We are looking for a Fit Developer who will bring clarity, management and organization to our team. It is important this person has the passion and capability to successfully execute all fit block development needs from concept to final approval which supports delivering manufacturing ready product for the brand, that meets the required aesthetic goals, global sourcing strategies, cost, quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and execute Seasonal Fit Development based on Design’s fit direction using fit intelligence and competitive research to create new best in class fits and/or update current portfolio
- Apply knowledge of fabric, source base capabilities, fit, construction and design aesthetics to develop fit blocks that will meet product standards in a timely and cost-effective manner
- Collaborate with Garment Developers to ensure approved fit blocks are applied to seasonal products and assist them in seasonal product garment development to ensure all block intents are met by source base for commercial sampling and final approval for bulk production
- Lead competitive product fit reviews, creating body target measurements, creating and evaluating all fit block sampling and gain consumer feedback to drive final fit block approvals
- Collaborate with and influence Design in interpreting and translating aesthetic requirements into styling details that can provide commercially viable product for mass production
- Attend / lead fittings and evaluate, document and communicate all fit block comments to the production locations
- Effective integration of all timeline processes with key internal and external stakeholders to meet all relevant “Go to Market” milestones
- Act as a liaison between Design and Product Development Team and source base for quality product execution and bulk production problem solving
- Keep abreast of contractor related technical/equipment capabilities
Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (7+ years combined college education, pattern-making training and work experience may be substituted for a degree); Design school degree a plus.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience focusing on the execution of fit per design concepts
- Experience with manual or computer aided patternmaking and grading
- Drawing, flat sketching or Illustrator drawing experience
- Proficiency with Illustrator and Gerber Accumark Fit Development
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, PLM and 3D Fit Development Programs a plus
- Experience in the apparel industry focused on Women’s Bottoms Fit Development for non-denim and denim woven Bottoms (Jeans, Shorts, Skirts, Overalls) and Trucker Jackets
- Experience in interpreting designers’ fit direction with the ability to interpret and direct corrections to contractor pattern work
- Experience preparing fit meetings, conducting fit sessions, updating patterns and specification documentation in required systems
- Ability to forge strong partnerships with overseas technical teams as a means to drive clarity on all pattern work and fit requirements. Troubleshoot fit issues and bring to resolution.
- Strong understanding of product development calendars and sense of urgency to meeting all required deadlines
- Strong technical communication skills (written and verbal) with attention to detail
- Effective interpersonal and organizational skills; especially when it comes to working directly with senior leadership
- Demonstrated ability to learn new computer programs quickly
- Ability to be flexible in a multi-task environment
- Strong team orientation
- Excellent discretion, judgment, tact and diplomacy
