Wendy Ripley: Director of Technical Design in Modesto, CA
Wendy Ripley
Director of Technical Design
Modesto | United States
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Summary
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Work experience
Innov8 Partners, LLC (Sherpa Adventure Gear, First Tactical, Noble Outfitters, Noble Equestrian)
Director of Technical Design | 07/2019 - Current
• Managed a team of 3 Technical Designers
• Created foundational technical design tools to streamline development including Standard POMs, grading databases and construction standards
• Close collaboration with Product Development & Design leadership to set up department organization including, sales and prototype samples, pattern libraries, lab dips, trim cards and supplier reference materials
• Continual mentorship regarding skill set, team dynamic and effective conflict resolution.
5.11 Tactical
Director of Technical Design & Product Development | 06/2009 - 11/2018
•Managed team of 20 including Technical Designers (US and HK), Product Developers (inclusive of color team) and SampleRoom
•Created technical design tools including Standard POMs, HTM manual, tolerance and grading databases along with significant block libraries and construction standards
•Continual mentorship regarding skill set, team dynamic, effective conflict resolution and factory travel
• Drove functional innovation that was unique, cost effective and production friendly
•Collaborated with Design, Merchandising and Sourcing to create and execute seasonal product calendars
• Established robust testing database including in-house and third-party garment wash and wear testing, fabric and component wash testing and end user wear testing
• Key partner in the development and successful launch of the Consumer-Focused Product currently resulting in 20% of corporate sales
•Supported SMU team with exceptional fit, construction and short turn time to meet regular bid requirements and customer needs
• Worked with Legal to navigate ©, ®, TM infringements; apply for design and functional patents plus NDA and royalty management
• Partnered with Marketing and E-commerce on product features and benefits for all catalogs and E-commerce product uploads
• Provided seasonal product training to Sales, Customer Service and Retail via on-site training, webinars and one-on-one Q&A
Lane Bryant
Director of Technical Design | 11/2005 - 03/2009
• Managed team of 13 Technical Designers and one in-house fit model
• Developed extensive pattern block and construction image libraries, corporate Standard POMs, HTM manual, tolerance and grading databases for both Lane Bryant and Lane Bryant Outlet
• Collaborated on-site with manufacturer to develop state-of-the-art fit forms
• Conducted bi-annual market studies to stay up-to-date on fit, fabric and silhouette trends
• Led team on quarterly store visits to evaluate production and stay in connected with end user
Abercrombie & Fitch
Manager of Denim Technical Design | 07/2003 - 11/2005
• Managed team of six Technical Designers for Abercrombie, Hollister, Ruehl and abercrombie kids Denim departments
• Implemented block patterns to facilitate quick approvals and fit consistency
• Extensive travel to Los Angeles, Mexico, Brazil and Asia to troubleshoot production issues from pattern room to production floor
• Executed annual market studies to stay up-to-date on fit, fabric and silhouette trends
• Conducted an off-site denim seminar for Technical Design, Sourcing and Quality Assurance
• Created a vendor rating database for Sourcing department
Kmart
Senior Technical Designer | 02/1996 - 07/2003
• Managed team of three Technical Designers
• Regularly managed a 300+ sku count for each six yearly seasons
• During tenure worked in every softline department including Ladies, Men's, Kidswear, Fashion Accessories and Home Fashions
• Initiated, developed and implemented an HTM manual with vendors, overseas sourcing offices and headquarters
• Developed and implemented a Technical Design Construction Standards manual
• Created a Technical Design training program that was utilized for all new hires
• Collaborated on-site with manufacturer to develop fit forms
Education history
Michigan State University
BS | 1990 - 1994
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