2026 Leadership Development Program - Technical Design (Fall)

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Merchandise discounts

A&F gym

Industry-leading healthcare coverage

Company matching savings & retirement

Job summary

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in Columbus is seeking candidates for its Leadership Development Programs, designed to fast-track top graduates into senior roles.

The program combines classroom sessions with on-the-job training, mentorship, and exposure to senior leaders to prepare you for key roles at the Home Office. Technical Designers translate sketches into tech packs, build patterns, and collaborate with design, merchandising, and sourcing teams to ensure quality construction, fit, and efficient

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or relevant degree.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Portfolio required with application.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of garment construction and fitting.
• Strong pattern making, draping and grading skills.
• Collaborative approach with cross-functional partners to achieve brand vision.
• Desire for adventure and curiosity; able to adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and edit patterns to drive fit direction
• Build detailed tech packs
• Partner with cross functional teams to ensure proper construction and fit through interactive fit sessions
• Create detailed technical illustrations & specifications using Adobe Creative Suite
• Work together with overseas vendors to manage the garment sampling process
• Communicate with factories to identify & resolve production issues
• Utilize 3D software in the design process to create efficiencies in the sample process and fit integrity
• Manage product cycle from sketch through pre-production samples and final bulk garments

Skills

Pattern making

Draping

Grading

Communication

Time management

Organization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or relevant degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

3D software

Job description

The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a “promote from within” mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment.

The Comprehensive Programs Will Include

• Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training
• Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role
• Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company
• An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates
• Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F
• Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office

Technical Designers translate flat sketches and trim sheets into physical garments by building detailed tech packs. They are responsible for creating detailed technical illustrations, editing paper patterns, and creating patterns from scratch when necessary. Our technical designers lead cross functional fit sessions and communicate with vendors and factories to bring our vision to life. They work closely with Apparel Designers, Merchants, and Sourcing Specialists to protect quality construction and fit for each product category.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Create and edit patterns to drive fit direction
• Build detailed tech packs
• Partner with cross functional teams to ensure proper construction and fit through interactive fit sessions
• Create detailed technical illustrations & specifications using Adobe Creative Suite
• Work together with overseas vendors to manage the garment sampling process
• Communicate with factories to identify & resolve production issues
• Utilize 3D software in the design process to create efficiencies in the sample process and fit integrity
• Manage product cycle from sketch through pre-production samples and final bulk garments

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or relevant degree
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Passion for the A&F brands and the role
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
• Career-driven, strong work ethic and high-performance standards
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of garment construction and fitting skills
• Strong pattern making, draping and grading skills
• Ability to manipulate existing patterns
• A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
• A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
• Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment
• Desire to learn & hunger for more!
• A portfolio is required with application

The A&F Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs. To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.