Nichole Konkolewski

Available to hire

Hi, I'm Nichole Konkolewski, a director-level apparel product leader with 20+ years of experience shaping category strategy, line architecture, and end-to-end product creation.

About

Hi, I’m Nichole Konkolewski, a director-level apparel product leader with 20+ years of experience shaping category strategy, line architecture, and end-to-end product creation.

I blend deep technical design and fit expertise with business acumen, cost targets, and calendar ownership to move product from concept to consumer on time and at margin. I partner with global factories and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, on-brand apparel that performs.

  • Joined October 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Consumer Goods
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Wholesale & Distribution
  • Other

More experts in Columbus, United States

Projects · 1

T-Shirt Tech Pack

Tech pack development for apparel categories including hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, henleys, joggers, tank tops, leggings, and sweatpants. Each tech pack includes:  • Design consultation and review of reference materials  • Technical sketches with up to two rounds of revisions  • Bill of Materials (BOM)  • Construction details and stitch callouts  • Colorways page (client to provide Pantones or color references)  • Branding, print, or embroidery pages (client to provide design files or I can use placeholders)  • POM diagram and spec measurements for one sample size  • Sample evaluation chart Please note: Tech packs are created for one sample size only. For accurate measurements, a sample or inspiration garment is required. Without a sample, approximate measurements will be used based on comparable market products. Pricing for denim, outerwear, or accessories varies by complexity. Contact me for a custom quote.

  • T-Shirt Designer

Work experience· 7 roles

Director of Product Development & Technical Design · Rural King (Private Label)Feb 2025 – Oct 2025 · 9 mos

Partnered with a single buyer to manage a $48M private label apparel program, overseeing design, line planning, sourcing, vendor relations, and fit integrity across men’s, women’s, and kids’ categories. Created customer-focused sizing and grading adopted across manufacturers. Led full line planning and seasonal buys for buyer approval, ensuring alignment with margin, market, and delivery goals. Directed proto through TOP fit reviews, delivering construction feedback that improved vendor accuracy and reduced revisions. Implemented Rechain PLM tools and workflows that streamlined sample approvals, increased visibility, and strengthened vendor communication.

Director of Product Development & Technical Design (Private Label) · Rural KingJan 2021 – Feb 2025 · 4 yrs 2 mos

Managed a $28M private-label program across men’s, women’s, and kids’ categories, overseeing line planning, seasonal development, sourcing, vendor relations, and fit integrity. Defined seasonal style and SKU counts, pricing architecture, and size strategies in partnership with merchants, aligning assortments to financial targets and store performance. Drove fabric innovation initiatives with vendors to improve durability and cost efficiency. Led product creation from brief through commercialization, including fabric innovation, proto- and pre-production calendars, and cross-functional milestone reviews. Represented private label apparel in cross-functional forums, resolving issues quickly and aligning product decisions to business goals.

Senior Technical Designer & PLM Specialist · JusticeJan 2021 – Oct 2025 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Directed technical design for bottoms categories, building block libraries and grading standards to ensure consistent fit across sizes. Led weekly fit sessions, providing technical direction to accelerate approvals from proto through production. Optimized Bamboo Rose PLM as SME by rebuilding POM libraries, templates, and SOPs, reducing errors and improving team efficiency. Partnered with overseas vendors to resolve construction challenges, cutting sample iterations and improving on-time deliveries. Recognized with the Fierce Fighters award for technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Founder & Consultant · NK Creation Co. LLCJan 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 11 mos
Senior Technical Designer & PLM Specialist · JusticeSep 2018 – Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 5 mos
Technical Design Manager · Academy Sports + OutdoorsJul 2017 – Oct 2025 · 8 yrs 4 mos
Technical Design Manager · Academy Sports + OutdoorsSep 2011 – Jul 2017 · 5 yrs 11 mos

Education

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design · DAAP - University of Cincinnati2030 – 2025
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design · DAAP - University of Cincinnati2030 – 2025

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