Technical Designer (Apparel)

81Eighty is seeking an industry experienced Technical Designer with a trained eye for garment design and strong understanding of technical fit. The Technical Designer will be an integral part of the design team, working closely with our Merchandisers, Account Mangers, and reporting to the Senior Technical Designer to create high-quality product.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain technical foundations from which all styles are developed and communicate updates to Apparel Designers:
• All Template Maintenance (Grading, Construction), Size Scales, Block/Blank Development, Foundational Pattern Analysis and Patternmaking
• Acts as primary support to the Designer by assisting with sketch updates, trend direction, and providing workable construction solutions.
• Ownership of tech pack specifications and details inside WFX for all apparel styles
• Respond to factory inquiries relating to fit/spec/construction and update tech packs accordingly.
• Schedule and perform weekly fit sessions on live models/standard dress forms.
• Evaluate fit of prototypes, communicating changes with factories.
• Utilize digital photos, technical sketches, detailed instructions, and comments from fit sessions to communicate corrections.
• Maintain fit model database and assist with fit model analysis.
• Provide prep/fit comment support by uploading vendor measurements, inputting comment templates, and providing solutions to complex pattern corrections as needed.
• Understand and react to industry fit and sizing standards through market fit analysis and Alvanon educational tools for Men’s, Women’s and extended size apparel categories.
• Establish and Conducts internal Wear Tests to ensure size ranges are current and to validate the fit and function of current seasonal styles.
• Utilize factory base and market research to remain current on construction and manufacturing trends within established price point goals.
• Comply with all departmental processes for timely resolution of all issues relating to the manufacture of the products and best methods to ensure efficiencies.
• Adhere to Creation Timelines including strict adherence to departmental turn-times for speed to market and closing relevant tracks in WFX.
• Create and maintain Tech Pack Building Trackers for all product categories.
• Run Weekly Sample Late Task Report in WFX to follow up on late sample submits for all apparel categories.
• Attend and Participate in all internal Product Reviews and customer Line Reviews
• Maintain all sample ETA’s.
• Prep and photograph all garments prior to reviews.
• Ensure all digital photos are current within the shared Server and SharePoint
• Formulate detailed notes and carry out next steps in a timely manner.
• Ownership of weekly Design Collaborations with Graphic departments
• Provide graphic placement grading at initial tech pack and Pre-Production stage.
• Liaison between Design, Graphics, and Sourcing to ensure art is created and updated within target margins.
• Assist in training and guiding Associate Designer
• Strategically delegating daily workload
• Providing support in any questions/complex projects
• Consistently demonstrate and uphold our values to make 81Eighty a great place to work.

Qualification Requirements

• Degree in apparel manufacturing, product development or apparel design related field.
• 3 - 5 years’ experience minimum experience working as a Technical Designer.
• Critical eye for proper apparel fit and construction and ability to communicate corrections effectively via comment writing in PLM system.
• Well versed in variety of apparel classifications including fabrication, sizing, silhouette variations. Headwear and accessories a plus.
• Able to effectively balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. Both effective as a team player and working independently.
• Knowledge of both knit and woven construction is highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in basic office software and preferably some PLM experience.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Dedication and commitment with the ability to learn new skills and adapt to change as our customer’s needs or business model changes.

Reporting Structure

Direct Report: Sr. Technical Desiger, Shen Mock

Department Lead: Sr. Creative Design Manager, Meghan Rizkal