Sundance… A Place. An Idea. Celebrating and Enriching the Human Experience.

Summary/Objective 

Sundance is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Senior Technical Designer to join our Apparel team in Sweaters + Cut and Sew Knits. Sundance is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer with headquarters located in Salt Lake City, UT. Founded in 1969 by Robert Redford, Sundance is a unique brand that supports artistic endeavors and focuses on creativity, originality, and inspiration.

The Senior Technical Designer role manages the technical aspects of one or more assigned apparel category(s) from initial design development prototypes to final approval for production. While ensuring brand integrity through consistency throughout the development process, keeping the customer top of mind. This role is responsible for leading fit sessions in collaboration with Design and Product Development by ensuring the technical, functional, and physical fit are appropriately executed to achieve the design aesthetic. The Sr. Technical Designer will identify potential production, quality and costing challenges as it relates to the construction of garments and make recommendations. They will effectively communicate to business partners, vendor/agent partners, and factories on all development updates to facilitate the results required. The Senior Technical Designer will play a critical role in establishing Sundance as a trusted leader in the apparel sector.

Essential Functions

• Post Adoption, translates the design concept into specification packages that detail garment measurements, design features, and construction requirements to communicate to the vendor.
• Prepares for fittings, by measuring sample to be fit, cross-examine sample against style Tech Pack and against the previous fit samples to ensure previous comments have been corrected, bringing previous fits to fit session for review if needed.
• Attends and leads the fit session on live model(s) or mannequin(s) and takes initiative in their assigned product category(s).
• Documents clear and precise notes during seasonal “master” fittings and regular weekly fittings.
• Checks construction and quality of product to ensure sample has proper construction for garment category and fabrication. Identify potential issues and make appropriate recommendations.
• Provides technical direction, internally and externally, on corrective actions needed to bring samples to brand fit standards.  Utilizes written comments, sketches, photos, or pattern making as needed to communicate.
• Communicates fit and balances issues via easily understandable written and/or visual methods; as well as and including paper pattern adjustments.
• Anticipates and resolves any potential pre-production and production problems while in the fit process.  Partners with vendors in the resolution of problems as necessary.
• Executes fit comments in a timely manner to ensure the fit process stays in line with production and action timelines while partnering with the Product Development team on lead time priorities, where applicable.
• Updates tech packs with current information for BOM, construction templates, and measurements, where applicable.
• Updates Technical Design Tracker Report for each style post the fit and tech pack execution stage.
• Works closely with the Vice President of Sourcing to enhance and evolve processes and procedures, as the business evolves, while driving to elevate the quality of the product.
• Evaluates samples from prototype to PP sample stage for fit, measurement, pattern shaping, and functionality to ensure fit and proper styling.
• Issues grading guidelines to vendors after fit approval.
• Responsible for reviewing pre-production samples (PP’s) for adherence to approved fit and construction standards and executes comments as needed to complete the PP approval process and move the process forward to production. Partners with Production Manager as needed to resolve issues on PP’s and in relation to timelines.
• Responsible for participating in tracking core body measurements on live fit model, grade rule approval, maintaining and updating pattern block library, and cross-referencing existing bodies to expedite the fit process as directed or assigned.
• Maintains professional and timely daily email correspondence with domestic and overseas vendors.
• Tracks and manages workflow and workload for own product to ensure product areas are maintained with cross-functional teams while partnering with the Product Development team on critical priorities, as needed.
• Participates in returns analysis and takes appropriate action with cross-functional team members and vendors.  Work to improve return rate on anything above average for respective categories.
• Reviews and edits DTP and blue lines seasonally; reviews photos for accuracy in fit representation; and reviews copy for accuracy on technical measures, as outlined in the process documents. Reviews size ranges and equivalencies and inputs lengths based on specification data in Centric.
• Periodically works with DC Quality Control team to evolve inspection protocol and issue resolution.
• Influences and guides Technical Design partners as needed, requested, and where applicable to leverage technical knowledge and experience to support a strong team atmosphere and product execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, Patternmaking, or equivalent.
• Minimum 7–10 years experience in the apparel industry including patternmaking and construction experience with full knowledge of development, production process, and timelines for Sweaters + Cut and Sew Knits product categories.
• Management experience a plus.
• Strong understanding of Technical Design including construction, fit, pattern making, fabric relation to design intent, and overall improving quality of a garment while maintaining cost for Sweaters and Cut and Sew Knits product categories.
• Must be proficient with knowledge and skill in commercial fit and pattern standards, corrections, grading, construction manufacturing methods, sewing, and technical drawing.
• Understanding of the apparel design and development process from inception through production.
• Experience in grading and ability to understand grade rules for multiple categories.
• Experience in leading live fittings and evaluating overall fit with the ability to make necessary fit/pattern corrections to achieve the desired fit.  Ability to identify apparel flaws quickly and effectively and/or possible production issues.
• Knowledge and proven success in technical design and pattern making for the Women’s market and a range of market product categories carried by Sundance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in creating fit comments and corrections in tech packs and on flat patterns or 3D garments, to effectively guide internal and external partners on the fit development and approval.
• Keen awareness and knowledge of development and production calendar, process, and timelines including experience driving solutions to reach deadlines.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and resolve issues in a timely fashion.
• Nimble and flexible with a keen ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to manage up and problem solve, communicate unforeseen hurdles, offer suggestions, and drive solutions.
• Team-oriented with the ability to drive collaboration and excel in a team-based structure.
• Desire to learn and grow individual skills in Technical Design and surrounding departments. 
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Proficient in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems with a well-honed ability to prepare and write product specification sheets.  Experience in Centric systems and CAD Patternmaking systems, a plus.

If you would like to be part of a great team, are ready to take on a challenge and make a difference within our company, apply today. This position is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, remote work is not offered for this role.

We offer a competitive wage and excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), paid time off, and great merchandise discounts. 

For more information about our culture and brand at Sundance, please visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/SundanceHoldingsGroupLLC

For the Sundance Story, visit: https://www.sundancecatalog.com/category/customer+service/about+us.do

Sundance is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

All applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).