Basic Purpose:
The Technical Designer is responsible for facilitating the transition of apparel styles from design concept and first prototype to a final, production ready prototype. Collaborates with manager, agent partners, sourcing, product development, design and merchandising to ensure the fit, quality, delivery and business practices are achieved and upheld. Demonstrates the company’s Values and Practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships, taking pride in the company and brand, and embracing diversity.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Protect brand integrity through fit continuity, upholding construction standards, sizing and styling consistency.
- Collaborate with business partners to gain clear direction and consensus of fit intent in order to establish the initial spec and construction detail.
- Execute the sample process by generating computerized specification packages.
- Manage the measuring and preparing of samples from development through production approval.
- Conduct fit evaluation sessions on live models to analyze balance and proportion of fit. Confirm compliance of garment to specifications and fit direction. Works closely with manager during and post fittings to continually improve skills.
- Document the fit results, delivers clear communication thru comment / specs / diagrams / photos and review of block patterns.
- Partner with manager or recommendations for garment construction that produces best results to each factory.
- Follow up on e-mails from overseas office regarding comments on fit / construction / and maintain design integrity.
- Ensure seasonal deadlines are met for their styles — partners with manager to assess next steps when issues arise.
- Participate in departmental and cross-functional meetings as appropriate.
- Flexible to the needs of the total department and handles other responsibilities and projects, as assigned.
- Track and manage workflow and workload for own product.
- Foster open communication and team environment with all business partners; receives constructive feedback professionally.
Salary range: $80,000-$100,000
Education/Experience/Knowledge:
- Degree or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design and/or equivalent work experience
- 5-7+ years of garment experience including pattern making, fit, draping, and garment construction
- Maintaining the fit and balance as well as the sizing consistency
- Extended fit experience for Missy, Petite, and Plus size
- Keen eye for garment proportion and design aesthetic
- Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
- Ability to write clear, detailed fit comments with pattern corrections and fit images with Adobe Illustrator
- Garment grade rule knowledge
- Experience in engineering prints, plaids, stripes, embroidery, beading, and novelty fabrics
- Ability to partner and collaborate with cross functional teams as well as agents/vendors
- Excellent communication and people skills; highly organized and detail oriented.
- Strong detail orientation, self-motivated team player with superior interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities