Technical Designer, Jackets

About us

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture.

With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

The Technical Designer is responsible for facilitating the transition of apparel styles from design concept and first prototype to a final, production ready prototype. Collaborate with manager, agent partners, sourcing, product development, design, and merchandising to ensure the fit, quality, delivery, and business practices are achieved and upheld. Demonstrate the company’s values and practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships, taking pride in the company and brand, and embracing diversity.

• Protect brand integrity through fit continuity, upholding construction standards, sizing, and styling consistency.
• Collaborate with business partners to gain clear direction and consensus of fit intent in order to establish the initial spec and construction detail.
• Execute the sample process by generating computerized specification packages.
• Manage the measuring and preparing of samples from development through production approval.
• Conduct fit evaluation sessions on live models to analyze balance and proportion of fit. Confirm compliance of garment to specifications and fit direction. Work closely with manager during and post fittings to continually improve skills.
• Document the fit results; deliver clear communication through comments / specs / diagrams / photos and review of block patterns.
• Partner with manager for recommendations in regard to garment construction that produces best results to each factory.
• Follow up on e-mails from overseas office regarding comments on fit / construction / while maintaining design integrity.
• Ensure seasonal deadlines are met for their styles; partner with manager to assess next steps when issues arise.
• Participate in departmental and cross-functional meetings as appropriate.
• Remain flexible to the needs of the total department and handle other responsibilities and projects, as assigned.
• Track and manage workflow and workload for product.
• Foster open communication and team environment with all business partners; receive constructive feedback professionally.

• Degree or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design and/or equivalent work experience
• 5-7+ years of garment experience including pattern making, fit, draping, and garment construction
• Maintaining the fit and balance as well as the sizing consistency
• Extended fit experience for Missy, Petite, and Plus size
• Keen eye for garment proportion and design aesthetic
• Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to write clear, detailed fit comments with pattern corrections and fit images with Adobe Illustrator
• Garment grade rule knowledge
• Experience in engineering prints, plaids, stripes, embroidery, beading, and novelty fabrics
• Ability to partner and collaborate with cross functional teams as well as agents/vendors
• Excellent communication and people skills; highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong detail orientation, self‑motivated team player with superior interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select Knit Well Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for 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).*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.*
• The target salary range…