Associate Technical Designer - A&F Co.

Job Description:

Technical Designers are hands on developing product from the initial concept through to production. They are responsible for translating initial concept into physical garments by building detailed tech packs and fitting product from first prototype to approval. Our technical designers lead cross functional fit sessions and communicate with vendors and factories to bring our vision to life. They work closely with Apparel Designers, Merchants, and Sourcing Specialists to protect quality fit and construction for each product category.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

What will you be doing?

• Develop standards for product fits with focus placed on functionality meeting design intent
• Lead cross-functional interactive fit sessions to protect fit consistency and functional performance
• Conduct wear tests and try-on sessions to gain customer insight and continually improve product
• Create and edit patterns to drive fit direction
• Build detailed tech packs including sketches, construction specifications and graded specs
• Collaborate with overseas vendors to manage the garment sampling process
• Communicate with factories to identify & resolve production issues
• Manage product cycle from sketch through pre-production samples and final bulk garments
• Understand and action on customer insight through various data points including reviews, returns, focus groups, etc.

What will you need to bring?

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Technical Design
• Extensive knowledge of apparel fit, construction and fabric properties
• Extensive production experience with multiple factories
• Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or related experience
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite and 2D digital pattern making. Experience with 3D is a plus.
• Passion for the A&F brands and the role
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
• Career-driven, strong work ethic and high-performance standards
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strong pattern making, draping and grading skills
• A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
• A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
• Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program

• 401(K) savings plan with company match

• Annual companywide review process

• Flexible spending accounts

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Associate assistance program

• Paid parental and adoption leave

• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot

• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace

• Paid Caregiver Leave

• Mobile Stipend

• Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community

• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)

• Seven associate wellness half days per year

• Onsite fitness center

• Merchandise discount on all of our brands

• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within

• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups

• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

Company Description

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com.

Learn more about A&F Co. by visiting our corporate website here.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.