Technical Design Manager

Brighter Futures Start Here
As Australia and New Zealand's biggest and most loved retailer, we've been brightening up everyday life for families for over 50 years. At our stores, distribution centres, and offices in Australia and New Zealand. All around the globe. Our diverse and inclusive 47,000 strong team come together for a common cause. Giving families easy access to our on-trend products and incredibly low prices - it's the heart of everything we do.
As a leader in the retail market, we're optimistic about our future and yours. We're relentless in our pursuit for results, but changing at a rapid rate, giving you challenging work that you'll be proud of. We celebrate your uniqueness and individuality. Because at Kmart it's not just what you do, it's who you are that makes every day living brighter.
Join the team
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Design Manager to join our Merchandise Team! The primary purpose of this role will be to Manage the Technical Design team, that support the Apparel merchandising & Design departments in the execution of complex product which is fit for purpose, safe and compliant to Australian standard and guidelines.
The Technical Design Manager will be responsible for supporting Technical Design teams, Product Technology Developers in conjunction with Buying & Design.This role will also oversee quality standards and be responsible to train Product Tech Developers and Technical Designers, to ensure that similar standards are followed across. This position would also be a connection between buying/Design and technology teams in Melbourne and Asia.
Responsible for delivering a high standard of development and production data packages across technology, within required timelines and also be responsible to maintain similar quality through the Product Tech developers in sourcing regions to ensure a high level of right first-time product is achieved. Role will be required to work autonomously using initiative, highly organised and demonstrate accuracy, as well as demonstrated a high standards communication and collaboration within the quality, design, product technology and all merchandising functions.
What you'll be doing
As a Technical Design Manager working for Kmart you will:
Primary Function Department

• Would be managing the Technical Designers and responsible for maintaining standards across all Departments and training across TDs and PTDs on Dept. standards.
• Management of technical development process with Design and buying through Sign off fittings and 3D reviews.
• Owner of Block Library and responsible for maintenance and adherence of Block and construction libraries.
• Provide support or consult with all Designers/buyers on support as Technical Design Manager.
• Be involved in Buyer meetings to take away key updates applicable to quality and be the link between Quality and Buying/Design.
• Local Supplier process management and dealing with escalations.
• Maintain and report data related to all KPIs.
• Be well versed on Compliance related to all Dept. and support on any required information.
• Do Store audits to do random checks. and issue report of findings.
• Do regular Tech pack audits on Technical Designers and Product Technologist Developers.
• Deal with customer complaints and production related issues in Melbourne.

Primary Function Product

• Support TD and PTD Teams to have a seamless data package making across all styles briefed by Buying or design to suit Kmart customer and business strategy.
• Provide Technical support where required, to ensure all products are fit for purpose, compliant and best quality , across 3D and for all their Departments. Collaborate with buying & Design on 3D and Complex Design to support them on data packages and sign off meetings.

To be successful in this role you'll have:
We're looking for an experienced manager with an analytical point of view who will bring an agile & practical mind-set as well as a passion for all things Retail! You love sharing your technical expertise within apparel, customers are always front of mind and building and managing relationships with a variety of key stakeholders is one of your strengths.
This role requires a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in the product technology sector within a retail head office environment with a supplier manufacturing background will be considered. Previous experience of managing your own product area and team.
We'd also love you to have:

• Adobe Illustrator / CAD system, PLM - DSS - CBX or Equivalent
• Strong Technical Fit capabilities
• Pattern Making/Grading /Garment Engineering / 3D software knowledge is preferable.
• Microsoft Office Suite & Drop Box
• Knowledge & experience of manufacturing in a factory environment end to end
• Pattern Making - Manual - Computerised and Grading - Manual - computerised.
• Understanding of Production Manufacture & End to End Process
• Sampling management / 3D software knowledge preferable
• Quality Control or Quality Assurance Officer
• Technical CAD drawing,Pattern Engineering & Fabric Testing requirements

Benefits we'll offer you

• Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
• A team member discount card that gives you a discount at Kmart and Bunnings
• Access to the Kmart for You benefits program which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health - with over 60 suppliers!
• We want you to feel rewarded for your commitment and hard work that's why everyone gets the opportunity to participate in a bonus program
• We offer inclusive parental leave, and ongoing support offered though our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances
• A dynamic learning and support program
• Opportunity to fast track your career through our Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor
• A Kudos recognition program, where you are nominated by your peers to spin a wheel, to win a stack of cool prizes
• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group

We're here to make everyday living brighter
From humble beginnings in Burwood East, Victoria, in 1969, we're now an essential part of 300 communities, and proud of it! From bedding to apparel to kitchenware and beyond. We're designing and creating the products people reach for every day. In-store, online, or Click & Collect - getting the products we love into the hands of happy customers is what we aim to do best. From the remote outback to coastal towns and big cities, and everywhere in-between. We're progressive in our pursuit to create seamless customer journeys for satisfied shoppers.
A place you can belong
At Kmart, we celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate and are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe irrespective of your gender, ethnicity, indigeneity, religious beliefs, education, age, disability, family responsibilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and we encourage applications from all candidates.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be their best, when applying for a role or working at Kmart. We encourage you to tell us about any workplace adjustments that you would like, by emailing
If you would like to explore a career with Kmart and this sounds like the perfect role for you - apply now!
We are a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.