Position Summary
The Technical Associate manages the technical design process for the brand and provides technical expertise to evaluate apparel merchandise in terms of style, measurement, and construction to achieve the appropriate fit, quality, and design interpretation for manufacturers to follow. Reporting to the Director of Product Development, this position collaborates with Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing during the development process to ensure garment fit, aesthetics, and construction standards are met. The Technical Associate is responsible for establishing standard blocks as company standards, communicating all fit-related specifications, and guiding vendors through pre-production development and sample approval.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate design concepts into detailed specification packages, including garment measurements, design features, and construction requirements. Maintain season design POM templates in Blue Cherry.
- Assess samples for fit, measurement, construction, pattern shaping, and functionality to ensure proper styling and fit. Communicate fit status to vendors for acceptance or rejection.
- Create and maintain consistent fit, construction, grade rules, and tolerances across product categories.
- Provide internal and external technical direction for corrective actions needed to align samples with brand standards using written comments, sketches, photos, or pattern-making techniques.
- Issue grading guidelines post-fit approval and resolve related issues to finalize fit and construction.
- Build partnerships with cross-functional teams, including Design and Sourcing, to ensure alignment and effective problem resolution.
- Meet weekly with the Production Team to review sample approval statuses, aligning with time/action calendars.
- Schedule and lead 3D Browzwear fit sessions, communicating necessary changes to meet brand requirements.
- Maintain accurate files, histories, and reports related to fit and construction processes.
- Align and deliver on agreed calendar milestones.
- Participate in domestic and international travel as needed.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in fashion/apparel design, textile design, manufacturing, product development, merchandising, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in the apparel or textile industry with a focus on fit, pattern-making, and technical design.
- Prior experience in childrenswear is required.
Technical Qualifications
- Proficiency in patternmaking, draping, and fitting techniques.
- Knowledge of sewing and garment construction.
- Strong understanding of the design and development process from inception to production.
- Expert knowledge of industry construction standards and manufacturing processes.
- Skilled in design prototyping and research, with strong sketching abilities.
- Comprehensive understanding of Adobe Illustrator.
- Proficiency in 3D Browzwear and Microsoft Excel.
- Familiarity with Blue Cherry ERP is a plus.
- Knowledge of grading sequences and ability to determine grade rules for specific measurements.
- Adept at translating designers' visions into actionable fit standards for vendor partners.
Core Competencies and Skills
- Results-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
- Proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to effectively influence and manage relationships.
- Driven by deadlines with a high sense of urgency.
- Ability to understand and incorporate the brand's aesthetic into technical specifications.