Manager of Global Technical Design Standards

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

We are seeking an Apparel expert to drive global Fit and Construction standards for the brand. The Manager of Global Technical Design Standards will serve as a strategic consultant to develop a highly impactful, company-wide fit strategy. This role will proactively identify opportunities to elevate product, upskill talent, and support the brand's vision through long-range planning. Ensure all projects and new concepts align with leadership vision and department initiatives.

As the sole owner of all technical design-related standards, you will apply expert technical skills to independently evolve libraries, tools, processes, and efficiencies.

Strive for consistent consumer satisfaction by driving standardization and consistency across the global teams and vendors. Guide and influence the Technical Design community to ensure products consistently follow brand guidelines.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Owner of all fit standards and libraries across mens, womens, kids, and Asia fit, including block samples, block pattern libraries, standard measurements, grade rules, size charts, size guides, how-to-measure manuals, and POM libraries.
• Independently manage all block patterns in Gerber system: create, maintain, communicate, evolve.
• Establish and own construction guidelines, manuals, and standards.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to align on seasonal intent as it relates to fit and construction.
• Create partnerships with cross-functional team members to develop fit strategies and resolve issues while maintaining deadlines.
• Maintain awareness of new fit or construction trends in the industry and present new seasonal opportunities at the start of each season. Lead competitive analysis and share findings along with recommendations to the cross-functional management team.
• Support teams in resolving complex fit and construction issues while upholding vendor and cross-functional relationships.
• Mentor, coach, train, and develop the technical design team to further advance pattern skills. Support the Technical Design community when faced with unique fit and pattern challenges, offering solutions and pattern guidance.
• Establish seasonal/yearly fit reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Responsible for fit model standards and model talent pool. Work directly with model agencies to identify new talent and maintain documentation for teams to reference.
• Provide sizing guidance for 3rd party and licensed products.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Bachelor's degree in Clothing & Textiles or related major, plus a minimum of 12+ years' experience in Apparel technical design and patternmaking.
• Previous experience independently initiating, owning, and leading large-scale fit projects
• Advanced knowledge related to body growth and posture, grading, global sizing, and construction.
• Proven understanding and practice of Anthropometrics and Body Data Analysis.
• Expert in Pattern software, preferably Gerber, with hands-on experience creating and editing complex People management experience a plus but not required.
• Ability to influence, motivate, coach, and mentor others on different teams.
• patterns for various product types, categories, and fabrications.
• Experience in 3D tools and technologies, such as CLO and Browzwear is a plus but not required
• Eagerness to adopt new processes, tools, and technologies, and ability to use data for analysis and decision-making.
• Strong collaborator, communicator, and advocate.
• Highly creative problem solver, versatile, and forward-thinking.
• Optimistic, self-aware, accepts change, and holds themselves and their teams accountable.

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.