Technical Designer

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting:

Technical Designer

We are looking for our next Technical Designer who is responsible for our Kontoor Brands’ complete technical development of pattern-making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development.  You will be focused on our specific Brand’s business unit’s product category lines, supervising the on-time adherence of functional task timelines in accordance with brands’ strategic Go-to-Market milestones and critical dates. Technical packages are built to meet or exceed pre-determined gross margin and price targets. This position manages the communication and processes of all product specifications details to strictly meet the quality standards established in pattern, technical construction, and approved materials.

As the Technical Designer, you will collaborate with cross-functional areas on all major finalization activities of pattern and all technical specifications into existing systems and tools for a complete and on-time pass-off to production partners.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Manages own activities in providing technical expertise on product development in the areas of pre-production pattern development, technical construction specification and materials finalization to ensure all pre-production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines.
• Works closely in tandem with Production Technical Design team to enable next stage of production-ready packages to Field manufacturing, overseas offices, and vendor suppliers.
• Executes Design/Merchandising product changes in tandem with Production Technical Design and/or Manufacturing in a timely manner to ensure accurate execution in bulk production. Manages up-to-date information and workflow in current tools and related systems.
• Develops both new and applies current fit blocks in pattern development via both 2D and 3D Pattern development while maintaining asset management, and with technical construction manual specifications. Applies and follows established standard operating procedures related to materials management (Bills of Materials), Labelling & Packaging manuals and Folding guides.
• Serves as a problem-solving technical resource to cross-functional teams to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in pre-production stage. Escalates exception issues promptly to supervisors and/or related business partners.
• Adopt new skills and training to facilitate implementation of new technology, systems and tools. Assists in identifying and deploying best practices within own unit and cross-functionally.
• Responsible for personal training and development. Conducts self-performance appraisal to review with direct supervisor.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of extensive apparel manufacturing experience with extensive knowledge in pattern, technical product development processes and systems.  Product development or related manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas.   
• 5+ years of in-depth technical knowledge in E2E product manufacturing processes.
• Preferred experience in Jeanswear Bottoms or Tops product, but our brand develops product in all categories including Denim & Non-Denim Bottoms, Knit and Woven Tops, Sweaters, and Outerwear.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred.
• Self-driven individual motivated to drive results and high-performance.
• Attention to detail and is adept at problem-solving.
• Solid organization skills to prioritize, multitask and deliver to deadlines and drive optimal results.
• High proficiency in systems – Illustrator and MS Office applications (SharePoint, Teams, Excel etc.).  Smartsheet knowledge preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Preferred experience in Lectra Accumark 2D Patternmaking and Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Patternmaking softwares.
• PLM experience a plus as the company will be transitioning in the near future.

Leadership Competencies Expected for this Role

Emerging Leader

Global Agility – Open to diverse views, adapts to new ways of working

Purposeful Integrity – Demonstrates ethical behavior, follows through on commitments

Strategic Foresight – Understands team goals, asks strategic questions

Customer Centric Innovation – Suggests improvements from customer feedback, tries new methods

Urgency for Impact – Act quickly and take ownership of outcomes

Bold Accountability – Own your work and deliver consistently strong results

Empowered Collaboration – Share ideas, listens well, collaborates with peers

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.