The North Face: Senior Technical Designer, Apparel

VF Outdoor; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VF Outdoor in Denver, CO, seeks a Senior Technical Designer, Apparel to lead fit execution for complex apparel lines from concept through bulk production. You will own fit specifications, size sets, and production-ready documentation while guiding cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, consumer-ready products.

You will partner with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and vendors to translate fit intent into 3D and physical prototypes, mentor junior staff, and travel seasonally to

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive experience in apparel technical design, fit, patternmaking, grading, or complex category work.
• Degree in Technical Design or related field or equivalent experience.
• Fluent English; strong written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of fit processes, garment construction, patternmaking, specs, tech packs, and PLM/PDM systems.
• Proactive approach to identifying root causes of fit and construction issues with practical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple fit calendars, sample review timelines, and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end fit execution for complex apparel products from concept through bulk production approval.
• Own fit strategy for high-risk, high-profile, and innovation-driven product categories.
• Ensure products meet fit intent, measurement standards, grading expectations, size consistency, and construction feasibility.
• Translate designer intent into fit direction for 3D and physical prototypes with recommended pattern and grading solutions.
• Own fit specifications, measurement accuracy, fit comments, fit corrections, size set records, and production-ready documentation.
• Mentor Associate and Mid-level Fit Specialists while supporting onboarding and training.
• Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support fit execution and production readiness.

Skills

Communication

Apparel construction

Patternmaking

Grading

PLM/PDM

2D/3D fit

Vendor collaboration

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Degree in Technical Design

Patternmaking background

Tools

Gerber

Lectra

Browzwear

CLO

VStitcher

Optitex

Job description

Senior Technical Designer, Apparel

As Senior Technical Designer, Apparel, you will work under the guidance of Product Development team Sr Leadership and execute department initiatives. You will lead and manage the fit execution of the most complex products, high-profile initiatives, and strategic business categories. This role independently manages challenging fit projects while influencing fit standards and best practices across the organization. The Senior Technical Designer serves as the primary escalation point for complex fit, sizing, grading, and construction-related issues. You will partner with Design, Standards, Product Development, Sourcing, and vendors to translate fit intent into 3D and physical prototype samples, ensuring proportions, measurements, pattern execution, construction, and graded size expectations meet or exceed standards for quality, performance, and consumer comfort. You will own fit specifications, measurement standards, fit comments, fit corrections, size set reviews, style files, records, and samples associated with assigned products and related programs. You will provide expert guidance to cross-functional teams on fit intent, size consistency, pattern execution, grading, construction impact, and technical requirements.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Lead end-to-end fit execution for complex apparel products from concept through bulk production approval.
• Own fit strategy for high-risk, high-profile, and innovation-driven product categories.
• Ensure products meet fit intent, measurement standards, grading expectations, size consistency, construction feasibility, and consumer comfort objectives.
• Translate designer intent into fit direction for 3D and physical prototypes while recommending pattern, proportion, construction, and grading solutions to reduce approval timelines and fit iterations.
• Own fit specifications, measurement accuracy, fit comments, fit corrections, size set records, style files, samples, and production-ready fit documentation.
• Consistently use blocks, fit guardrails, and standards to ensure alignment and consistency across the Technical Design team.
• Lead fit reviews, size set reviews, risk assessments, and fit readiness activities with cross-functional partners.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in fit standards, sizes, pattern impact, grading principles, size consistency, and technical execution.
• Collaborate with Product Development when construction, materials, or workmanship adjustments affect fit.
• Resolve complex fit issues, evaluate pattern and grading risks, and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Partner with Technical Design, Standards, Product Development, Sourcing, vendors, and manufacturers to align fit intent, measurement requirements, construction impact, timelines, and production readiness.
• Own communication for fit direction, fit comments, measurement requirements, size set execution, and fit risk resolution for seasonal styles with sourcing and vendors.
• Support vendor capability discussions, factory onboarding, and the advancement of fit execution best practices.
• Identify and lead process improvements in fit standards, size set reviews, grading alignment, calendar optimization, and special projects with minimal supervision.
• Mentor Associate and Mid-level Fit Specialists while supporting onboarding, technical training, and team alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Technical Design, Standards, Product Development, and Wear Testing teams to align priorities, ensure fit consistency, share expertise, and deliver best‑in‑class products.
• Travel seasonally to overseas manufacturers to support fit execution, vendor alignment, size set reviews, and production readiness.

What You Will Bring:

• Degree in Technical Design, Apparel Design, Patternmaking, Grading, Product Development, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in apparel technical design, fit, patternmaking, grading, or complex category work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including fluency in English; additional language skills are a plus.
• Strong technical apparel acumen with knowledge of fit processes, garment construction, patternmaking, grading, specifications, tech packs, PLM/PDM systems, sourcing, and manufacturing.
• Proactive approach to identifying root causes of fit, construction, and technical issues while developing practical, value-driven solutions.
• Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to manage multiple fit calendars, sample review timelines, and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of PLM/PDM systems; exposure to 2D and 3D fit tools such as Gerber, Lectra, Browzwear, CLO, VStitcher, or Optitex is a plus.
• High degree of agility and adaptability, with the ability to work under pressure and navigate change with open-mindedness and flexibility.
• Keen interest in fit innovation, digital tools, technical problem-solving, and product excellence.
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for learning new tools, improving fit p