Associate Technical Designer, Dresses (WHBM)

Chico's FAS, Inc DBA Chico's Retail Services, Inc; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KnitWell Group in Fort Myers, FL is seeking a Senior/Technical Designer to uphold fit and quality through the fit-development process and written specifications. You will work with design and tech teams to ensure consistency across garment styles.

Responsibilities include executing tech packs, collaborating with vendors, and maintaining accurate fit documentation to meet deadlines while protecting brand integrity across products.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's preferred.
• 3+ years of apparel industry experience.
• Strong understanding of garment manufacturing, fit, balance, and construction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, time management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; Adobe Creative Suite knowledge.
• Experience with PLM or similar web-based applications; pattern software knowledge preferred (2D/3D).

Responsibilities

• Lead or participate in weekly fit sessions.
• Collaborate with designers and merchants to translate fit and aesthetics.
• Recommend specs, pattern, and construction methods to improve fit and quality.
• Create tech packs from development to pre-production for assigned garments.
• Communicate with vendors about fit, specs, grading, and construction; maintain reports.
• Organize daily workload to meet deadlines.
• Support senior and technical designers in measuring and prepping for fit.
• Support tech leaders in achieving departmental goals.
• Handle other duties as assigned.
• May work across multiple brands; duties vary.

Skills

Detail oriented

Strong communication

Time management

Team player

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree in Fashion/Art/Design

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Fashion Design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Flem PLM or similar

Optitex/CLO/Brozwear

Job description

About us

Built on the foundation of fashion’s most iconic color contrast – White + Black – WHBM inspires independent women to embrace their power and femininity through modern yet timeless styles. We’re proud to be a place for passionate people to learn, grow, and build empowered careers.

Position Objective

This position is responsible for upholding the consistency of fit and quality through the fit-development process and written technical specifications as appropriate by Brand for assigned product styles. Works closely with Tech leaders to continually broaden technical knowledge and to elevate the quality of the product. Participates in meeting departmental goals. Ensures Brand integrity throughout fit process while keeping the customer in mind.

Functional Responsibilities

• Participates in and may lead weekly fit sessions.
• Collaborates with designers and merchants to translate fit and aesthetic details.
• Makes recommendations in collaboration with peer teams and supervisor on matters pertaining to specs, pattern, construction methods and techniques to improve fit, balance, and overall quality of the garment.
• Executes tech packs from Development to PP of assigned garments and additional product classifications as directed.
• Communicates with vendors regarding fit, specs, grading issues and construction; maintains accurate records of reports and vendor communications.
• Organizes and prioritizes daily workload of assigned product lines to meet all deadlines.
• Supports Senior Technical Designers and Technical Designers in measuring and prepping for fit.
• Supports Tech leaders in completing departmental goals.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This position may be found in multiple brands. Some duties may vary.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree required; Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Preferably in Fashion Design 3+ years of experience in the apparel industry is required
• Detail oriented with ability to drive to completion with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of garment manufacturing process is required
• Good understanding of fit, balance and garment construction, fabrics and fabric performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Share required
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative suite is required
• Working knowledge of Web based applications, i.e. FLEM PLM or comparable software required
• Entrepreneurial spirit and passion for apparel business and ability to work effectively as a team player
• Knowledge of pattern software preferred (2D/3D, Optitex, CLO, Brozwear)

Location & Type

Corporate FAS Retail Services - Fort Myers, FL 33928 Position Type: Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation. KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful. Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.