Technical Designer

About the role

Technical Designer responsible for managing the fit and construction of new and improved products through building detailed tech packs, leading fit sessions, and communicating all changes to vendors. The position maintains consistent fit and construction based on established standards to deliver high-quality products in alignment with the company’s standards.

This is a hybrid role (post onboarding & training) — part of your workweek will be remote and part will be onsite in our Kalamazoo office.

Responsibilities

Product/Technical Development (100%):

• Creates complete and detailed technical specifications for all new products in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software; including graded measurement specs, construction details, bill of material, and packaging information
• Executes technical sketches with Adobe Illustrator according to set standard
• Leads cross-functional interactive fit sessions to ensure merchandising aesthetics are met and fit is consistent with established blocks on body forms
• Systematically photographs and analyzes materials (garment, trim, fabric, labels, buttons, etc.) to ensure product quality and consistency
• Reviews patterns in Optitex to help drive fit consistency
• Provides supportive and helpful communication to external parties to keep them informed as needed on new/modified styles and approval status; provides status updates to manager accordingly
• Executes and maintains fit and quality consistency in all product categories along with other duties as assigned
• Regularly enters, edits product information to keep specifications updated
• Partners with Merchandising and Product Integrity to ensure all styles are tested for performance and physical characteristics
• Ensures consistency in all multi-sourced products
• Monitors product development cycle to ensure all time and action calendar deadlines are met

Requirements

• BS degree in Textile & Apparel or similar preferred; or product development internship and completed Textile & Apparel courses
• 3-5 years apparel technical design experience in both Men’s and Women’s products
• Strong working knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, fit and pattern development
• Highly organized, analytical and detail oriented professional
• Strong technical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills
• Ability to prioritize work and deliver results with excellent follow-through
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Respect for confidentiality practices

Skills

• Precision Result Focused – Focused on achieving accurate development of product to ensure product expectations are met according to established criteria
• Systematic Attentiveness – Thoroughly ensures all tasks are completed on time and without error utilizing current processes and procedures; including technology
• Technical Problem Solver – Effectively and consistently problem solves various product development issues to ensure established production timelines are met
• Clear Communication – Communication is helpful, succinct and factual, based on product development information that is needed by customers (internal and external). Promptly provides information to stakeholders related to product development issues

Benefits

• Annual Bonus Plan
• Great Paid Time Off package
• Excellent medical plan with options that best fit the associate and the associate’s family
• Dental (including orthodontia) and Vision Plan at NO COST to associates
• 401k (with company match – 1 year of service vesting schedule)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wholesale retail club membership
• Company-wide and departmental celebrations throughout the year for achieving milestones and goals