Senior Technical Designer

Summary /Objective

The Senior Technical Designer is a key member of the design team responsible for ensuring that design concepts are executed with precision, fit consistency, and adherence to brand standards. This role partners closely with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing to translate creative vision into production-ready garments. The Senior Technical Designer brings advanced technical knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to mentor junior team members through example and expertise.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of garment construction, fit, and patternmaking principles, and can clearly communicate design intent through detailed technical packages and fit comments.

Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Create detailed flat and technical sketches in Adobe Illustrator to accurately convey design and construction intent.
• Clearly communicate pattern corrections during fittings and through written fit comments, including illustrated notes. While not responsible for patternmaking, must demonstrate a strong understanding of pattern adjustments and their impact on garment fit and construction.
• Possess a solid understanding of grading principles for assigned classifications and effectively collaborate with Design to ensure accurate size consistency.
• Develop comprehensive spec sheets within tech packs to define garment fit and measurements, ensuring all dimensions align with feasible pattern execution.
• Create and maintain departmental tools—such as construction standards, block body spreadsheets, and fit reference materials—and distribute them to Design and Sourcing teams each season.
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to align on fit and construction standards, supporting brand consistency and aesthetic integrity.
• Maintain organized systems and templates (tech packs, tracking reports, block body spreadsheets, etc.) that support departmental efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with Design to interpret and clarify design intent, identify deviations from standards, and provide solutions that maintain brand integrity.
• Lead proto, fit, and pre-production (PP) sample fittings with Design, providing fit direction, identifying deviations from brand aesthetics, and ensuring accurate execution through cutting, pinning, draping, and photo documentation.
• Deliver detailed and visually supported fit comments, including annotated sketches created in Adobe Illustrator.
• Participate in Work in Progress (WIP) meetings with clear talking points and reports to update cross-functional partners on style and fit status.
• Demonstrate cross-team flexibility by supporting additional brand technical design teams as needed during lower-volume periods.
• Build and maintain organized fit and construction libraries to ensure departmental consistency and efficiency.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Adobe Illustrator Sketching
• Excel and Word
• Ability to communicate in writing clear and concise thoughts.
• Knowledge of production and costing
• Basic textiles and fabric layout (engineering) knowledge
• Pattern Making
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Education and Experience–

• 5 years minimum related experience to working with patterns and design teams.
• 3 years’ experience with Adobe Illustrator- this is mandatory. Candidate must be fluent and fast with sketching.
• Experience illustrating pattern corrections using drawing software.
• Experience using excel and word- formula knowledge a must.
• Bachelors of Science preferred or equivalent manufacturing experience and/or working with a design team to execute design intent.