Academic Lead (3D Design & Implementation), CLO
Job description
About the role
The Academic Lead (3D Design & Implementation) serves as the primary academic and technical ambassador for CLO Virtual Fashion within the designated region, owning the entire lifecycle of academic and enterprise adoption. This individual is responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge 3D garment simulation technology and the educational or research institutions that seek to integrate these capabilities into their curriculum and innovation pipelines. You will own the strategic positioning of CLO as the indispensable platform for fashion education, driving thought leadership through scholarly engagement and demonstrable expertise in virtual prototyping. A core component of this role involves translating complex simulation features into compelling academic value propositions that resonate with faculty, researchers, and institutional decision-makers. You will spearhead the implementation of CLO solutions within academic projects, ensuring that the technology is deployed effectively to support learning objectives and research outcomes. This position requires a proactive approach to gathering feedback from academic users and channeling these insights to inform product development and training methodologies. You will manage key sales records and invoicing specific to academic licenses, arranging project timelines that align with academic calendars and institutional procurement cycles. Furthermore, you will provide ongoing software support and train clients in, but not limited to, your region, fostering a deep understanding of the software's capabilities among students and educators. Success in this role is defined by your ability to cultivate long-term partnerships with academic institutions, transforming them into champions of the CLO platform within the global fashion education community.
Key facts
What you'll do
Spearhead the identification and cultivation of academic institutions, research centers, and universities as strategic partners for CLO Virtual Fashion.
Architect and execute region-specific academic adoption strategies that align with the distinct pedagogical needs and research goals of higher education institutions.
Lead complex software implementation projects within academic environments, ensuring seamless integration of CLO software into existing curricula and research workflows.
Analyze academic market trends and institutional requirements to provide critical feedback that directly informs product development, feature prioritization, and educational content creation.
Develop and deliver advanced training programs, workshops, and certification courses tailored specifically for academic users, faculty, and researchers.
Manage the full cycle of academic sales, including meticulous record-keeping, invoicing, and license management for educational and research segments.
Collaborate with global product and engineering teams to translate academic user feedback into actionable insights for software enhancement and stability.
Design and schedule region-specific academic roadshows and demonstration events that showcase the latest 3D garment simulation capabilities to key stakeholders.
Build and maintain a robust network of academic champions and reference institutions that validate the platform's effectiveness in educational and research settings.
Oversee the creation of academic-specific content, including case studies, white papers, and project templates that illustrate best practices in virtual fashion education.
Coordinate closely with internal sales and marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that reach decision-makers within academic and research organizations.
Provide expert-level technical support and consultation to academic clients, resolving complex software issues and optimizing user proficiency.
Monitor and report on the adoption metrics and academic market performance, using data to refine strategies and demonstrate clear return on investment.
Champion the vision of virtualizing every garment on Earth by engaging with the academic community, the future workforce, and the innovators who will define the industry.
Requirements
You possess a university degree in fashion, design, computer science, engineering, or a closely related technical field, providing a foundational understanding of both garment construction and digital tools.
You bring a minimum of five years of experience in a role that combines software implementation, client relationship management, and technical training within the fashion, technology, or enterprise software sectors.
You have a proven track record of successfully managing complex software rollouts and user adoption programs, demonstrating an ability to navigate institutional buying processes.
You exhibit exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating sophisticated 3D simulation concepts to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You are a self-driven professional with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities, project timelines, and administrative duties such as sales records and invoicing with precision.
You have experience working with academic or educational environments, understanding the unique cycles of semester planning, research grant timelines, and institutional procurement.
You are fluent in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate technical documentation and training materials into clear, accessible instruction.
You demonstrate a commitment to learning and adapting to new software technologies, quickly mastering complex tools to effectively support a sophisticated 3D garment simulation platform.
Nice to have
Experience with 3D garment simulation, CAD software, or fashion technology platforms is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with the German fashion market or the European academic landscape provides a distinct advantage in building regional relationships.
Practical notes
This position is based in Munich and requires travel to academic institutions and industry events within the region.
Candidates must be eligible to work in Germany without sponsorship, as visa support cannot be provided for this role.
The start date is aligned with academic calendar cycles, with an expected start date that allows for thorough onboarding and integration with the CLO Virtual Fashion team.