What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders. The challenges are exciting and the possibilities endless – as you contribute your skills in a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture that celebrates you as a valuable member of the team.

The Senior Manager, Technical Design (Kids) leads the technical design function for children’s apparel, ensuring best-in-class fit, safety, quality, and consistency across all kids’ categories (infant, toddler, boys, girls). This role drives fit strategy, manages a team of technical designers, and partners cross-functionally to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate products aligned with brand standards and customer needs. 

Leadership & Team Development 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of kids Technical Designers across categories 

• Set performance goals and provide ongoing coaching and feedback 

• Build team expertise in kids fit, safety requirements, and construction 

• Manage workload, prioritize resources, and ensure deadlines are met 

Kids Fit Strategy & Product Excellence 

• Define and implement fit strategy by age group and category 

• Establish standards for growth allowance, comfort, and mobility 

• Oversee fit sessions to ensure consistency and accuracy 

• Resolve complex fit challenges across size ranges (infants through youth) 

• Maintain and evolve block libraries and grading standards 

Technical Development Oversight 

• Ensure accuracy and consistency of tech packs, including:  

• Points of Measure (POMs) 

• Grading and tolerances 

• Construction details 

• Oversee product lifecycle from proto through production approval 

• Drive improvements in first-time fit approval and sample efficiency 

Kids Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure all products meet child safety regulations, including:  

• CPSIA standards 

• Flammability requirements 

• Small parts and trim safety 

• Partner with QA to maintain compliance standards 

• Establish best practices for safe construction  

Process Improvement & Innovation 

• Drive initiatives to improve:  

• Speed to market 

• Sample iteration reduction 

• Fit consistency 

• Standardized workflows, templates, and best practices 

• Implement and optimize PLM systems and digital tools 

• Champion adoption of 3D design/fit tools (e.g., CLO, Browzwear) 

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with global vendors and factories to ensure execution of kids-specific requirements 

• Collaborate with:  

• Design (aesthetic + functionality alignment) 

• Product Development (cost + feasibility) 

• Sourcing/Production (manufacturing execution) 

• Resolve escalated vendor or quality issues 

Quality & Performance Management 

• Monitor key metrics such as:  

• Fit approval rates 

• Sample cycle time 

• Fit-related returns 

• Identify root causes of quality or fit issues and implement solutions 

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, or related field preferred 
• 8–12 years in technical design 

• 3–5+ years of leadership/people management experience 
• Strong experience in kids’ apparel (infant–youth) required 
• Deep understanding of kids garment construction and fit 

• Expertise in growth allowance, ergonomic fit, and durability requirements 

• Strong patternmaking and grading knowledge 

• Advanced fabric and material knowledge 

• PLM systems (FlexPLM, Centric, etc.) 

• Adobe Illustrator 

In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.

Salary Range: $120,000-$125,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.

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