Associate Technical Designer- Lee

Kontoor Brands, Inc.; Revolution (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Flexible Fridays

Tuition reimbursement

Discounts on apparel

Job summary

Kontoor Brands, Inc. is looking for a Technical Designer in North Carolina to manage technical development from pattern-making to production. The role requires 5+ years of apparel manufacturing experience and proficiency in technical product development.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are met. Comprehensive benefits, an inclusive workplace culture, and flexibility are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of extensive apparel manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of in-depth technical knowledge in product manufacturing processes.
• Solid organization skills to prioritize and deliver to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical expertise on product development in pre-production.
• Work with Production Technical Design to enable production-ready packages.
• Assist in deploying best practices within the unit.

Skills

Apparel manufacturing experience

Technical knowledge in product manufacturing processes

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

High proficiency in Illustrator and MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Tools

Lectra Accumark 2D Patternmaking

Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Patternmaking

Job description

Who We Are

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best‑in‑class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long‑term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting: Technical Designer

We are looking for our next Technical Designer who is responsible for our Kontoor Brands’ complete technical development of pattern‑making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development. You will be focused on our specific Brand’s business unit’s product category lines, supervising the on‑time adherence of functional task timelines in accordance with brands’ strategic Go‑to‑Market milestones and critical dates. Technical packages are built to meet or exceed pre‑determined gross margin and price targets. This position manages the communication and processes of all product specifications details to strictly meet the quality standards established in pattern, technical construction, and approved materials. As the Technical Designer, you will collaborate with cross‑functional areas on all major finalization activities of pattern and all technical specifications into existing systems and tools for a complete and on‑time pass‑off to production partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages own activities in providing technical expertise on product development in the areas of pre‑production pattern development, technical construction specification and materials finalization to ensure all pre‑production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines.
• Works closely in tandem with Production Technical Design team to enable next stage of production‑ready packages to field manufacturing, overseas offices, and vendor suppliers.
• Executes design/merchandising product changes in tandem with Production Technical Design and/or manufacturing in a timely manner to ensure accurate execution in bulk production.
• Manages up‑to‑date information and workflow in current tools and related systems.
• Develops both new and applies current fit blocks in pattern development via both 2D and 3D pattern development while maintaining asset management, and with technical construction manual specifications.
• Applies and follows established standard operating procedures related to materials management (Bills of Materials), labelling & packaging manuals and folding guides.
• Serves as a problem‑solving technical resource to cross‑functional teams to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in pre‑production stage.
• Escalates exception issues promptly to supervisors and/or related business partners.
• Adopt new skills and training to facilitate implementation of new technology, systems and tools.
• Assists in identifying and deploying best practices within own unit and cross‑functionally.
• Responsible for personal training and development. Conducts self‑performance appraisal to review with direct supervisor.

Requirements

• 5+ years of extensive apparel manufacturing experience with extensive knowledge in pattern, technical product development processes and systems.
• Product development or related manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas.
• 5+ years of in‑depth technical knowledge in end‑to‑end product manufacturing processes.
• Preferred experience in Jeanswear Bottoms or Tops product, but our brand develops product in all categories including denim & non‑denim bottoms, knit and woven tops, sweaters, and outerwear.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred.
• Self‑driven individual motivated to drive results and high‑performance.
• Attention to detail and adept at problem‑solving.
• Solid organization skills to prioritize, multitask and deliver to deadlines and drive optimal results.
• High proficiency in systems – Illustrator and MS Office applications (SharePoint, Teams, Excel etc.). Smartsheet knowledge preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Preferred experience in Lectra Accumark 2D Patternmaking and Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Patternmaking softwares.
• PLM experience a plus as the company will be transitioning in the near future.

Why Kontoor Brands?

• An inclusive workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members.
• Comprehensive benefits program providing choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – including paid parental leave, flexible Fridays, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on apparel.
• Resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing.

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

Kontoor Brands is a lifestyle apparel company with a strong established global footprint. We operate in more than 50 countries, with corporate offices in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as internal manufacturing facilities located in the Western Hemisphere. This is an exciting time to be a part of Kontoor Brands globally, as we are focused on leveraging our global platform to drive brand growth and are committed to further geographic expansion.

Diversity Vision Statement

Kontoor Brands is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Kontoor Brands is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. Kontoor Brands is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our Kontoor Brands associates and Kontoor Brands applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.