Technical Designer, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

12d

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 product design and style vision into consistent fit and quality, communicates technical information to suppliers and internal partners, and contributes technical expertise and solutions aligned with brand profiles. The Technical Designer also supports the growth and mentorship of assistant and associate technical designers. The position is responsible for accurate technical data in PLM, adherence to development calendars, and helping ensure products meet quality and safety standards. It works with vendor partners to resolve development issues and achieve on-time delivery, and may participate in department and company-wide special projects suited to the role’s skills.

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, including knowledge of a web-based product development program, Adobe Illustrator, and Windows applications.
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to follow product through its life cycle.
Detail-oriented, with strong time-management and organizational skills.
Self-motivated and driven to learn.
Strong sense of accountability.

Nice To Haves

Engaging personality.
Highly entrepreneurial approach.

Responsibilities

Create technical specification packages that include technical sketches or illustrations, measurement specifications, construction and seam details, trim requirements, and quality standards.
Collaborate with the senior technical designer, brand manager, design team, and other partners to translate product design and style vision into consistent fit and quality.
Communicate technical information to suppliers and cross-functional team members to achieve the desired fit and quality for styles and product categories.
Build technical specifications, including construction details, measurement specifications, trim requirements, and block patterns where necessary.
Evaluate garments for compliance with measurement, construction, style, and fit intent, and ensure size and fit consistency within brands while adhering 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 and vendor teams to support on-time delivery.
Generate and analyze sample status and sales reports to identify development issues, and collaborate with vendors to resolve issues as necessary.
Monitor sample follow-up and tracking to maintain delivery dates.
Perform store audits to assess consistency of quality and fit within brands; in special cases, identify production issues and report them to the team.
Adjust and make patterns, develop block patterns, and use grading skills.
Recommend specifications, patterns, construction, and techniques in collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve garment fit, balance, and overall quality.
Maintain accountability for the accuracy of all data in PLM.
Help 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 the company mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.