Technical Design & Product Development Manager, Apparel & Accessories

We are seeking an experienced Technical Design & Product Development Manager (Apparel & Soft Accessories) as our second key hire for our expanding soft goods team. Reporting directly to the Director of Soft Goods, you’ll establish technical design excellence while growing into product development leadership, translating creative designs into production-ready products.This role begins with 70% technical design focus and 30% product development, evolving toward greater PD responsibilities as our soft goods division and processes mature. The ideal candidate has deep technical design expertise with growing product development experience and a passion for building scalable processes.Every role at Trove Brands is critical to our successful functioning. Your specific responsibilities as a part of Team Trove will include:Technical Design LeadershipCreate comprehensive technical specifications, tech packs, and conduct fit sessions across apparel and soft accessories categoriesEstablish grading standards, size specifications, and quality criteria that scale with company growthLead technical reviews and troubleshoot complex construction, fit and quality issuesBuild technical libraries, documentation systems and training protocols to support future team expansionProduct Development & Process ManagementPartner with suppliers on material research, selection, and testing initiatives for fabric, trim, and hardwareCoordinate sample development processes and support production timeline management with overseas manufacturersCollaborate on costing analysis and recommend technical modifications to meet target marginsEvaluate and approve all production samples with technical authority while supporting vendor relationship management