Manager - Product Development And Technical Design

About Us

Founded in 2016, 1836 Total Commerce is more than just a consumer goods e-commerce company. Leveraging strategic manufacturing processes, we deliver top-tier, comfortable, and essential apparel to millions of consumers worldwide. 

Our journey began seven years ago with a straightforward but bold idea - to create a brand that seamlessly blends fashion, quality, and affordability. Today, that idea has blossomed into two successful brands, Thermajane and Thermajohn, that have become household names in the apparel sector. Our triumph is a shared victory, brought to life by our loyal customers and our exceptional, dedicated team.

At 1836 Total Commerce, we are driven by ambition, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset. Every member of our team plays a crucial role in achieving our goals, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to push the boundaries of what's possible in our industry.

We pride ourselves on being more than just a company – we're a family. Many of our team members have been with us since the early days, a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where people feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe in nurturing talent, offering significant growth opportunities, and cultivating a culture where everyone can thrive and excel.

Join us on our journey as we continue to shape the world of e-commerce and fashion, one garment at a time, with Thermajane and Thermajohn.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Product Development and Technical Design Manager for our Men’s, Women’s and Childrens basic business. This role will own and manage Product Development and Technical Design process in the Development and commercialization of all products and brands for 1836 Total Commerce. The candidate will work closely with Design, Merchandise planning and Production to develop high quality apparel that reflects our product strategy and brand vision.  

This leader actively monitors development calendars to hit deadlines and key deliverables. They make key decisions which ensure that product goals and quality standards are met. Drive innovation by meeting regularly with suppliers while creating a culture where people are encouraged to explore ideas and take risks. The ideal candidate is passionate, responsible, takes accountability, detail oriented, hardworking, trouble shooter and is able to pivot in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is able to work well within a team environment and is a self-motivator who can work independently. This position will report to the Vice President, Merchandising and Product Development. 

The salary baseline range will be as follows: $110,000 - $130,000.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all Product Development and Technical Design deliverables for product and packaging 
• Creates and manages development time and action calendar.
• Tech Pack Creation and Maintenance 
  • Improve and create tech pack template that identify the item name, style number, sketch, raw materials, construction details and status 
    • Sample requests 
    • Approval process for color and quality
• Fabric Development 
  • Improve or create a fabric identification system that identifies item name, number, content, construction, weight, care, and status.
    • Approval process for color and quality 
• Trim Development 
  • Create a sequential system and language for fabric sourcing and approval, including quality construction and lab-dip / color approval.  
  • Improve or create a trim identification system that identifies item name, number, content, construction weight and status.
    • Approval process for color and quality 
• Sample Development  
  • Create sequential system and language for sending tech packs and comments to factories throughout the development process from Proto (prototype sample) to TOP (top of production sample)  
    • Approval process styling and appearance 
• Tech Design
  • Fit & Construction 
  • Create system and standardized language for sending fit and construction comments to factories for samples and bulk 
    • Maintain a clear, accurate up to date record of comments, approvals, and grades to be used as production standard. 
    • Create specs
    • Proto sample review 
    • 2nd sample/ Sales sample review and approval 
    • PP (Pre-production sample) sample review and approval 
    • TOP sample review and approval
    • Approval process for fit, spec, and construction 
• Pre-Production
  • Time in Action Calendar 
    • Establish a timeline taking into account specific lead times for all components to ensure all deadlines are met.
    • Create system and standardized language for sending fit and construction comments to factories for samples and bulk.
      • Establish fit approval process / tracking system.
      • Establish acceptable tolerance.
      • Sampling to pre-production 
      • Develop packing and labeling SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) 
• Ensure all development deadlines are met on time and are aligned with production, quality and product goals.
• Engineer and implement effective, optimized processes for line development across the categories.
• Work closely with production for sourcing new fabrics, techniques, technology, trims, labels, processes to keep our products performance with the latest trends.
• Develop the line with third party resources including but not limited to requesting samples, advising on all deadlines and Technical questions, processing sample submits for comments, and preparing sales and marketing sample needs.
• Support the first cost process including but not limited to the submission and cataloging of cost request forms, maintaining first cost margin work sheets, and running first cost margin scenarios.
• Create, update, and ensure that the tech-packs going out to vendors for development are clear, complete, and timely.
• Manage Technical Design ensuring best in class fit and construction.
• Communicate daily with factories to ensure the on-time delivery and quality of prototypes. 
• Facilitate opportunities to re-engineer product construction while maintaining quality, performance characteristics and design intent
• Manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis and take on additional Product Development process related projects.

Qualifications

• 10 years' minimum experience in Product Development andTechnical Design of apparel, 
• Must possess excellent communication, organizational, planning, and managerial skills.
• Extensive knowledge of fit, fabric, garment construction, trims, and applications as well as packaging materials, finishes and treatments. 
• Ability to pivot and be adaptable while consistently delivering under pressure in a fast-paced environment. 
• A resourceful, can-do attitude that thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in working with PLM systems. 
• Preference for candidates fluent in Microsoft Excel 
• Ability to travel overseas 1-2 times a year.

Contact Us to Apply

Please send all inquiries and resumes to hr@1836totalcommerce.com