Technical Designer

Cato Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cato Corporation is seeking a skilled patternmaker/technical specialist to support apparel development and ensure optimum fit, sizing consistency, and quality construction. The role collaborates with Product Managers, Vendors, and Buyers to refine patterns and specifications.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in patternmaking, grading, and garment construction, with strong communication and computer skills, including Illustrator and PLM familiarity.

Qualifications

• Pattern-making, grading, measurement, and specification skills.
• Industrial garment construction and sewing skills are a plus.
• 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 corrections to Vendors.
• Maintain specification consistency across product categories.
• Make fit comments and corrections based on core specs and standards.
• Provide technical support to vendors and produce final specs.
• Develop Bid Packages for product development maintaining measurements and construction standards.
• Assist in training Assistant Technical Designers.
• Support cross-functional projects as assigned.

Skills

Pattern-making/Grading/Measurement/Spe

Industrial garment construction

Flat sketching

Written and oral communication

Word, Excel, Illustrator

Education

Degree in Patternmaking/Apparel Manufacturing/Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Flex PLM

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