ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH ROMMEL JOSE

September 12, 2024

Meet Rommel Jose, Associate Designer at Hudson Jeans Off Price and Joe’s Off Price Ready-to-Wear. In his interview, Rommel shares his role in the product lifecycle and the detail-oriented tools he’s developed to communicate with vendors overseas to create each brand’s garments.

Could you share insights about your role and responsibilities?

As an associate designer, I manage the entire product development process from start to finish. This includes sketching designs, creating tech packs and sending them to vendors, and acting as the liaison between the design team and the vendors.

I am responsible for creating all the tech packs for the women’s Ready-to-Wear lines, including Hudson and Joe’s Off-Price lines. A tech pack is a comprehensive guide for any style we design. It includes all specifications for the garment, such as materials, trims, fabrics, and other details. This package is sent to the factory or vendor, who produces the garment according to these specifications and sketches.

The work is meticulous and detail-oriented, and I utilize the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system at Centric Brands to oversee and manage every aspect efficiently.

What aspect of your day-to-day responsibilities do you find most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect of my day-to-day responsibilities is receiving all the samples in perfect condition. After sending out the tech packs, I follow up with the vendors, communicate the due dates, and ensure everything is on track. The most fulfilling moment is receiving the finished garments exactly as specified. Seeing the final product that meets all our requirements and expectations is incredibly satisfying.

What is a current project you’re working on that is especially exciting for you?

I recently completed Joe’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection, delivered on schedule, and successfully presented to Nordstrom Rack. After the presentation, Centric secured a significant order, which was highly gratifying for me. This accomplishment resulted from diligent follow-up and hard work over the past month. The most rewarding part was receiving such a large order and witnessing the positive results of our efforts.

Describe a time when you went above and beyond to help a colleague.

There was a time when I went above and beyond to assist colleagues from the tech team. Although providing feedback on proto samples wasn’t initially part of my role, I took on the responsibility to help.

The task involved reviewing and commenting on the proto samples that I had designed. This step is crucial for refining the product. My comments focused on adjustments needed for better fit and functionality, which would then be implemented in subsequent samples before moving to production.

By contributing in this way, I helped ensure that the final products met our customers’ expectations regarding sizing and fit, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and satisfaction with the product.