Senior Technical Designer, Apparel - Spanx

Overview

SPANX isn’t your average company. We revolutionized an industry by challenging the status quo and putting the customer first. You might know the story: our founder, Sara Blakely, who needed the right thing as a base layer to feel 100% in white pants, so she cut the legs off a pair of tights and Spanx was born. The spark of that origin is the fuel for our future. We grew up in shapewear. But we’ve graduated. For 25 years (yep, we're old enough to rent a car now), we've been experimenting, innovating, and occasionally banging our heads against the drawing board. And we will never stop obsessing about what women who are out there doing their thing deserve. Because we are those women. And we’re honored to create on behalf of us all.

We make elevated essentials with confidence built in. Essentials for layering underneath or wearing out loud, for “just-between-us” and “where'd you get that?” For everything you've got planned (and don't). Because what you put on can change how you show up. And if its' not working for you, it's got no place in your closet. Or on your body. Creating items that’ll make you feel great is a matter of the heart—and the lab. In every Spanx product is technology we design and build to highlight, complement, and form your look, just the way you like it. SPANX design and technology help make sure what you see in the mirror reflects that feeling of feeling your best (you know the feeling?). We are a high-growth, innovative and ambitious company and we are embarking on an exciting trajectory of both digital and international expansion. 

About the role

The Senior Technical Designer for Apparel will oversee hard woven categories and facilitate the transition of product from initial design/proto to TOP approval. This individual will have a focus on hard woven product categories, including, but not limited to bottoms and tailored jackets. They will collaborate with cross-functional partners to land appropriate fit and functional intent as well as with business partners to obtain clear direction and consensus on design aesthetic, fit intent and construction. The individual will be responsible for leading fit sessions on live models, working with Design to achieve design aesthetic and communicate fit and balance corrections to vendors as well as standardize and refine construction standards. The individual will leverage and develop key vendor relationships to support working efficiently and drive fit consistency to improve the customer experience.

This role is based in our Atlanta headquarters, requires weekly in office work Monday-Thursday, and reports into our Manager, Technical Design, Apparel.

You’ll love it because you will…

• Ensure overall fit consistency and provide fit approvals
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of design, merchandising, product development and production priorities
• Lead fit sessions, construction and fit approval, and documentation to all business partners to meet guidelines
• Develop Technical Design tools (patterns, blocks, grading, construction standards, etc.) to achieve optimal and consistent fit
• Lead and support product’s wear testing throughout development and production stages
• Leverage technical knowledge and leadership support to troubleshoot and resolve issues that may require an innovative approach
• Leverage technical knowledge to maintain fit intent, balance and construction across all markets (Petite/Tall, plus sizing)
• Identify potential production and quality issues and make recommendations to ensure brand integrity
• Evaluate garment to determine compliance of specs, construction, quality and fit intent
• Track and manage workflow and workload for own product or team
• Recommend raw material components to meet brand standard and uphold design intent

We require…

• 7+ years of proven technical experience in women’s apparel – bottoms & tailoring experience is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in technical design or apparel and/or textile-related field of study is preferred
• Proficiency in garment specifications; how to measure garments and flat sketching
• Working knowledge in pattern making (preferably Gerber)
• Understanding of fit/balance of garments, leading a fit session, grading, and garment construction
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects at one time while maintaining adherence to the calendar
• Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Innovative thinking
• Knowledge in fabric, trims, and construction for tailored products, denim, woven and cut & sew bottoms, jackets
• PC Skills – Trained in PLM, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Outlook, Microsoft (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Collaboration: Accepts and appreciates other people; demonstrates courtesy and compassion; supports, encourages, and thanks others; consults, listens, and understands others; promotes diversity and builds morale, team cohesion, and collaboration
• Communication: Speaks clearly and understandably; presents with confidence; gauges audience reaction, interest, and understanding, and adjusts communication style or content accordingly
• Decision Making Process: Problem Solves; proficient in identifying root causes in a problem, generating effective solutions with teams, using facts and data for prompt decisions, and takes responsibility for results

Spanx is proud of our continued Progressive People Practices…

• Company Healthcare Plan: $0.00 out of pocket (Employee only benefit)
  Fertility testing and treatment are included in Spanx’s medical plans, even without the diagnosis of infertility. 
• Parental Leave Policy: Primary caregiver receives 16 weeks AND will have the option to work a half-time schedule (20 hours per week) for up to four additional weeks with full-time (40 hours per week) pay.
• Mental Health Days:10 days
• 401K: Matched up to 4% with immediate vesting.
• PTO & Company Holidays: PLUS two full weeks of companywide closures (one in the Spring; one between Christmas and NYE)
• Flex Friday: Year-round half-day Fridays!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.