Free People Assistant Technical Designer

Role Summary

Free People is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Technical Designer to join our Intimates team. This role is designed for a unique professional who bridges the gap between technical precision and creative intuition. In this role, they will facilitate and execute Design’s vision by providing the appropriate fit, quality and construction that are targeted to the consumer and end use while supporting the business requirements.

Reporting to the Creative Technical Designer, they will be responsible to help support trouble shooting any issues such as fit, construction, and quality control.  We are looking for an individual with an elevated taste level who can navigate the complexities of intimate apparel while maintaining the effortless Free People spirit.

As an Assistant Technical Designer, you will be instrumental in the product life cycle for the market direct portion Intimates product line. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a high-velocity, multi-faceted environment. With a deep understanding of garment construction, pattern making, and grading. Previous experience with tubular knit/seamless technology is a significant advantage. High-level communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners is a must. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a high-velocity, multi-faceted environment.

Role Responsibilities

• Support Creative Tech Designer & collaborate with the Design Team by offering technical expertise and knowledge on best ways to execute Design’s vision while thinking about what is best for production.
• Build relationships/partnerships with cross functional team members, such as Design Buying, and market vendors.
• Support weekly fit sessions on live models, providing comprehensive construction comments. You will be responsible for measuring and reviewing garments prior to fittings to identify proto callouts.
• Build detailed tech packs, evaluate samples, and approve Pre-Production (PP) samples for production and provide feedback/ communication with market vendors daily.
• Adjust and correct patterns based on fit sessions using CLO or Optitex to ensure precision.
• Maintain fit protocol and continuity through the development stages, ensuring every garment aligns with brand standards.
• Advise repair options to factories on fit or quality related issues.
• Manage work load to department initiatives.
• Maintain daily communication with vendors and Design to ensure product development stays on schedule and quality standards are met.
• Conduct rigorous assessments throughout the development process to guarantee durability, construction, and fit excellence.
• Maintain accurate records of technical specifications, fit comments, and sample revisions.
• Assigns appropriate grading to all points of measure keeping the proportion. accurate in relation to our predetermined sizing.
• Exceptional eye to identify fit issues 7 recommend solutions to the Designers, always keeping in mind the design’s original intent.
• Deep knowledge of pattern making, garment construction, and fit. You must have a strong comprehension of dimensions and raw material technicalities.
• Must have a strong compression of fit for all silhouettes (ie: swim, underwires, soft bralettes, tops, bottoms, slip dresses in cut & sew knits and woven's).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical feedback to cross-functional partners and vendors.
• Proven track record of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines with a strong sense of urgency and organization while protecting product quality.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, or a related field.
• Location dependent role in office 5 days a week.

Role Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-3 years of professional technical design experience (Intimates, Swim, or Bodywear preferred).Bachelors or Associate degree in an apparel related field a plus.
• An exceptional eye for identifying fit issues and recommending solutions that respect design intent while acknowledging factory limitations and production costs.
• Knowledge of pattern making and sewing construction is a must.
• Understands how to create a technical package and assign points of measure that will progress a style through development and secure the fit during production QC inspections.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel. Experience in CLO 3D, Optitex,is highly desired but not required.
• Strong communication skills to liaison with manager and designers.
• Some knowledge of pattern making, garment construction, and manufacturing including factory machinery, procedures and methods within their category.
• Basic ability to run a fitting on a live model and communicate pattern changes to create the desired look and fit.
• Understands the grade sequence.
• Highly organized & able to prioritize effectively.
• Pro-actively approach problem solving & adapt quickly to changes.
• Knowledgeable in a PLM system. Tradestone experience a plus!

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.