About the position
Birdy Grey is launching a new LA-based sample room to accelerate innovation, enhance technical development, and drive speed-to-market for our fashion-forward bridesmaid and occasionwear styles. We are seeking a Director of Technical Design to lead this newly created team and sample room operation. This role will be responsible for building, managing, and scaling a cross-functional sample room team, including a Technical Design Manager, Patternmaker, and Sample Maker/Sewer, and will serve as the key technical lead for all in-house prototyping. This individual will work in close collaboration with Design, Merchandising, and PD/Production teams in Los Angeles, as well as our founder, to bring creative concepts to life. In parallel, this leader will also partner closely with our China-based team to ensure all technical documentation, patterns, and product information are effectively transitioned for production and manufacturing at scale. This is a highly strategic and hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment and is passionate about building great teams, flawless fit, and innovative product development processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the LA-based technical design team, including a Manager of Technical Design, Patternmaker, and Sample Maker/Sewer.
- Set up and oversee the daily operations of Birdy Grey’s new LA sample room - ensuring effective cross-functional collaboration, operational efficiency, and creative excellence.
- Serve as a key technical point person in collaboration with our Tech Manager during product development - ensuring fit, construction, and technical accuracy across all styles developed in-house.
- Conduct fittings across prototypes sourced from various locations - including the LA sample room, BG China sample room, and supplier sample rooms - and ensure fast, accurate, and thoughtful fit feedback and comment turnaround.
- Support clear and effective communication with suppliers, including joining calls or visiting supplier sites as needed - especially during onboarding or key development moments - to ensure proper interpretation of fit direction and accelerate development timelines.
- Work with your technical design team to drive standardization of fit and garment construction across our growing global supplier base in collaboration with the PD/Production and BG China teams.
- Continuously improve and evolve our fit process, balancing speed and precision while maintaining brand consistency and product quality.
- Ensure all tech packs and handoff materials are detailed, clear, and production-ready - proactively aligning with the China team and suppliers to validate that instructions meet the level of detail required for accurate execution.
- Review fittings, oversee fit sessions, and guide pattern revisions in collaboration with Design and Tech Design teams.
- Develop and organize technical tools, SOPs, and documentation to ensure efficient knowledge transfer between LA and overseas teams.
- Play a leadership role in driving faster product development cycles and innovation across multiple fabric categories, including chiffon, matte satin, and luxe knit.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives around Fast MOD and future supplier handoffs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Production, or Patternmaking from an accredited fashion school.
- 10+ years of experience in technical design, with deep expertise in formalwear, eveningwear, or bridal - including patternmaking, fit, and garment construction using delicate woven fabrics.
- Proven experience managing and developing technical design teams, including patternmakers and sewers, ideally within a sample room environment.
- Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills - able to effectively partner with Design, Merchandising, PD/Production, and overseas teams.
- Hands-on experience conducting fittings across multiple sample sources (in-house, overseas, and external suppliers), with the ability to deliver clear, accurate, and fast fit comments.
- Passion for fit standardization and continuous improvement; experience driving consistency across a global supplier base.
- Skilled in tech pack development, ensuring all documentation is detailed, clear, and actionable for production teams and factory partners.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve in real-time with suppliers, including willingness to jump on calls or conduct in-person visits as needed to clarify construction methods and accelerate development.
- Highly detail-oriented, process-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional partners and suppliers around fit and quality standards.
- Experience working with global suppliers.
Nice-to-haves
- Familiarity with CLO 3D or other 3D design software is a plus.
- Mandarin speaker.
- Experience working with China-based production teams.
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation: Based on experience and performance + Annual Performance Bonus.
- Healthcare Benefits: 100% employer covered medical dental & vision plans, 50% spouse and dependent medical coverage + access to One Medical + Mental Health Benefits.
- Retirement: 401K + up to 4% match after 3 months.
- Generous PTO: Flexible Open PTO Policy + 11 paid holidays.
- Wellness: A monthly wellness day + monthly wellness stipend + summer Fridays.
- Flexibility: Partial remote with a high level of autonomy and accountability + $25 monthly WIFI stipend.
- Employee Discount: Free bridesmaid dresses + 50% discounts on Birdy Grey products.
- Family Benefits: 3 months of paid parental leave.
