Apparel Designer & Tech Pack Creator

Company: Zubaz

Location: Gurnee, IL (In-Office)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Zubaz is an iconic sports lifestyle brand known for our bold prints and authentic fan gear. We're looking for a talented apparel designer who can bring fresh creativity to our product line while maintaining the technical precision needed for successful production.

We're seeking an Apparel Designer & Tech Pack Creator who can design innovative products and translate those designs into production-ready technical packages. This role requires both creative design skills and technical expertise to ensure seamless communication between design, merchandising, and manufacturing partners. A key component of this role is managing product data in our PLM system (WFX), creating new products, maintaining accurate product information, updating graphics across product lines, and ensuring proper team color application for NCAA and NFL licensed merchandise.

PLM System Management (WFX):

Create and set up new products in WFX PLM system with complete specifications

Update and maintain product information including materials, measurements, and construction details

Manage Bill of Materials (BOM) and costing information within the system

Track product development stages and ensure timely updates through each phase

Upload and organize tech packs, sketches, and reference materials in WFX

Update graphics and artwork across existing product lines in the system

Ensure data accuracy and consistency across all product records

Graphics & Team Color Management:

Update and modify graphics on existing products for new team colorways and seasonal releases

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of official team colors for all NCAA and NFL teams

Apply accurate team color palettes to designs ensuring brand compliance and authenticity

Create and manage color libraries for different teams and licensing partners

Adapt graphics and prints to work across multiple team colorways

Coordinate with licensing departments to ensure color accuracy meets team standards

Update product artwork files when teams rebrand or modify official colors

Design Development:

Create original apparel designs that align with Zubaz brand aesthetic and market trends

Develop seasonal collections including graphics, prints, and product silhouettes

Design for multiple product categories: activewear, loungewear, fan apparel, and accessories

Collaborate with merchandising team on color palettes, fabrications, and trend direction

Create mood boards, sketches, and digital renderings using Adobe Creative Suite

Tech Pack Creation:

Develop comprehensive tech packs with detailed specifications for all garment components

Create accurate flat sketches and construction details using Adobe Illustrator

Specify materials, trims, hardware, measurements, and grading for all sizes

Document print placements, embroidery specs, and special construction techniques with precise Pantone and team color specifications

Maintain organized library of tech packs and style specifications

Update tech packs through sample approval process and incorporate feedback

Production Coordination:

Communicate design intent and technical requirements to manufacturers

Review and approve samples for fit, construction, quality, and color accuracy

Troubleshoot production issues and provide solutions to maintain design integrity

Work with vendors on material sourcing and cost-effective alternatives

Ensure products meet quality standards, brand expectations, and licensing requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with sales team to understand retail partner needs and requirements

Coordinate with marketing on product photography and promotional materials

Support e-commerce team with accurate product descriptions and size charts

Participate in line reviews and provide design perspective on product assortment

Required:

3 years of experience in apparel design with tech pack creation

Hands-on experience with PLM systems, specifically WFX

Proven ability to create and update products in PLM with accurate specifications

Strong knowledge of NCAA and NFL team colors and ability to apply them accurately

Experience updating graphics and artwork across multiple product SKUs

Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, and grading

Experience with activewear, sportswear, or licensed apparel

Understanding of textile properties, printing methods, and embellishment techniques

Understanding of Pantone color matching and print color specifications

Ability to create production-ready tech packs with precise specifications

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Excellent communication skills for working with overseas manufacturers

Preferred:

Experience with sports fan apparel or licensed merchandise

Familiarity with NetSuite or similar ERP systems

Direct experience working with NCAA and NFL licensing requirements

Knowledge of team branding guidelines and style guides

Experience with pattern making or fit analysis

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field