Associate Director of Technical Design & Product Development

The Associate Director of Technical Design & Product Development at ThirdLove is responsible for overseeing the technical design process, coordinating fittings, managing specifications, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely product launches. This role also involves traveling to Asia to work directly with vendors and creating agile processes to improve quality and fit.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and over 7 years of experience in intimates tech design and product development. Familiarity with grading and patternmaking, alongside strong leadership skills, is essential to manage a team effectively and ensure high-quality product outcomes at ThirdLove.

At ThirdLove, the Associate Director of Technical Design & Product Development helps advance our mission by ensuring that all products meet our high standards for fit and quality. By creating inclusive designs that prioritize comfort and empowerment, this role plays a vital part in transforming the lingerie industry.

Significant experience in intimates technical design and product development is critical for this role at ThirdLove. Working directly with vendors on grading and patternmaking will also enhance the effectiveness of product launches and ensure high-quality outcomes.

ThirdLove promotes a collaborative and dynamic work environment, offering opportunities for growth through leadership roles and professional development. The Associate Director of Technical Design & Product Development can also have a direct impact on the company’s innovation and mission, contributing to skill enhancement and career advancement.

When answering this question, explain your previous roles that specifically involved technical design within the intimates category. Highlight your familiarity with fabrics, construction methods, and your experience working with vendors to ensure fit and quality.

Discuss your systematic approach to fittings, including preparation, communication with the vendor, and how you validate size and fit against specifications. Share examples of successful outcomes from previous fittings.

Provide specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with design, merchandising, and production teams. Emphasize your communication skills and the importance of teamwork in bringing products to market effectively.

Mention your strategies for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, and networking with other professionals. Highlight how this knowledge influences your work at ThirdLove.

Share insights into your leadership philosophy, how you motivate your team, and ensure everyone feels valued. Detail a specific instance where your leadership contributed to achieving team goals.

Discuss your planning skills and how you prioritize tasks to ensure timelines are met without sacrificing quality. Share a relevant experience where you successfully delivered a project under a tight deadline.

Explain your method for developing consistent quality standards and how you measure outcomes. Mention the tools or software you use to track and manage quality across different product lines.

Give a detailed account of a scenario where you analyzed product performance data to make insightful adjustments to fit. Focus on the importance of using data-driven decisions to improve quality.

Identify potential challenges, such as managing global suppliers or maintaining quality standards. Share your proactive strategies for navigating these issues, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.

Communicate your alignment with ThirdLove's values and mission. Share what excites you about their approach to inclusivity and comfort in their products and how your skills can contribute to their goals.