Technical Designer

Workwear Outfitters has a strong legacy of building innovative and authentic market-right products and is a leading supplier of work apparel and footwear for diverse occupations in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, government, food services, telecommunications, hospitality, and many more. Workwear Outfitters is based in Nashville, Tennessee with more than 5,800 employees in facilities spanning the globe.

Brands under the Workwear Outfitters umbrella include Red Kap®, Bulwark®, Image Authority®, Kodiak®, Terra®, Walls®, Liberty ®, Work Authority®, Workrite® Fire Service, Chef Designs®, Horace Small®, and CritiCore®. Workwear Outfitters is also the exclusive licensee for Dickies® apparel in the B2B channel.

Our Purpose: "We champion and empower workers who make our world work better"

Major benefits include medical, vision and dental, Life and Disability coverage.

Other benefits included: 401K, Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, and many others.

What You Will Do as a Technical Designer:

The role of a Technical Designer (Product Fit Analyst) is pivotal in WWOF success. They ensure that clothing fits well and aligns with the brand's image and customer expectations. Their work impacts the bottom line and plays a significant role in brand's reputation and customer loyalty. A Fit Analyst knows where the problem lies if a garment does not fit to a dress form or on a live model. Fit Analyst work closely with creative designers, pattern makers, and product teams. This collaboration aims to ensure that the design vision translates into a well-fitting product, which is vital for the success of a brand's collection.

The Fit Analyst establishes a standard fit by product type, category, brand and end user, ensuring product size and fit consistency across all WWOF product categories. Maintain and execute Fit Classifications through understanding of business needs and collaboration with Product Teams. The Fit Analyst is charged to evaluate garments for fit. Using time management skills, the fit analyst is tasked to review audited samples, make recommendations of the patterns, fit charts, grading and construction to Product Teams. Prepare, record and communicate all issue effectively to Manager, Product Team (Merch, Patterns, Tech Design) and vendors as soon as possible. They give precise instructions on how to correct construction, patterns, fit charts and grading.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Leads the creation and evolution of fit consistency tools, training and fit for use. Assure the consistency of the fit and quality of measurements of the garments.
• Leads the definition of the Fit Types and helps Merchandise select the best make like fit type for the product and end use. Standardizes across brands when needed. Helps Marketing communicate through visuals on websites.
• Establishes the need and application of Fit Blocks. Accountable for the ongoing evolution of the block pattern library, including identifying new and revised block patterns, and seasonal validation. Lead block review presentations and training as needed.
• Maintain a good fit by utilizing grading standards and manage exceptions effectively. Use Block Library to ensure brand integrity and consistency. Accountable for the product grading body of work for multiple grade standards.
• Establishes the need and application of Fit Charts. Ensure consistency in sizing within brand's product line by specifying key points of measurement on a garment for each size.
• Project management leader for various size and fit endeavors. Identify scope of work, timeline, deliverables, task assignment, tracking and accountability. Develop and implement best practices, standards, and documentation.
• Effectively prioritize seasonal and non-seasonal workload across projects assigned.
• Proactively recommend solutions that will ensure fit goals are met. Communicate effectively.
• Leads the competitive review of garment categories when it comes to defining fit for brand's collections.
• Understand Design's creative vision, including silhouette, fabrication, fit intent, and design details, and effectively collaborate to translate to the brand's customer.

• Partner with E-Comm team, customer insights, and marketing to effectively communicate the consistency of size and fit information provided to consumers.
• Collaborate and work with in the 3D Digital Product Creation tools to apply relevant digital fit technology.
• Collaborate with Quality Department on the How To Measure Guide. Adding POM when necessary, by garment type.
• Fosters collaboration and works closely with the Product Teams (Design, Merchandise, Patterns, Tech Design) on all technical and fit issues.
• Lead the 3D and on model fit session to ensure garments meet the company's fit standards. Lead fit review and utilize technical expertise by offering improvements in fit. Provide leadership, expertise to the product creation teams in all fit sessions. Propose and implement changes that will ensure fit sessions are productive.
• Active oversite of fit room protocol, roles & responsibilities, fit model requirements and budget. Monitor fit model measurements regularly and incorporate into fit process. Fit product on live models and forms.

Skills for Success:

• 5+ years of experience with apparel fit and fit analysis
• Flat Pattern Making, Draping, Clothing Construction
• 3D Browzwear, V-Stitcher, Lotta or Clo
• Pattern Block Development
• Style specific pattern development
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook
• PLM

Preferred Experience:

• Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Accumark, Lectra, Gerber
• Understanding of textiles and how they impact fit
• Experience implementing process and systems
• Experience in cross functional communication and gaining consensus
• Excellent prioritization skills while managing conflicting key stake holders' deadlines