Technical Designer

Cato Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Cato Corporation is seeking an Apparel Patternmaker/Technical Specialist to develop products with optimum fit, consistent sizing, and quality construction. You will analyze samples, run fit sessions with buyers, and communicate corrections to vendors to ensure core specs are met.

You will maintain specification consistency, produce final specifications, and support vendors with troubleshooting. The role includes development of bid packages and training junior designers, collaborating across

Qualifications

• Pattern-making, grading, measurement, and specifications skills.
• Garment construction (Industrial) and sewing skills.
• Good flat sketching ability.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Computer skills: Word, Excel; Adobe Illustrator a plus.

Responsibilities

• Sample analysis and fit sessions with buyers; communicate fit corrections to vendors.
• Maintain specification consistency across product categories.
• Make fit comments and corrections against core specs and construction standards.
• Provide technical support to vendors and produce final specifications.
• Develop bid packages for product development maintaining measurements and standards.
• Assist in training Assistant Technical Designers.

Skills

Pattern-making/Grading/Measurement/SPE

Garment construction

Flat sketching

Communication skills

Computer skills (Word/Excel)

Education

Degree in Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing/Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

To provide apparel technical support for Cato and It’s Fashion Buyers, Product Managers and Vendors, by developing product with optimum fit, consistent sizing and quality construction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sample analysis, including measuring samples as required, conducting fit sessions with Buyers, and communicating appropriate fit and pattern corrections to Vendors
• Responsible for maintaining specification consistency across all product categories.
• Making fit comments and corrections based on comparison with core specs and construction standards
• Giving technical support to vendors (troubleshooting) when needed and producing final specifications
• Development of Bid Packages for product development that capture the essence of the style while maintaining measurement and construction standards
• Assist in the training and development of Assistant Technical Designers
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Flex PLM systems
• Conduct competitive analysis research
• Wash-test garments as required
• Work in tandem with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Quality Assurance Departments, offering expertise and assistance as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Degree in Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing/Design

WORK EXPERIENCE

3-10 years experience as Patternmaker/Technical Specialist/Designer

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Pattern-making/Grading/Measurement/Specifications skills
• Garment construction (Industrial) and sewing skills a plus
• Good flat sketching ability
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, Adobe Illustrator a plus