Technical Apparel Designer

Overview:

The Technical Apparel Designer will use advanced technical design skills to interpret creative concept into viable development specs for each prototype in via 3D or 2D path with defined images, block reference, grade rules, construction, and measurement detail to generate accurate cost and sample prototypes that can be mass produced. This position will work with design leadership and partner teams to ensure construction feasibility to meet price points and merchandising needs in accordance with the Timing & Action Calendar deadlines. This position will have proven ability to evaluate and provide feedback to achieve the ideal technical fit for the brand, gender and product categories assigned to obtain this position. The Technical Apparel Designer will conduct competitive product analysis by gathering and compiling competitor information and present findings as well responsible to follow up on outcomes to this analysis. This position will be able to liaison with key partner teams. This opportunity involves maintaining deep understanding of current fit and construction trends through travel, research and interaction with sales reps, their customers and the end users. Ability to accurately see color and provide comments for improvement is a key component of this role. In addition, participation in activities increasing understanding and working knowledge of market is obligatory.

This position is located in Lenexa, KS and works a hybrid schedule at the Gear For Sports facility.

Responsibilities:

• Owns fit development and leads fit sessionsApplies technical design skills in 3D execution, flat sketching, flat patterning, and garment construction
  • Works w/ creative design & brand teams to define fit / shop for & analyze competitor fits and present findings
  • Provides construction options to enhance aesthetics and/or reduce costs/enable efficient production
  • Develops both a physical & electronic block system - research fit models / forms / avatars
  • Works with country managers to receive fits and to work out fit problems
  • Documents technical adjustments made to improve the garment
  • Produces easily understood comparisons of our fit to be used by Brand & Sales                                         
• Generates tech pack in PDM system
• Understands importance of blocks and appropriately adjusts specs and shape based on fabrication
• Demonstrates acumen and considers internal experts for assigned product and creates accurate prototypes within accordance of the Timing & Action Calendar
• Facilitates color development by reviewing (in Spectrophotometer and/or Lightbox), commenting, logging and filing lab dip / bulk color / shade-bands / strike-offs / knit-downs / trims. Develops tracking tools as needed
• Collaboratively brainstorms and executes ideas for trend presentation, customer visits, fashion show, sales meeting, special projects, etc.  

• Understands needs of partner teams and reacts accordingly. Identifies, elevates and provides solution options to challenges.
• Identifies and resolves opportunities within the organization for improvement. Takes on extra workload to ease burden of entire team.
• Domestically travels for retail fit trends, maintains awareness of competitive landscape, sees product in use at market and attends seminars as needed. Presents findings to the team. International travel on an as needed basis.
• Travels and researches to maintain awareness of how technology effects the market and ability to execute job. Technology is looked at both in terms of product innovation (eg: garment construction) as well as software and tools to facilitate workload (eg: patterning software or video conferencing).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 2 year Associates degree plus experience in Apparel Design & Product Development or similar field
• Must be able to see color exceptionally well.
• Experience approving and commenting on lab dips, production bulk headends, strike-offs, knit-downs, and trim strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret creative design concepts into prototypes across brands and genders
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and Creative Suite programs
• Tech Packs (PDM/PLM) knowledge/working experience required
• 3D experience preferred (Browzwear a plus)
• Familiarity using AI
• Ability to translate creative apparel concept into a production right style
• Proficient in fit trends and able to interpret trends into viable tech pack.
• In-depth knowledge of pattern making, understanding fit / balance of garments, grading and garment constructions. Ability to balance aesthetic fit direction with technical execution and factory capabilities.
• Capacity to work with different internal groups to achieve a common goal with advance problem solving skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and determine action plan to manage workload

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled