Associate Technical Designer, Wovens & Knits

Why J.McLaughlin? 

J.McLaughlin was founded in 1977 by brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin with a mission to create an American Sportswear brand that offered two key components:  classic clothing with current relevance and a retail environment that has a neighborhood feel.  The J.McLaughlin brand has always been more about style than fashion: straightforward, unpretentious, and devoid of the superfluous. Our clothing is rooted in the tradition of sport, work, and play.  With over 150 retail locations, each store is entirely unique, attentively designed to reflect the town's color, character, and architecture. This attention to detail extends to exemplary customer service and local philanthropic engagement. 

Our “Culture of Kindness” creates an environment with respect, politeness, consideration, and empathy that creates a family like atmosphere and focuses on giving back to the community.   The company has an entrepreneurial spirit which fosters great experience and career opportunities, complemented with our great incentive benefits programs.   

Overview

J.McLaughlin is a specialty American Sportswear and Accessories brand headquartered in New York.  J.McLaughlin has the reputation for being “local and loyal”, building meaningful relationships within the each community and providing customers with highly personalized service.  We are a growing company with a focus on our culture of kindness, cultivating an exceptional atmosphere in which to work and shop.   

J.McLaughlin is looking for an Associate Technical Designer to join our product team reporting to the Technical Design Manager.  This role will support the development of tech packs and collaborate with internal and external partners throughout the product lifecycle for the Woven and Knit categories.  A successful Associate Technical Designer at J.McLaughlin will be passionate, fashion-forward, possess great technical acumen and understand the J.McLaughlin brand.  An ideal candidate will be deadline-driven and have a keen eye for detail.  This position is based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office location and works from the office a minimum of 3 days per week. 

About the role

Essential Functions:

• Partner closely with Design and Product Development throughout the line development process.
• Review sketches to determine project specifications and translate designs into tech packs in excel. 
• Collaborate with design to recommend feasible alternatives where necessary.
• Maintain detailed records of each garment throughout its production.
• Attend fittings, identify, and analyze problems with fit and construction as well as take detailed notes and pictures.  Translate into updates for tech packs.
• Communicate with overseas factories regarding fit and specifications and provide illustrated pictures when needed.  Review received samples and cross check with design tech pack and fit concept.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Related projects and duties as assigned.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in fashion, technical design, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience required
• Problem solver with the ability to find solutions to support product development and production
• Understanding of fashion trends and ability to translate them into J.McLaughlin aesthetics
• Self-starter, able to work independently and motivated to learn 
• Experience in woven and knit fabric and products
• Must be highly organized and detail oriented
• Knowledge of garment construction and details.  Ability to spec garments and provide specs for development 
• Understanding of pattern making, draping, measuring, garment construction, grading, and factory production.  Pattern manipulation is a plus.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Illustrator.  
• Must be able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to justify design changes.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent cross-functional and internal/external communication and follow through skills
• Deadline-driven and committed to quality.
• Ability to travel as needed. 

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status..