Technical Design Director - Luxury Fashion Brand

Mode Executive is supporting a luxury fashion brand in the search for a Technical Design Director to lead the technical design function, driving innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who can bridge creative vision and technical execution, ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects and product initiatives.

This is a full-time, in-person position based at Milan. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders across Design, Product, Engineering, and Operations teams, taking ownership of technical design strategy while leading and developing a high-performing team.

The Role

• Define and implement the technical design vision and long-term strategy across multiple projects and product categories.
• Partner with Design, Product, Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure concepts are technically feasible, scalable, and commercially viable.
• Lead the development and maintenance of technical design standards, processes, and best practices.
• Oversee the end-to-end execution of projects, ensuring quality, timelines, and performance objectives are achieved.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of technical designers and specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Review and approve technical specifications, prototypes, and implementation plans.
• Identify and introduce new technologies, tools, and methodologies that enhance design and development capabilities.
• Contribute to strategic planning, product roadmaps, and business growth initiatives as a key leadership stakeholder.
• Drive effective communication and collaboration between creative and technical teams.
• Ensure technical solutions align with both business objectives and customer expectations.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior technical design leadership position.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects from concept to execution.
• Strong understanding of technical design principles, development processes, and implementation workflows.
• Experience establishing scalable processes, frameworks, and operational best practices.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with technical feasibility and commercial considerations.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working within fast-paced, collaborative, and evolving environments.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in Design, Engineering, Architecture, Product Development, or a related field.
• Passion for innovation, technical excellence, and team development.