Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
PERSONAL NOTES
Timeline
Generic

Lingmei Lin

New York

Summary

Accomplished Director of Technical Design with over 15 years of experience leading technical strategy across children’s (Infant to Big Girl/Boy) and missy/junior apparel categories, spanning woven, knit, sweater, and activewear. Expert in developing brand-right fit systems, scalable tech packs, and grade rules. Skilled in cross-functional leadership, factory communication, and CPSC compliance at major retailers (Gap, Macy’s, Ross Stores, Sears). Proven track record in elevating fit quality, reducing lead times, and supporting high-performing teams.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Technical Design Consultant — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters | Infant to Big Girl/Boy

Gerber Children's Wear
New York
01.2023 - Current
  • Liaison with the artistic design director throughout the entire process, from concept to production, to develop Walmart’s market label business, Modern Moment.
  • Interface with corporate buyers to achieve fit criteria
  • Implement aggressive fit iteration reduction, proceeding via virtual fitting.
  • Direct technical development for lifestyle collections across NB, Infant, Big Girl, and Big Boy.

Sr. Manager of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Active | Women’s & Children’s Apparel

Maisonette
New York
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Developed and implemented a progressive fit strategy inclusive of grade rules and block specs/patterns of multiple sizing from NB to Size 18.
  • Recalibrated technical groundwork & maintained block library of products encompassing all genders, ages & fabrications.
  • Managed all aspects of product development cycle across dual categories (Mummy & Me) from concept to production approval.
  • Addressed fit issues using consumer data and vendor feedback, reducing returns and improving quality.
  • Partnered with sourcing and product development leadership on T&A, establishing milestones and deliverables.

Manager of Technical Design — Women’s Soft Dressing (Wovens & Knits)

Alexia Admor
New York
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Managed technical design for missy/women's woven and knit lines.
  • Successful launch of a new search initiative to secure the brand-appropriate fit model.
  • Revamped workflows—internal and external—leading to faster lead times and improved sample approval efficiency, while preserving brand identity.
  • Conducted fittings, reviewed patterns, and communicated spec adjustments to vendors.

Director of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Activewear | Children’s Apparel

Ross Stores
New York
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Led direct-sourcing technical strategy for children’s private-label lines (Infant to Big Girl/Boy), surpassing domestic benchmarks within 9 months.
  • Defined grade rules and standardized blocks; trained design and QC teams on CPSC and fit best practices.
  • Delivered multiple best-seller seasons through data-driven fit and quality approaches.
  • Enhanced vendor relationships and factory capacity through hands-on development and training.
  • Drove cross-functional team efforts to elevate the technical knowledge of the stakeholders.
  • Conducted in-store audits for fit and quality.
  • Analyzed market fit trends to inform decision-making and strategic planning activities.

Director of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Activewear | Children’s & Men’s Apparel

Sears Holdings
New York
01.2007 - 01.2017
  • Led fit strategy across NB to size 18 in children’s and men’s categories, creating comprehensive block specs and grading systems.
  • Managed seasonal overseas visits to ensure sample accuracy and factory alignment.
  • Built relationships and worked closely with factories, evaluated factory capabilities, upskilled as needed, reviewed products/processes, tracked performance, and made placement recommendations to the production team.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional partners in strategizing and maintaining the product calendar with minimum, but agile, critical path deviations for maximum responsiveness.
  • Drove team growth through talent development, mentoring, and retention strategies.

Manager of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Activewear | Children’s & Men’s Apparel

Macy’s Inc.
New York
01.2003 - 01.2007
  • Elevated brand fit standards for children’s and men’s lines; led pattern review and vendor coordination.
  • Coached a team of technical designers in grading, fit analysis, and best practices for effective communication with Far East vendors.
  • Enhanced sampling efficiency and product sell-through via improved fit and quality practices.
  • Built bench strength by training team members on expanded product categories.
  • Spearheaded the fit form development project and partnered with Alvanon to achieve the most up-to-date and highest industry standards.

Technical Design Manager — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters | Women’s & Children’s

Gap Inc.
New York
01.1998 - 01.2003
  • Directed the technical design team for the women's division while managing the sweater category.
  • Collaborated with global teams to align seasonal development and production time and action.
  • Led corporate projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
  • Trained software improvements to streamline workflows and increase efficiency.
  • Recruited and trained staff members according to their individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • Managed the technical design process by setting timelines, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress.
  • Improved first-sample accuracy and reduced lead time by optimizing vendor communication and training.

Education

B.S. - Marketing & International Trade (I)

Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
New York, NY

A.A.S. - Patternmaking (Summa Cum Laude)

Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
New York, NY

Skills

  • Apparel categories: children's, women's, men's
  • Product categories: tops, bottoms, dresses, activewear, outerwear, swimwear, sleep/lounge wear
  • Product by fabrications: C&S knights, wovens, knit sweaters, denim
  • Technical fit sessions and resolution
  • Patternmaking expertise
  • Tech packs and spec development
  • Fit specifications and automation
  • Block library management
  • Fabric treatments and finishes
  • PLM and 3D software: FlexPLM, Web PDM, CLO 3D
  • Design software proficiency: Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Vendor management
  • Vendor communication and tracking
  • Organizational leadership and coaching
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Calendar (T&A) creation & management

Languages

Mandarin Chinese (Fluent), French (A1 Beginner)

PERSONAL NOTES

Classically trained as a pâtissier in Paris, I bring that same discipline, artistry, and attention to detail to technical design—treating every garment fit as a craft to be perfected.

Timeline

Technical Design Consultant — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters | Infant to Big Girl/Boy

Gerber Children's Wear
01.2023 - Current

Sr. Manager of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Active | Women’s & Children’s Apparel

Maisonette
01.2022 - 01.2023

Manager of Technical Design — Women’s Soft Dressing (Wovens & Knits)

Alexia Admor
01.2021 - 01.2022

Director of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Activewear | Children’s Apparel

Ross Stores
01.2019 - 01.2020

Director of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Activewear | Children’s & Men’s Apparel

Sears Holdings
01.2007 - 01.2017

Manager of Technical Design — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters, Activewear | Children’s & Men’s Apparel

Macy’s Inc.
01.2003 - 01.2007

Technical Design Manager — Wovens, Knits, Sweaters | Women’s & Children’s

Gap Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2003

B.S. - Marketing & International Trade (I)

Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY

A.A.S. - Patternmaking (Summa Cum Laude)

Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Lingmei Lin