The Technical Designer is responsible for all aspects of technical design across all apparel categories, from initial development through TOP (Top of Production). This role ensures the highest standards of fit, construction, quality, and measurement accuracy while maintaining brand integrity. The ideal candidate has deep experience in technical design for RTW, strong problem-solving abilities, and the ability to communicate clearly with internal teams and global vendors.
Role and ResponsibilitiesAs the Jenni Kayne Technical Designer, your primary responsibilities include the following:
Technical Design- Measure garments accurately to identify fit issues and execute fit comments efficiently to meet calendar deadlines.
- Assess garments for compliance with specifications, construction standards, and all prior updates or changes.
- Participate in live-model and form-fitting sessions, provide recommendations, document call-outs, and log critiques to efficiently resolve all issues.
- Create clear, detailed fit comment documents using written and visual communication-photos, sketches, pattern diagrams, or on-pattern notation-to address fit and balance issues.
- Communicate daily with vendors regarding fit, construction adjustments, sewing changes, final grading, and follow-ups throughout the product lifecycle.
- Build and maintain accurate tech packs including detailed sketches/illustrations, construction details, and specifications using Adobe Illustrator and PLM System (WFX), following established standards and templates.
- Maintain and update measurement specifications, how to measure guides, construction and label call out pages throughout product lifecycle
- Identify potential product, quality, or costing risks early and make informed recommendations that uphold brand standards.
- Track and manage workflow, fit schedules, and calendar adherence to ensure timely execution of all milestones.
- Collaborate with Design & Product Development to determine next steps when fit issues arise during pre-production or production, including evaluating timing or cost impacts.
- Maintain organization of all samples throughout development and production, including tracking the status of fit samples and vendor packages.
- Help organize and manage sample archives
- Adhere to the department standards and best practices for product fit and process compliance
Product Development/Production- Partner with Product Development and Design teams to ensure BOMs (Bill of Materials) remain updated throughout the development and production lifecycle.
- Coordinate with Design & PD on sampling needs and requests to meet all calendar milestones and deadlines.
- Review and approve final inspection spec sheets prior to bulk shipment.
- Update all cross-functional WIPs in a timely manner, maintaining accurate records and adhering to established templates and standards.
Qualifications- Minimum 5 - 7 years of Technical Design experience, preferably within Ready-to-Wear.
- Associate degree (minimum 2 years) in a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
- Strong technical knowledge of prototyping, patternmaking, garment construction, grading, and development/production processes.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting production, pattern, and grading issues.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Photoshop & Illustrator
- Experience using PLM system, WFX a plus.
- Intermediate grading skills and strong knowledge of BOMs, trims, and construction standards.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills with the ability to create comprehensive product specifications and detailed technical drawings.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to make independent, proactive decisions.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment while adapting to shifting priorities.
- Proactive self-starter with strong initiative, independence, and follow-through.
- Collaborative, team-oriented, and results-driven with a high level of professionalism.
- Ability to sew is a plus, but not required.
Additional NotesThis job description is not all inclusive. In addition, Kayne LLC dba Jenni Kayne reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. The annual base salary range for this position is $85,000 - 95,000. The base salary is determined by experience, education, skills, and location.
