Senior Technical Designer, Apparel — Fit & Production Expert

Steve Madden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Generous paid time off

Career opportunities

Job summary

Steve Madden is seeking a Senior Technical Designer to join our Wholesale Apparel team in NYC. You will own the technical design process from development through pre-production, partnering with Designers and overseas factories to translate concepts into production-ready product.

With 10+ years in technical design, you will lead fit sessions, analyze samples for construction quality, and proactively resolve issues to keep multiple styles moving.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Technical Design experience, preferably within the Better/Contemporary market or fashion-forward apparel.
• Deep expertise in garment construction, fit, pattern-making, and tailoring.
• A highly developed eye for fit, styling, proportion, and overall product execution.
• Strong ability to translate a Designer’s creative vision into technically sound, production-ready product.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with both internal teams and overseas partners.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across Design, Production, Merchandising, and manufacturing.
• Exceptional organization and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven fashion environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Own the Technical Design Process: Manage the technical design lifecycle from initial development through pre-production approval, ensuring product meets fit, quality, construction, and design expectations.
• Bring Designs to Life: Partner closely with Designers to understand the creative vision and fit intent, translating concepts into detailed technical specification packages and production-ready product.
• Drive Fit & Quality: Conduct fit sessions on live models, evaluating balance, proportion, construction, and overall fit. Provide thoughtful recommendations and translate feedback into clear, actionable fit comments.
• Be the Technical Expert: Analyze samples for specifications, pattern, construction, and workmanship, identifying opportunities to improve fit, quality, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate Globally: Work closely with overseas factories and manufacturing partners, clearly communicating fit and construction corrections through detailed written comments, photographs, diagrams, and pattern corrections.
• Solve Problems Before They Happen: Proactively identify and resolve technical, production, quality, and costing challenges throughout the development process.
• Keep Product Moving: Manage multiple styles, projects, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and ensuring key milestones stay on track.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Develop productive relationships with Design, Production, Merchandising, overseas factories, and other cross-functional partners.
• Manage Daily Communication: Serve as a key point of contact for technical design correspondence with overseas manufacturing partners.
• Make an Impact: Bring a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset to the team and contribute to special projects and initiatives as needed.

Skills

Technical Design

Garment Construction

Fit & Proportion

Pattern-Making

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Office

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Communication Skills

Time Management

Problem-Solving

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Steve Madden is seeking a Senior Technical Designer to join our Wholesale Apparel team in NYC. You will own the technical design process from development through pre-production, partnering with Designers and overseas factories to translate concepts into production-ready product.

With 10+ years in technical design, you will lead fit sessions, analyze samples for construction quality, and proactively resolve issues to keep multiple styles moving.