complex product
• Specialist in fit / knowledge of construction standards and manufacturing methods
• Extensive experience in driving process improvements in all areas of responsibility

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to interface regularly with senior/executive leadership
• Organizational skills and ability to multi task
• Ability to proactively troubleshoot and problem solve
• Overseas travel experience, knowledge and flexibility.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in computer pattern programs, computer spec writing programs such as Gerber, PLM, Adobe Illustrator, Google Suite 

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

PHOENIX offers a range of benefits to help protect full-time associate’s health and long-term financial security including: 

• Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage 
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match 
• Merchandise discount 
• Paid Time Off 
• Parental leave for new moms and dads 

For part-time associates, PHOENIX is partnering with LIG Solutions to help associates obtain individual insurance coverage that best fits their needs and budget, including major medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance, life Insurance and more.

Additionally, part-time associates may be eligible to receive paid sick leave, public health emergency leave and to participate in the 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match. 

Part-time associates are also eligible to receive an Express merchandise discount, participate in our Learn & Earn incentive program, and choose voluntary benefits through YouDecide.

Actual compensation offered is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, work location, education, relevant skills and experience of the candidate.

If you would like to know more about the California Consumer Privacy Act click here.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. PHOENIX does not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.

An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Notification to Agencies: Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.