Technical Designer, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technical Designer supports product development by owning and managing technical specifications and fit details through the sampling stages for assigned product categories. The role partners with cross-functional teams to translate design and style vision into consistent fit and quality, communicates technical information to suppliers and internal partners, and builds expertise as a strategic partner and technical design leader. The position also supports the growth and mentorship of assistant and associate technical designers. The Technical Designer develops technical specification packages, evaluates garments against measurement, construction, style, and fit intent, leads fit sessions, and makes recommendations to improve fit, balance, and garment quality. The role maintains development calendars, sample tracking, and PLM data accuracy; works with vendors to resolve development issues; performs store audits; and helps ensure products meet quality and safety standards.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in pattern making, fashion design, technical design, or a related program.
At least 5 years of technical design, pattern making, or related experience.
Knowledge of flat pattern making, pattern manipulation, draping, and grading.
Strong computer skills and knowledge of web-based product development programs, Adobe Illustrator, and Windows applications.
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to follow a product through its life cycle.
Detail-oriented, with strong time-management and organizational skills.
Self-motivated and driven to learn.
Strong accountability and an entrepreneurial approach.

Responsibilities

Create technical specification packages with technical sketches, measurement specifications, construction and trim details, and quality standards.
Collaborate with the senior technical designer, brand manager, and design team to translate product design and style vision into consistent fit and quality.
Communicate technical information to suppliers and cross-functional team members to achieve desired fit and quality for styles and product categories.
Build technical specifications that include technical illustrations, construction and seam specifications, measurement specifications, trim requirements, and block patterns where necessary.
Evaluate garments for compliance with measurement, construction, style, and fit intent.
Ensure size and fit consistency within brands and adhere to established blocks.
Lead fit sessions with brand managers, the design team, and buying partners; provide technical expertise and innovative fit solutions based on brand profile.
Maintain target calendar dates and partner with cross-functional teams and vendors to achieve on-time delivery.
Generate and analyze sample status and sales reports to identify development issues and collaborate with vendors to resolve them.
Monitor sample follow-up and tracking to maintain delivery dates.
Perform store audits to check consistent quality and fit and, in special cases, identify production issues and report them to the team.
Perform pattern adjustments and pattern making, apply grading skills, and develop block patterns.
Recommend improvements to specifications, patterns, construction, and techniques in collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve fit, balance, and garment quality.
Maintain the accuracy of all data in PLM.
Ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
Participate in department and company-wide special projects as appropriate to skill set.
Manage and develop assistant and/or associate technical designers as business needs dictate.
Support a learning culture and collaborative team environment, and link the team's work to company mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.