Development Technical Designer - Sweaters & Knitwear Collection Sportswear

The Development Technical designer is a newly created position responsible for the Sweater & Knitwear collection prototype development process.  Leverages world class brand and better sportswear technical design experience design experience with a proven ability to serve as a strong bridge between design and production.  Drives superior results that achieve "best in class" design integrity, fit intent, balance and construction for the O Oscar collection sportswear business.  Executives design vision and takes product from initial Design Concept through 1st Production Prototype development and Showroom Sample requisition.  Actively participates in all Fittings.  Drives actions in alignment with calendar deadlines to optimize time and actions.  Measures performance and delivers against quantifiable metrics.  Leverages high-performance teaming skills and abilities across Design and Production functions to optimize performance.  Understands the Better sportswear customer in a truly modern and deeply intimate way that resonates with O Oscar and synergizes both design and production viewpoints.  Reports to the Senior Designer, O Oscar Sweater & Knitwear Collections, A Division of Kellwood Company based in New York City.  No direct reports.

 

Must possess the ability to:

? Understand both product development and financial issues based on a solid knowledge of woven apparel product development, product design, fittings, fabric and color development and garment engineering

? Demonstrate strong technical expertise with a keen understanding of O Oscar design aesthetic

? Execute design and fit intent into all 1st Prototype samples for the O Oscar collection

? Partner with design to prepare accurate and complete Bill of Materials

? Utilize Web PDM to execute the timely, consistent fit for each size range

? Proactively problem-solve and work through fit/quality roadblocks to maintain design integrity

? Actively participate in all fit sessions including organization, measuring, preparing fit samples, process scheduling and planning with design teammates

? Be the ?GO TO Expert? for the O Oscar sweater & knitwear collection 1st Prototype Sample

? Leverage exceptional calendar and project management skills to support division in achieving superior business results

? Collaborate with Design, Production and Sourcing teams to ensure product meets design and customer needs

? Provide technical design leadership that fosters the development of strong partnerships and unshakeable credibility

? Stay on top of marketplace realities from the latest fashion and fabric trends to ongoing competitive analyses with a keen eye toward and focus on trends that have real meaning to the O Oscar customer

 

The most qualified candidate will possess:

? Three to five years of experience in a design-driven development-focused technical design role spanning Better, Bridge and Designer sportswear for a world-class wholesale or vertical specialty retail apparel brand, required

? Expert technical skill proficiency using WEB PDM, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel and Word, required

? Proven ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with design and production teams to achieve business results

? Unshakeable ability to manage the calendar to achieve on-time goals and objectives

? Better, Bridge, Designer customer intimacy that relates to the O Oscar collection brand

? Clear, confident and articulate influencing, written and verbal communication skills

? Ethical standards and personal integrity

? Strong customer service orientation combined with the highest quality assurance standards

? Open, flexible, honest and collaborative teaming skills

? Ability to deal with rapidly changing organizational issues and anticipate/forecast customer demand

? Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability

? Detail, process and metrics driven to achieve goals

? Flexibility to conduct domestic and/or international business travel, as required

? Bachelors degree, or transferable experience, preferred

 

To be considered for this career opportunity at Kellwood Company, please email your resume including a cover letter communicating your interest, skills, experience and compensation history to:

 

Executive.Recruitment@Kellwood.com

Subject:  Development Technical Designer ? Sweater & Knitwear ? O Oscar - NYC