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About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

About the Position:

The Technical Designer is a contributor to the development and execution of department strategy for fit, sizing/grading, product construction and process effectiveness.  The Technical Designer is a key point of contact for business partners at various levels within Design, Production, Merchandising, and Sourcing and with external Vendors at the department.  The Technical Designer is responsible for developing an individual or team that delivers competitive fit and product construction.  The Technical Designer can represent a department in the product pipeline planning process and business initiatives.  This position requires a strong level of leadership and management skills including, strategic thinking, communication, problem solving, negotiating, technical design and process management.  This person should thrive in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment.

They Impact you can have:

• Attends all fittings and all relevant departmental meetings.

• Ensures deadlines for development/ pre-production are met by assigning responsibilities based on areas of need and monitoring team productivity.

• Adheres to cross-functional calendar.

• Assures seasonal deadlines are met for assigned areas/ helps to manage the fit tracking process.

• Identifies “at risk” styles to Managers, reacting proactively, being on top of potential issues.

• Generates and maintains specification packages from development phase through production approval.

• Strong level of technical problem solving.

• Follows up on e-mails from the overseas office regarding comments on fit.

• Partners up with QA during the Pre-Pro Sample Process for their assigned product category.

• Ensures execution of design and fit intent into production while maintaining brand standards.

• Maintains fit protocol and standards for the brands.

• Protects brand integrity through fit continuity.

• Keep current on major trends, competitors’ styling and construction.

• Builds strong relationships with Merchandising, Design, Product Development, Sourcing and other key internal and external partners.

• Travels as needed to Sourcing and Vendor Development offices or factories to work with technical teams to troubleshoot, educate, and understand vendor/factory capabilities.

• Represents department in intra-department and cross-function initiatives.

• Encourages team atmosphere across brands and categories; fosters open communication and team environment with all business partners; receives constructive feedback professionally.

• Holds self and others accountable for work commitments and outcomes.

• Ensure the training of all aspects of Technical Design to ensure consistent understanding and application of fit and comfort standards, including review of associate growth and development, assessment of skills, abilities and knowledge, alignment and training of technical partners.

You'll Bring to the Role:

• 5-7+ years Technical Design experience of increasing responsibility in women’s apparel companies or manufacturers recognized as fashion industry leaders.Specialty, vertically integrated retail strongly preferred.

• Degree preferred in MS, BS in Clothing or Textiles, AA/AAS or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design or Patternmaking.

• Demonstrated expertise with patternmaking, fit, grading, garment construction, production, and manufacturing methods across one to two products.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments with cross functional and external partners.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize execution of multiple tasks/projects.

• Proficient computer skills inclusive of MS Office programs and technical design related software/programs (i.e. Illustrator, PLM, etc.)

Benefits At KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant & Talbots (in store and online)

• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement*

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Time off – paid time off & holidays*

The target salary range for this role is: $85,000 - $93,000

Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

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Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.