Job: Senior Apparel Technical Designer (Western Wear)

Company Description

Our client is an eminent designer in the apparel industry, best known for their distinguished brands, which exude quality and class. Their workplace boasts a fun, casual, and laid-back environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. The employees possess a profound sense of pride in the company and are deeply committed to ensuring its ongoing success.

Objective of the Role

The Senior Apparel Technical Designer is pivotal to sustaining the high quality and design of the brand’s products. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the technical design process, ensuring that the final product accurately reflects the design intent and conforms to the company’s established standards. They will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop commercially viable products, maintaining a positive work atmosphere and fostering open communication.

Ideal Profile

• A professional who is self-motivated, possesses a strong sense of urgency, and a high awareness of time management.
• Has exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks and meeting established deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Possesses expert knowledge of fabrics, construction, finishes, trims, fitting, and techniques, along with proficiency in pattern making, including grading, construction, and fit.
• A team player, with an entrepreneurial and proactive attitude, who is adept at mentoring and guiding colleagues.
• Adaptable and skilled in making independent decisions based on extensive knowledge and expertise.
• Has a thorough understanding of how Product Development decisions impact other areas of the company.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive work environment and establish effective communication with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
• Create and review technical packets in PLM, ensuring commercial viability and cost-effectiveness with factories.
• Ensure design accuracy, integrity, and fit intent in samples and bulk production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gain a clear direction and consensus of design and fit intent.
• Identify potential production, quality, and costing issues, and recommend solutions to maintain brand integrity.
• Work closely with the Quality Department to communicate potential production quality issues.
• Negotiate costs with vendors and ensure size and fit consistency within the brand across product categories.
• Lead fit sessions, build and maintain fit base libraries, and review the How-To-Measure Manual.
• Track and manage workflow for products, and proactively engage business partners with viable solutions when issues arise.
• Foster open communication with all business partners and participate in departmental and cross-functional meetings.
• Assist team members with pattern and grading questions, and guide less experienced colleagues for professional growth.
• Ensure adherence to established processes and procedures and suggest ideas for improving procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• At least 7-9 years of related experience in the apparel industry, preferably with a focus on denim. Candidates with a minimum of 6 years of experience will be considered.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.
• Expertise in producing computer-generated technical sketches and making pattern adjustments.
• The successful candidate will report to the Product Development Manager and work closely with the Senior Product Coordinator, Product Coordinator, Sample Coordinator, and a team of 10 Technical Designers.