Robert Walters ★ 4.3

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Technical Design Manager to join a highly respected global apparel brand in Ho Chi Minh. This role offers you the chance to lead a talented team of technical developers, driving excellence in product fit, quality, and construction across multi-source projects.

You will play a pivotal part in shaping the technical direction of the brand's products, working closely with international teams and vendors to ensure every item meets rigorous standards. With a strong focus on collaboration, training, and continuous improvement, this position provides an environment where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth supported. Enjoy generous benefits including paid time off, employee discounts, fitness classes, parenthood support programmes, and ongoing personal and professional development initiatives-all within a culture that celebrates connection, kindness, and joy at work.

• Lead a skilled team of technical developers in Vietnam, ensuring all products meet high standards for fit and quality through collaborative vendor relationships and robust training programmes.
• Work directly with global partners to advance technical knowledge, implement live model fittings, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and product consistency.
• Benefit from a supportive workplace offering paid time off, substantial employee discounts, wellness activities such as yoga classes, parenthood top-up programmes, and comprehensive development opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

What you'll do:

As Technical Design Manager, you will be entrusted with leading a dynamic team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of product fit and quality. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve guiding technical developers through complex sample development processes while fostering strong relationships with vendors. You will champion training initiatives that empower both new hires and external partners to excel in their roles. By collaborating with international colleagues on live model fittings and continuous improvement projects, you will help shape the future of the brand's product offerings. Your ability to manage workloads efficiently, assess quality risks proactively, and support vendor onboarding will be crucial to your success. The role also requires building cross-functional partnerships that drive innovation in sourcing strategies while maintaining meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of garment construction.

• Manage a team of in-region technical developers based in Vietnam to achieve precise technical and quality expectations throughout the product lifecycle.
• Train new team members on established standards and development practices to ensure consistent application across all projects.
• Collaborate closely with international Product Development and Technical Development teams to advance construction and fit standards for the brand.
• Oversee workload distribution among Technical Developers while monitoring vendor performance against key performance indicators.
• Guide sample making processes from initial development stages through manufacturing excellence with finished goods vendors for improved efficiency and cost management.
• Ensure construction and fit consistency across diverse product categories by adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Lead efforts in Quality Risk assessments including product testing, seam construction risk evaluation, and identification of high attention styles requiring special focus.
• Support the onboarding process for new vendors by establishing strong hypercare procedures that facilitate their success in meeting technical requirements.
• Assist regional teams in implementing live model fittings for apparel and accessories to refine product fit standards.
• Build effective cross-functional relationships with sourcing, supply planning, merchandising, costing, and other partners to establish multi-sourcing strategies that optimise production outcomes.

What you bring:

Your proven track record as a Technical Design Manager will be evident through your extensive experience in apparel development environments where precision matters. You possess not only advanced technical skills but also exceptional interpersonal abilities that foster collaboration among team members and external partners alike. Your background includes hands-on involvement with patternmaking tools-both traditional and digital-as well as proficiency in essential software platforms used throughout the industry. You understand how fabric choices impact garment performance; you are adept at evaluating lab test results; you know how construction details affect overall quality. Your approach is grounded in empathy: you communicate honestly yet kindly; you nurture trusting relationships; you create space for others' voices while integrating fun into daily work routines. These qualities make you uniquely suited for this leadership role where nurturing talent is just as important as achieving operational excellence.

• A four-year BA degree focused on Technical Design or Patternmaking-or equivalent relevant experience-demonstrates your foundational expertise in apparel development.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel/Word/Outlook) as well as Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop) enables you to communicate ideas clearly and manage documentation effectively.
• Eight to ten years' minimum industry experience within Technical Design or Patternmaking departments ensures you bring deep practical knowledge to the role.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams equips you with the interpersonal skills needed for coaching, mentoring, and supporting others' growth.
• Familiarity with FlexPLM or similar PLM software allows you to streamline administrative tasks related to product lifecycle management.
• Experience with Gerber Pattern Making or 3D design software (such as CLO or Browzwear) is considered an asset for advanced pattern development work.
• Comprehensive understanding of raw material characteristics-including fabric applications-enables you to make informed decisions about garment engineering needs.
• Knowledge of lab testing requirements ensures products meet stringent quality benchmarks before mass production begins.
• Expertise in garment construction engineering methods-including bonding capability, draping techniques, graphic/dye applications-supports innovative design solutions.
• Substantial knowledge of grading principles along with familiarity with both knitted and woven products (apparel/accessories) rounds out your technical skillset.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to caring for employees holistically-body, mind, spirit-through thoughtfully designed rewards programmes that go far beyond competitive pay. Here you'll find an inclusive culture built on trust, kindness, connection, and genuine joy at work. Employees benefit from paid time off tailored to support wellbeing; generous discounts on premium products; access to fitness classes such as yoga; parenthood top-up schemes that ease transitions during family milestones; plus ongoing personal/professional development opportunities designed to help each individual reach their full potential. The company's values are reflected not only in its products but also in its people-first approach: fostering open communication; encouraging innovation without fear; celebrating achievements together; making every day meaningful through shared purpose. If you're seeking an environment where your contributions matter-and where growth is nurtured-you'll thrive here.

What's next:

If you are ready to take the next step in your career journey by joining a passionate team committed to excellence in technical design management, we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.