Technical Design Specialist
New York, NY - Hybrid: Mostly in-office (4 days per week), with rare occasions requiring 5 days in the office
Overview: Support the technical design team in collaborating with Design, Merchants, and other cross-functional teams including Raw Material, Regional TD, Product Development, Product Performance, Production & Sourcing, QA, and Vendors. Ensure the technical development of new styles meets quality standards for fit and construction, driving improvements for fit, comfort, and performance.
Responsibilities:
- Foster open communication and teamwork with all business partners, demonstrating shared values and competencies.
- Act as a functional expert and brand guardian for a specific product area.
- Support the Technical Design team, addressing business-critical issues in a timely manner.
- Evaluate fit and construction of proto samples, ensuring alignment with design aesthetic, fit intent, and construction.
- Lead fit sessions on live models and communicate fit/construction corrections to vendors using written instructions, flat and on-body measurements, and digital images.
- Collaborate with design to execute Design Intent and manage the fit approval process with regional TD partners.
- Track and manage workflow to meet seasonal calendar deadlines.
- Analyze Wear Test results and provide recommendations for product and fit enhancements.
- Establish and maintain fit and quality standards across product categories.
- Identify potential production, quality, and costing issues, offering recommendations and solutions.
- Work with cross-functional teams to align on product performance standards and brand integrity.
- Maintain knowledge of the product development process from concept through production, including patternmaking, construction, costing, manufacturing, and materials.
- Engage in competitive analysis to inform product development.
- Participate in design, technical, and cross-functional meetings.
- Present technical data and initiatives to the team, adapting communication style to the audience.
- Respond to and analyze customer feedback, making recommendations as needed.
- Support new initiatives and projects.
Requirements:
- Degree in Technical Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent work experience.
- Knowledge of Bra/Swim patternmaking, construction, fit, and grading; familiarity with Shapewear and Sports Bras is a plus.
- Understanding of factory manufacturing techniques and machinery.
- 5-7 years of industry experience, with at least 2-3 years in intimate apparel preferred.
- Experience with product development technical specification programs (PDM, PLM, etc.).
- Experience with 3D software (Clo3D, Browzwear, etc.) is a bonus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
- Ability to identify issues and create solutions outside of established parameters and guidelines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Work Arrangement:
- Hybrid: Mostly in-office (4 days per week), with rare occasions requiring 5 days in the office.