Senior Technical Designer, Knits (WHBM)

Come lead with us at 11215 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL. With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, we offer diverse opportunities for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates who share our commitment to excellence.

About the Role

This position is primarily responsible for ensuring that brand quality fit, desired appearance, and quality construction standards are met and maintained for assigned product areas. This role may lead a team of Technical Designers and works closely with the Technical Design leader to enhance and evolve processes and procedures as the business evolves, while continually striving to elevate product quality. The position ensures brand integrity through consistency of fit, keeping the customer top of mind.

Responsibilities

• Leads weekly fit sessions.
• Collaborates with designers and merchants to translate fit and aesthetic details.
• Provides technical direction, in collaboration with peer teams, supervisor, and vendors on matters pertaining to specs, pattern, construction methods, and techniques to improve fit, balance, and overall garment quality.
• Maintains fit consistency for the product area.
• Ensures standard grade rules are applied to each garment.
• Executes tech packs from Development to Pre-Production (PP) of assigned departments and additional product classifications as directed.
• Ensures Product Lifecycle Calendar dates are met for Development and Garment Fit Approvals.
• Anticipates and resolves any problems with the fit process.
• Partners with vendors to resolve problems as necessary.
• Attends weekly cross-functional team meetings, raising any issues related to vendor, quality, and/or timeline concerns.
• Works closely with Technical Design leaders to enhance and evolve processes and procedures as the business evolves, while driving to elevate product quality.
• May train new associates in technical design responsibilities and process cycles.
• May coach team members by evaluating team processes on a regular basis, recommending, and implementing improvements as needed.
• Values individuality and the diverse talents of the team.
• Leads the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; degree in Fashion Design a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in the apparel industry, including patternmaking experience with full knowledge of the total production timeline.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to drive tasks to completion, strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the garment manufacturing process.
• Good understanding of fit, balance, pattern, garment construction, fabrics, and fabric performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Effective team-building skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite required.
• Working knowledge of web-based applications, such as FLEX PLM or comparable software.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the apparel business, with the ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Knowledge of pattern software preferred (2D/3D, Optitex, CLO, Browzwear).