Technical Designer

We are currently seeking a Technical Designer to join our Orchard Brands team at our Middleton, MA office.

JOB SUMMARY

Manage the fit evaluation, specifications, and fit approval for specific assigned brand product categories to ensure compliance to established brand fit standards and to the confirmed delivery date.

Manage the development of new styles by developing the specifications and construction details, interpreting the designer’s aesthetic intent, and adhering to the brand standards.

Partner with Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and offshore teams to evaluate and resolve any quality or other non-conformance product issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

New Style and Proto Sample Development

Partner with Design to initiate development of new styles for first proto sample. Interpret the Designer’s intent, determine specifications, construction, and issue technical package for first proto sample.

Fit Evaluation and Approval

• Prepare for all technical fitting by ensuring that samples are previewed and measured prior to the scheduled group fitting.
• Lead all technical fittings either on live model or fitting form. Ensure team alignment of the fit adjustments and design detail updates.

Determine the fit corrections and specifications based on a.) assessment on the live model, b.) assessment on the fitting form, and c.

adherence to the established brand fit standards.

• Create and communicate the technical package to the appropriate offshore office, agent or vendor. Manage all subsequent communication related to questions and follow-up on technical package details.
• Evaluate patterns, as required, to further specify fit and specification corrections. Collaborate with offshore offices and vendors to ensure alignment.
• Manage the sample workflow and sample approval process to ensure timely final approval and on-time delivery.

Cross-Functional Relationships

• Partner with Design and Merchandising to evaluate the fit of all proto and fit samples.
• Collaborate with offshore agents’ staff, vendors’ staff, Sourcing teams on all seasonal styles from proto through final fit approval to ensure conformance to approved specifications, brand fit standards, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, and offshore teams for evaluation of final product, customer ratings, and customer feedback to determine if product updates are required to improve customer satisfaction.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or AS degree, 5 years of apparel technical design experience in a retail or wholesale environment.
• Prior fit evaluation experience with medium large sample volume.
• Patternmaking experience preferred. Textile / fabric knowledge required.
• Detail oriented, excellent organization skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Excel preferred.

ABOUT BLUESTEM BRANDS

Bluestem Brands combines Fingerhut, a fintech company, and Orchard Brands a direct-to-consumer retailer of fashion. Bluestem is headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN and employs employees throughout the country.

Orchard Brands is a portfolio of four lifestyle apparel brands including Blair, Draper's & Damon's, Appleseed’s, and Haband.

Orchard Brands provides lifestyle apparel through a diversified multi-brand portfolio, delivering a direct-to-consumer experience with exclusive fits, assortment and value.

We provide clothing designed for every day and any occasion to ensure our customers have wardrobe solutions that fit their life across our brands, including : Blair, providing the perfect fit for your style, budget and you since our founding in 1910 in Warren, Pennsylvania () Appleseed’s, providing classics you can count on since our founding in 1946 in Beverly, Massachusetts () Draper’s & Damon’s, which has helped make every entrance count since 1927 in Pasadena, California (), and Haband (), which has been delivering comfort and style at a great low price for over 90 years.

At Orchard, you will find responsive and supportive leaders who empower our employees, knowing they drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving, challenging ourselves to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success as a team.

We also grow careers - giving employees on-the-job stretch assignments, lateral moves to expand their knowledge base, and promotional opportunities that help accelerate their career development.

Join our Orchard Brands Team to be inspired, make an impact, and feel valued every day.