Technical Designer

Essense of Australia•Lenexa, KS

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Essense of Australia is an international bridal wholesaler with key offices in Lenexa, Kansas; Perth, Australia; and Zug, Switzerland, and operations across the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. Its designs are sold in nearly 1,000 stores worldwide. The company describes this position internally as Garment Technician. As part of the US Collections team, the role delivers garment fit, construction, fabric, and quality assessments to ensure styles meet design and company standards. It works closely with Design Development and Sampling teams and international factories, providing fit recommendations, technical direction, and quality expertise throughout the garment life cycle. The role is onsite Monday through Friday and requires international travel to factory locations up to four times per year, estimated at approximately 10% of working time. The successful candidate will also need flexibility to assist outside standard work hours. The position requires regular lifting and carrying of items up to 25 pounds, occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching above head height, and sometimes standing for extended periods and lifting dresses on and off mannequins and models. Essense of Australia offers the opportunity to join an international industry leader and work in a creative, collaborative culture that values creativity, innovation, dedication, teamwork, and sustainability. The company states that it provides competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter addressing the listed criteria, a resume, and salary expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Apparel, Fashion, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in technical design or equivalent.
Extensive understanding of garment construction, including sewing, pattern making, and grading, and the ability to create and amend garment specifications to achieve the desired fit.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey quality standards and expectations clearly to offshore manufacturers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to assess technical data, garment construction knowledge, and fabrication expertise to make sound, balanced decisions independently.
Strong working knowledge of garment sampling and production workflows.
Strong customer service orientation and a patient, professional demeanor under pressure.
Ability to communicate clearly by email and video call with international manufacturers, suppliers, and company offices.
Strong time management and discipline in meeting company deadlines.
Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail, with strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly in Excel.
Ability to develop and analyze garment pricing.
Detail-oriented and process-driven, with a strong work ethic and consistently positive attitude.
High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator.
Flexibility to assist with tasks outside standard work hours.
Ability to travel internationally to factory locations as needed.
Willingness to learn and thoughtfully apply AI and emerging tools to improve efficiency, problem-solving, and processes.
Ability to regularly lift and carry items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or carry items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to reach above head height to work on samples and, at times, stand for extended periods and lift dresses on and off mannequins and models.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with PLM software, preferably Centric.

Responsibilities

Lead detailed on-body garment reviews throughout the approval process and confirm that requested design changes are represented correctly.
Develop technical packages, including specifications, fit comments, pattern correction sketches, grading rules, and fabric and trim requirements.
Inspect sample garments and communicate clear, detailed instructions to manufacturers and other stakeholders.
Analyze style instructions and sampling comments to determine and communicate technical construction and fabrication decisions independently.
Provide technical knowledge and support throughout the garment life cycle to help ensure garment quality and consumer satisfaction.
Travel internationally to factory locations, up to four times per year, for technical development and quality control checks on new collections.
Partner with international Product Operations and factory teams to finalize samples and technical packages for production.
Review bulk production runs to confirm quality, construction, and fabric standards before shipment.
Guide the Alterations team in sample research and development, and process complex gown changes with clear factory instructions.
Lead Showroom Mannequin presentation and ensure gowns are represented accurately at selling events.
Support assigned photoshoots and verify sample accuracy before Line Reviews and other events.
Communicate with factories on technical and production matters and manage and document samples and the product line.
Contribute technical knowledge to process improvements, quality control inspections, and reporting.
Monitor and maintain fit, construction, and workmanship standards across factories.
Analyze, negotiate, and maintain factory costings.