Technical Designer

About the role

Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long-term value for its stakeholders.

As Technical Designer, you will be responsible for the complete technical development of pattern-making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development. You will supervise the on-time adherence of functional task timelines in accordance with the brand’s strategic Go-to-Market milestones and critical dates. Technical packages are built to meet or exceed pre-determined gross margin and price targets. This position manages the communication and processes of all product specification details to strictly meet the quality standards established in pattern, technical construction, and approved materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on product development in pre-production pattern development, technical construction specification and materials finalization to ensure all pre-production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines.
• Work closely with the Production Technical Design team to enable next stage of production-ready packages to field manufacturing, overseas offices, and vendor suppliers.
• Execute Design/Merchandising product changes in tandem with Production Technical Design and/or Manufacturing to ensure accurate execution in bulk production.
• Manage up-to-date information and workflow in current tools and related systems.
• Develop both new and apply current fit blocks in pattern development via 2D and 3D pattern development while maintaining asset management and technical construction manual specifications.
• Apply and follow established standard operating procedures related to materials management (Bills of Materials), Labelling & Packaging manuals and Folding guides.
• Serve as a problem-solving technical resource to cross-functional teams to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in the pre-production stage; escalate exception issues promptly to supervisors and/or related business partners.
• Adopt new skills and training to facilitate implementation of new technology, systems and tools; assist in identifying and deploying best practices within own unit and cross-functionally.
• Conduct self-performance appraisal to review with direct supervisor.

Requirements

• 5+ years of extensive apparel manufacturing experience with extensive knowledge in pattern and technical product development processes and systems.
• 5+ years of in-depth technical knowledge in end-to-end product manufacturing processes.
• Preferred experience in Jeanswear Bottoms or Tops product; brand develops product in all categories including Denim & Non-Denim Bottoms, Knit and Woven Tops, Sweaters, and Outerwear.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred.
• Self-driven individual motivated to drive results and high performance.
• Attention to detail and adept at problem-solving.
• Solid organization skills to prioritize, multitask and deliver to deadlines.
• High proficiency in systems – Illustrator and MS Office applications (SharePoint, Teams, Excel, etc.); Smartsheet knowledge preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Preferred experience in Lectra Accumark 2D Patternmaking and Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Patternmaking software; PLM experience a plus.

Leadership Competencies Expected For This Role

• Emerging Leader
• Global Agility – Open to diverse views, adapts to new ways of working
• Purposeful Integrity – Demonstrates ethical behavior, follows through on commitments
• Strategic Foresight – Understands team goals, asks strategic questions
• Customer Centric Innovation – Suggests improvements from customer feedback, tries new methods
• Urgency for Impact – Act quickly and take ownership of outcomes
• Bold Accountability – Own your work and deliver consistently strong results
• Empowered Collaboration – Share ideas, listens well, collaborates with peers

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package crafted with the same care as our products, supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing.
• Discounts on Kontoor Brands apparel.
• Four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents.
• Flexible Fridays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.