Private Label Senior Technical Designer

Job Title: Senior Technical Designer

Department: Private Label

Reports To: Technical Design Manager

Effective Date: FEBRUARY 2025

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Technical Designer role manages the technical aspects of one or more assigned apparel category(s) from initial design development prototypes to final approval for production. The Senior Technical Designer's role will be as specialist and subject matter expert in one or more of the product categories that they manage. Focus of this position is extensive analyzation of existing patterns/fit blocks/grade rules that exist in the Private Brands Services (PBS) department, with the goal of streamlining processes, creating consistency between factories and brands regarding fit and grade. The Senior Technical Designer will serve as mentor and Team lead to more junior members of the team.

While ensuring brand integrity through consistency, this role is responsible for leading fit sessions in collaboration with Design and Product Development teams, as well as identifying potential production, quality, and costing challenges as it relates to the construction of garments and make recommendations. They will effectively communicate with business partners, vendor/agent partners, and factories on all development updates to facilitate the results required. The Senior Technical Designer will play a critical role in establishing Zumiez as a trusted leader in the apparel sector.

The Senior Technical Designer will stay ahead of market trends, PBS goals, new technologies, and consumer expectations throughout the development process, engaging with all team partners to ensure projects are meet to Zumiez team guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.

The Senior Technical Designer manages sample fit approvals, calendar and workflow

for their specified garment category or categories. This role requires strong communication, and problem-solving skills. This role also requires a high level of technical expertise, leadership skills and a keen understanding of product development and production processes.

The Senior Technical Designer will comport themselves in a professional manner, presenting themselves as a role model to their team and partners, and in alignment with Zumiez cultural values, as they deliver the day-to-day activities and communicate challenges to the team, their partners, and their managers.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Executes the technical design process for assigned product categories, including requesting evaluating and approving all prototype, fit, PP and TOP samples to determine compliance of specs, construction, quality and design intent through sample measurement, tech pack review, and BOM review; Updates tech packs with current information construction techniques, and measurements, where applicable

• Researches and analyzes competitive branded products against Zumiez private label products, documenting assessments toward resolving fit, pattern and construction issues.

• Benchmarks fit and quality standards against other key fashion companies to ensure best in class fit and construction.

• Checks construction and quality of product to ensure sample has proper construction for garment category and fabrication. Identifies potential issues and makes appropriate recommendations.

• Experienced in interpreting design intent, identifying potential issues and offering alternative solutions. Cross-references existing bodies to expedite the spec development and fit process as directed or assigned.

• Works in collaboration with Technical Design and Product Development Director to refine product life cycle including key time and action checkpoints; Works closely with the Technical Design Manager and Product Development Director to enhance and evolve processes and procedures, as the business evolves, while driving to elevate the quality of the product and create efficiencies in development processes.

• Reviews Production Calendar for key checkpoints and deliverable deadlines. Communicating to their reports the "month at a glance" in weekly emails.

• Maintains weekly and seasonal overview Sample Tracking log (TAC) through Proto receipt, all Fit Stages, and TOP submits (new and reorders); Tracks and manages workflow and workload for own product to ensure product areas are maintained with cross-functional teams while partnering with the Production team on critical priorities, as needed. Communicates with Vendors when submit comments cannot be sent within a 3-day turn and gives specific timeframe for expected comment sending.

• Evaluates samples from prototype to PP sample stage for fit, measurement,

pattern shaping, and functionality to ensure fit and proper styling. Evaluates samples at the TOP stage for confirmation that all prior requests to vendor were applied prior to moving to Bulk Production. Reviews PP and TOP samples against Compliance records for accuracy in Care Instructions and Country of Origin.

• Prepares submits for fittings, by measuring sample, cross-examining sample against style Tech Pack and against the previous fit samples to ensure previous comments have been corrected, bringing previous fits to fit session for review if needed; Attends and leads the fit session on live model(s) or mannequin(s) and takes initiative in their assigned product category(s). As a subject matter expert, suggests or gives guidance to Designer/Product Developers and Vendors in how to achieve the best fit and construction for the functionality of the product.

• Effectively communicates fit comments to overseas vendors within given deadlines and includes:

Fully detailed written instructions to improve fit and quality of each garment, including fit balance issues, or pattern shaping to spec inconsistencies

Photos of problem fit areas to demonstrate requested corrections

Detailed sketches (or updates when required)

Updated Construction information

Updated Garment measurements through the stages

Develops and modifies patterns for development and production through flat pattern techniques, pattern diagram in Adobe Illustrator or CLO3d software applications.

• Articulates brand standards to all parties, agents, and final manufacturers; Issues grading guidelines to vendors after fit approval.

• Adept at working across a broad range of apparel product classifications and material types in both Mens and Womens products. (Woven and Knit categories, Knit Tops, Denim and Casual Bottoms, Casual and Fleece Jackets. experience working with Snow products is a plus.) Extensive experience in one or more product categories, leading to SME status. An elevated level of pattern making skills is required.

• Develops and maintains block specs for assigned categories; Maintains Block spec and .DXF pattern libraries for assigned categories; Develops basic block patterns in CLO3d pattern software. Requests past production patterns from vendors, in .DXF format, for styles assigned as block patterns.

• Must be able to assess and confirm all aspects of a given product, including color, materials and trim, construction, and stitch details against a given technical package.

• Collaborates with multiple internal departments and vendor partners to ensure products meet or exceed all requirements; Provides technical direction, internally and externally, on corrective actions needed to bring samples to brand fit standards. Utilizes written comments, sketches, photos, or pattern making as needed to communicate.

• Works in collaboration with vendors and team members to improve efficiency through clear, concise, "to the point "communication, simultaneously reducing the number of fit samples and overall development timeline

• Executes fit comments in a timely manner to ensure the fit process stays in line with production and action timelines while partnering with the Production team on lead time priorities, when required.

• Anticipates and resolves any potential pre-production and production problems while in the fit process. Partners with vendors in the resolution of problems as necessary.

• Responsible for reviewing pre-production samples (PP's) for adherence to approved fit and construction standards and executes comments as needed to complete the PP approval process and move the process forward to production. Partners with Production team (as needed) to resolve issues on PP's and in relationship to timelines

• Investigate by category, consistency between block patterns, grades and overall fit by brand inside of category fit. Collaborates with Technical Design team partners where product categories overlap (i.e. Mens Walkshort and Mens Boardshorts; Technical Fleece and Sweatshirts)

• Recruits, auditions, and manages live models for fit sessions, as required; Directs and coordinates fit sessions with live models and other team or partner attendees

• Responsible for participating in tracking core body measurements on live fit model referencing both ASTM and Alvanon body measurement charts for maintaining consistent fit.

• Mentors TD team associates and assistants in one or more specialty categories. Influences and guides Technical Design partners as needed, or as requested, and where applicable to leverage technical knowledge and experience, supporting a strong team atmosphere and product execution.

• Prepares and delivers written and oral reviews of those being mentored against given job criteria.

• Requires strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.

• Must thrive in a fast-paced work environment with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

• May be assigned other duties and projects based on business need; May be required to train in and deliver special projects in CLO3d as implementation evolves. May be required to become proficient in new technologies as adopted for future business needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years previous experience as a Technical Designer, with expert knowledge in multiple product categories, Cut and Sew Knits and Wovens, Casual Jackets, Technical Outwear (Snow is a plus) in both, Men's and Women's products; including patternmaking and construction experience with full knowledge of development, production process, and timelines for all product categories. (Prior Design experience is a plus)

• College degree in Patternmaking, Fashion Design or Product Development with course work in textiles, pattern making, apparel design and manufacturing, product development or related experience

• Strong understanding of Technical Design including construction, fit, pattern making, fabric relation to design intent, and overall improving quality of a garment while maintaining cost for Sweaters and Cut and Sew Knits product categories.

• Demonstrates understanding and application of patternmaking within the capacity of technical design as a tool for communicating fit review and/or requested pattern revisions for progressive improved fit of product category. Requires demonstrated proficiency in CLO3d for building patterns, assessing pattern fit, and vendor pattern comparison.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective and cost-efficient pattern solutions with applied understanding of factory apparel construction, material construction and properties related to fit

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator for Tech Pack review and revision; Proficiency in Photoshop as it applies to Fabric Print resizing for CLO3d application. Proficient in Microsoft 365 Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, One Drive et al).

• Able to build and work with 3D assets. Demonstrated proficiency in CLO3d pattern software.

• Demonstrates the ability to learn and adapt to modern technologies as required of the position.

• Must be able to use higher level math with full comprehension of decimals and fractions, and their application to rulers and tape measures.

• Proficient understanding and experience working in all parts of the design and development process, from inception through production.

• Must be proficient with knowledge and skill in production fit and pattern standards, corrections, grading, construction manufacturing methods, sewing, and technical drawing.

• Experience in grading and ability to understand grade rules for multiple categories

• Demonstrates ability to apply knowledge of pattern grading for assessing consistent grade of defined fit silhouettes, placement of artwork or other details, including recommendations of zipper lengths

• Highly developed standards of pride and ownership with demonstrated understanding, application, and execution of the principles required to achieve an excellent garment fit

• A highly motivated individual with an entrepreneurial spirit; Demonstrates a spirit of collaboration, building supportive relationships with the Technical Design Manager/Technical Design team-seeks new and innovative solutions to garment construction in tandem with design concepts.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Fosters collaborative, team-orientated relationships. Comports themselves professionally in all communication, written and verbal, including outward-facing interactions. Remains "cool, calm, and collected" when in the "eye of the storm".

• Strong time management skills. Ability to multi-task and review priorities as other demands come into play on a day-to-day basis

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, motivate and mentor others

• Possesses the ability to employ both Left Brain and Right Brain processing, blending Analytical thinking with Creativity; Processes tasks with an understanding of the need for Flexibility and Adaptability to meet key product and product group objectives. Displays initiative by suggesting and/or implementing innovative solutions for resolving identified challenges.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit in stationary position in an office environment for extended periods of time and work on a PC without limitations

• Constantly positions self to maintain computers and desk equipment [stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl]

Job Title: Senior Technical Designer

Department: Private Label

Reports To: Technical Design Manager

Effective Date: FEBRUARY 2025

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Technical Designer role manages the technical aspects of one or more assigned apparel category(s) from initial design development prototypes to final approval for production. The Senior Technical Designer's role will be as specialist and subject matter expert in one or more of the product categories that they manage. Focus of this position is extensive analyzation of existing patterns/fit blocks/grade rules that exist in the Private Brands Services (PBS) department, with the goal of streamlining processes, creating consistency between factories and brands regarding fit and grade. The Senior Technical Designer will serve as mentor and Team lead to more junior members of the team.

While ensuring brand integrity through consistency, this role is responsible for leading fit sessions in collaboration with Design and Product Development teams, as well as identifying potential production, quality, and costing challenges as it relates to the construction of garments and make recommendations. They will effectively communicate with business partners, vendor/agent partners, and factories on all development updates to facilitate the results required. The Senior Technical Designer will play a critical role in establishing Zumiez as a trusted leader in the apparel sector.

The Senior Technical Designer will stay ahead of market trends, PBS goals, new technologies, and consumer expectations throughout the development process, engaging with all team partners to ensure projects are meet to Zumiez team guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation.

The Senior Technical Designer manages sample fit approvals, calendar and workflow

for their specified garment category or categories. This role requires strong communication, and problem-solving skills. This role also requires a high level of technical expertise, leadership skills and a keen understanding of product development and production processes.

The Senior Technical Designer will comport themselves in a professional manner, presenting themselves as a role model to their team and partners, and in alignment with Zumiez cultural values, as they deliver the day-to-day activities and communicate challenges to the team, their partners, and their managers.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Executes the technical design process for assigned product categories, including requesting evaluating and approving all prototype, fit, PP and TOP samples to determine compliance of specs, construction, quality and design intent through sample measurement, tech pack review, and BOM review; Updates tech packs with current information construction techniques, and measurements, where applicable

• Researches and analyzes competitive branded products against Zumiez private label products, documenting assessments toward resolving fit, pattern and construction issues.

• Benchmarks fit and quality standards against other key fashion companies to ensure best in class fit and construction.

• Checks construction and quality of product to ensure sample has proper construction for garment category and fabrication. Identifies potential issues and makes appropriate recommendations.

• Experienced in interpreting design intent, identifying potential issues and offering alternative solutions. Cross-references existing bodies to expedite the spec development and fit process as directed or assigned.

• Works in collaboration with Technical Design and Product Development Director to refine product life cycle including key time and action checkpoints; Works closely with the Technical Design Manager and Product Development Director to enhance and evolve processes and procedures, as the business evolves, while driving to elevate the quality of the product and create efficiencies in development processes.

• Reviews Production Calendar for key checkpoints and deliverable deadlines. Communicating to their reports the "month at a glance" in weekly emails.

• Maintains weekly and seasonal overview Sample Tracking log (TAC) through Proto receipt, all Fit Stages, and TOP submits (new and reorders); Tracks and manages workflow and workload for own product to ensure product areas are maintained with cross-functional teams while partnering with the Production team on critical priorities, as needed. Communicates with Vendors when submit comments cannot be sent within a 3-day turn and gives specific timeframe for expected comment sending.

• Evaluates samples from prototype to PP sample stage for fit, measurement,

pattern shaping, and functionality to ensure fit and proper styling. Evaluates samples at the TOP stage for confirmation that all prior requests to vendor were applied prior to moving to Bulk Production. Reviews PP and TOP samples against Compliance records for accuracy in Care Instructions and Country of Origin.

• Prepares submits for fittings, by measuring sample, cross-examining sample against style Tech Pack and against the previous fit samples to ensure previous comments have been corrected, bringing previous fits to fit session for review if needed; Attends and leads the fit session on live model(s) or mannequin(s) and takes initiative in their assigned product category(s). As a subject matter expert, suggests or gives guidance to Designer/Product Developers and Vendors in how to achieve the best fit and construction for the functionality of the product.

• Effectively communicates fit comments to overseas vendors within given deadlines and includes:

Fully detailed written instructions to improve fit and quality of each garment, including fit balance issues, or pattern shaping to spec inconsistencies

Photos of problem fit areas to demonstrate requested corrections

Detailed sketches (or updates when required)

Updated Construction information

Updated Garment measurements through the stages

Develops and modifies patterns for development and production through flat pattern techniques, pattern diagram in Adobe Illustrator or CLO3d software applications.

• Articulates brand standards to all parties, agents, and final manufacturers; Issues grading guidelines to vendors after fit approval.

• Adept at working across a broad range of apparel product classifications and material types in both Mens and Womens products. (Woven and Knit categories, Knit Tops, Denim and Casual Bottoms, Casual and Fleece Jackets. experience working with Snow products is a plus.) Extensive experience in one or more product categories, leading to SME status. An elevated level of pattern making skills is required.

• Develops and maintains block specs for assigned categories; Maintains Block spec and .DXF pattern libraries for assigned categories; Develops basic block patterns in CLO3d pattern software. Requests past production patterns from vendors, in .DXF format, for styles assigned as block patterns.

• Must be able to assess and confirm all aspects of a given product, including color, materials and trim, construction, and stitch details against a given technical package.

• Collaborates with multiple internal departments and vendor partners to ensure products meet or exceed all requirements; Provides technical direction, internally and externally, on corrective actions needed to bring samples to brand fit standards. Utilizes written comments, sketches, photos, or pattern making as needed to communicate.

• Works in collaboration with vendors and team members to improve efficiency through clear, concise, "to the point "communication, simultaneously reducing the number of fit samples and overall development timeline

• Executes fit comments in a timely manner to ensure the fit process stays in line with production and action timelines while partnering with the Production team on lead time priorities, when required.

• Anticipates and resolves any potential pre-production and production problems while in the fit process. Partners with vendors in the resolution of problems as necessary.

• Responsible for reviewing pre-production samples (PP's) for adherence to approved fit and construction standards and executes comments as needed to complete the PP approval process and move the process forward to production. Partners with Production team (as needed) to resolve issues on PP's and in relationship to timelines

• Investigate by category, consistency between block patterns, grades and overall fit by brand inside of category fit. Collaborates with Technical Design team partners where product categories overlap (i.e. Mens Walkshort and Mens Boardshorts; Technical Fleece and Sweatshirts)

• Recruits, auditions, and manages live models for fit sessions, as required; Directs and coordinates fit sessions with live models and other team or partner attendees

• Responsible for participating in tracking core body measurements on live fit model referencing both ASTM and Alvanon body measurement charts for maintaining consistent fit.

• Mentors TD team associates and assistants in one or more specialty categories. Influences and guides Technical Design partners as needed, or as requested, and where applicable to leverage technical knowledge and experience, supporting a strong team atmosphere and product execution.

• Prepares and delivers written and oral reviews of those being mentored against given job criteria.

• Requires strong problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.

• Must thrive in a fast-paced work environment with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

• May be assigned other duties and projects based on business need; May be required to train in and deliver special projects in CLO3d as implementation evolves. May be required to become proficient in new technologies as adopted for future business needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years previous experience as a Technical Designer, with expert knowledge in multiple product categories, Cut and Sew Knits and Wovens, Casual Jackets, Technical Outwear (Snow is a plus) in both, Men's and Women's products; including patternmaking and construction experience with full knowledge of development, production process, and timelines for all product categories. (Prior Design experience is a plus)

• College degree in Patternmaking, Fashion Design or Product Development with course work in textiles, pattern making, apparel design and manufacturing, product development or related experience

• Strong understanding of Technical Design including construction, fit, pattern making, fabric relation to design intent, and overall improving quality of a garment while maintaining cost for Sweaters and Cut and Sew Knits product categories.

• Demonstrates understanding and application of patternmaking within the capacity of technical design as a tool for communicating fit review and/or requested pattern revisions for progressive improved fit of product category. Requires demonstrated proficiency in CLO3d for building patterns, assessing pattern fit, and vendor pattern comparison.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective and cost-efficient pattern solutions with applied understanding of factory apparel construction, material construction and properties related to fit

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator for Tech Pack review and revision; Proficiency in Photoshop as it applies to Fabric Print resizing for CLO3d application. Proficient in Microsoft 365 Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, One Drive et al).

• Able to build and work with 3D assets. Demonstrated proficiency in CLO3d pattern software.

• Demonstrates the ability to learn and adapt to modern technologies as required of the position.

• Must be able to use higher level math with full comprehension of decimals and fractions, and their application to rulers and tape measures.

• Proficient understanding and experience working in all parts of the design and development process, from inception through production.

• Must be proficient with knowledge and skill in production fit and pattern standards, corrections, grading, construction manufacturing methods, sewing, and technical drawing.

• Experience in grading and ability to understand grade rules for multiple categories

• Demonstrates ability to apply knowledge of pattern grading for assessing consistent grade of defined fit silhouettes, placement of artwork or other details, including recommendations of zipper lengths

• Highly developed standards of pride and ownership with demonstrated understanding, application, and execution of the principles required to achieve an excellent garment fit

• A highly motivated individual with an entrepreneurial spirit; Demonstrates a spirit of collaboration, building supportive relationships with the Technical Design Manager/Technical Design team-seeks new and innovative solutions to garment construction in tandem with design concepts.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Fosters collaborative, team-orientated relationships. Comports themselves professionally in all communication, written and verbal, including outward-facing interactions. Remains "cool, calm, and collected" when in the "eye of the storm".

• Strong time management skills. Ability to multi-task and review priorities as other demands come into play on a day-to-day basis

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, motivate and mentor others

• Possesses the ability to employ both Left Brain and Right Brain processing, blending Analytical thinking with Creativity; Processes tasks with an understanding of the need for Flexibility and Adaptability to meet key product and product group objectives. Displays initiative by suggesting and/or implementing innovative solutions for resolving identified challenges.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit in stationary position in an office environment for extended periods of time and work on a PC without limitations

• Constantly positions self to maintain computers and desk equipment [stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl]