Director, Cut and Sew Innovation

ALICE + OLIVIA

$150K — $170K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field
  • 10+ years of apparel design experience, preferably in contemporary women's t-shirts, streetwear, or activewear
  • Interest or experience in robotics, automation, and digital manufacturing
  • Strong knowledge of cut and sew garment construction and fabric characteristics
  • Experience with design tools, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Understanding of patternmaking, grading, and fit corrections
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

  • Design original cut and sew garments from concept through sample development
  • Collaborate with robotics and automation partners for innovative garment production
  • Evaluate garment-making outputs for quality and alignment with design intent
  • Research market trends and techniques to support new product development
  • Create design materials, including sketches and tech packs
  • Communicate design intent through detailed specifications and documents
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to execute garments from concept to approval
  • Attend fittings and provide feedback on garment fit and construction
  • Monitor garment development timelines and address pending issues
  • Maintain accurate tracking and updates throughout the development process

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Opportunity to work with innovative manufacturing technology
  • Involvement in the creative process from concept to final product
  • Chance to influence the brand's aesthetic and product execution
  • Access to industry insights and market trend research
Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Sr. Cut and Sew Innovation Designer is responsible for creating original garments from concept through development, with a strong focus on fabric, silhouette, fit, construction, finishing details, and innovative production methods. This role works with Design and partners closely with our automation/robotics partners to develop unique products, ensuring each garment reflects the brand's aesthetic, quality standards, technical requirements, and commercial needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Design original cut and sew garments from concept through sample development, ensuring alignment with seasonal direction and brand identity.
• Collaborate with robotics, automation, and technology partners to explore, develop, and produce cut and sew garments using innovative manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate robotic or automated garment-making outputs for quality, consistency, fit, construction, and alignment with approved design intent.
• Research market trends, fabrications, silhouettes, construction techniques, trims, and finishing details to support new product development.
• Create sketches, flats, fashion cards, and design presentations using hand sketching and digital tools as needed.
• Develop and communicate design intent through tech packs, construction details, measurements, trim direction, and fabric specifications.
• Partner with patternmakers, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and vendors to execute garments from initial concept through final sample approval.
• Attend fittings and product reviews; provide feedback on fit, proportion, construction, fabric performance, and overall design execution.
• Monitor garment development against seasonal calendars and follow up on pending issues to keep deliverables on track.
• Maintain accurate line sheets, sample tracking, design updates, and style information throughout the development process.
• Ensure each style reflects the intended quality, fit, craftsmanship, and brand aesthetic across all details.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners, vendors, and factories to support timely and high-quality product execution.

REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of apparel design, garment construction, fit, fabrication, and the full development process for cut and sew product.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 10+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within contemporary women's t-shirts, streetwear, activewear, or specialty apparel.
• Interest in or experience with robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, or emerging apparel production technology required.
• Strong knowledge of cut and sew garment construction, fabric hand feel, drape, fit, stitching, finishing, trims, and production considerations.
• Experience creating sketches, flats, tech packs, construction callouts, and design presentations.
• Understanding of patternmaking, grading, garment measurements, and fit corrections.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; Microsoft Office experience required.
• Ability to manage multiple styles, deadlines, seasons, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and factories.

$150,000 - $170,000 base salary (This range represents the anticipated base salary for this NYC-based position and will vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity. This is a non-exempt position and may require overtime, which will be compensated in accordance with applicable law.)

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