Assistant Technical Developer; Apparel

Position: Assistant Technical Developer (Apparel)
OAK + FORT is a fashion and lifestyle brand that provides attainable luxuries consisting of modern essentials in full collections of womenswear, menswear, accessories, jewelry, beauty, and homeware. We are a female-founded and led business that is brought together by a passionate group of people with a natural bond over an aesthetic vision that radiates throughout our collections. From our first studio that opened in 2010 in Vancouver, BC, we now have 30+ locations across North America with a global e-commerce presence.

At the heart and core of it all, it’s our people that matter most. We offer a work ethos that is driven by endless passion, intellectual curiosity, and perennial creativity. Here you get the opportunity to influence our global strategy and growth, while working alongside incredibly talented people.

What You’ll Do:

As the Assistant Technical Developer, you will play a key role in the development of quality products, ensuring all styles meet the fit, construction, and aesthetic standards of the OAK + FORT brand. Working closely with the Design and Production teams, you will bring both technical expertise and a strong design sensibility to the development process — from first proto through to final approval.

This is an entry-level role suited to a candidate with a passion towards technical design, fit and tailored constructions, who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the brand’s evolution.

This will be an on-site position in our Vancouver office.

What You’re Responsible For:
TECHNICAL DESIGN

Support development of spec packages, measurements and grading for all styles

Work directly with factories on style development

Communicate the fit and construction requirements and corrections clearly to factories, anticipating potential production issues, and work out any problems that arise

Problem solve fit and fabric issues as they arise

Coordinate approval of garments and specs

Maintain production deadlines and the organization/logistics of samples

Review each sample for quality, construction, and OAK + FORT standards, with a strong understanding of fit and finish requirements

Continuously develop, maintain and elevate fit standards

Support in the development of process and procedures for the Technical Development team

Support in the creation of standards manual for product categories, labels placement and QA testing

FIT

Support develop, maintain and elevate fit standards

Keep design concept in mind throughout the fitting process from the first proto through all stages of pre-production samples, to the final size sets and top of production samples

Support the Senior Manager, Technical Development in fittings and day-to-day work

Work closely with Design team from first proto fitting stage to establish desired look and fit of garment on model.

Support development of on-body fits with the design team for seasonal product

Active participation in the fit sessions by providing feedback on fit improvements

LEADERSHIP

Attain departmental goals for self

Improve and maintain departmental process Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to drive process consistency in the department as well as provide training documents for new hires

PRODUCT CALENDAR

Meet technical design timelines for development and production

Ensure technical design timelines are met and prioritize workload

Create partnerships with cross-functional partners to ensure the collection is delivered on time and design direction is clear

OTHER

Other projects and responsibilities as assigned

What We’re Looking For:

You’ve had experience with:

Prior industry experience in Technical Development and/or pattern making is an asset;

Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Illustrator, PLM software

You’re likely someone who:

Passionate about both the…