2026 Leadership Development Program - Technical Design (Fall)

Abercrombie & Fitch; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus ($8,000)

Merchandise discounts

Gym access

Healthcare coverage

Company matching retirement programs

Job summary

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) invites applicants to join the 2026 Leadership Development Program - Technical Design in Columbus, OH.

This full-time program blends classroom sessions with on-the-job training, pairing you with mentors and senior leaders to drive results in a collaborative environment. You will translate sketches into patterns, build tech packs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and overseas vendors to ensure quality and fit.

Qualifications

• 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.
• A portfolio is required with application.

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

Garment construction

Fitting

Portfolio required

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

3D software

Job description

## 2026 Leadership Development Program - Technical Design (Fall)Applylocations: Columbus, Ohiotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR103360**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 OfficeTechnical 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 applicationThe 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.***Company Description**Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com.Learn more about A&F Co. by visiting our corporate website here.