Freelance, Technical Design Lead

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting:

Technical Design Lead

This Team Lead position in Technical Design is responsible for our Kontoor Brands’ complete technical development of pattern-making and technical specifications from the onset of each seasonal development to finalization of sampling development. This role is focused on our specific Brand’s business unit’s product lines. Supervising the on-time adherence of functional task timelines in accordance with brands’ strategic Go-to-Market milestones and critical dates.

Technical packages are built to meet or exceed pre-determined gross margin and price targets. This team lead manages the communication and processes of all product specifications details to strictly meet the quality standards established in pattern, technical construction and approved materials. This team lead supervises own team & collaborates with cross-functional areas on all major finalization activities of pattern and all technical specifications into existing systems and tools for a complete and on-time pass-off to production partners.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Manages the activities of assigned Technical Design team members to provide technical expertise on product development in the areas of pre-production pattern development, technical construction specification and materials finalization to ensure all pre-production specifications are completed accurately and within specified timelines
• Works closely in tandem with Product Development team to ensure a complete, on-time pass off to Production Technical Design team to enable next stage of production-ready packages to Field manufacturing, overseas offices and vendor suppliers.
• Manages and communicates Design/Merchandising product changes to Production Technical Design and/or Manufacturing in a timely manner to ensure accurate execution in bulk production. Manages up-to-date information and workflow in current tools and related systems.
• Assists with establishing new fit blocks and maintain core fit library, 3D pattern design asset management and technical construction manuals. Assists to create standard operating procedures related to materials management (Bills of Materials), Labelling & Packaging manuals and Folding guides
• Serves as a problem-solving technical expert resource in product development to proactively resolve pattern, construction, quality, finishing, findings, and systems issues in pre-production stage
• Actively pursues efficiency in system management and identify/deploy best practices within own unit and cross-functionally. Adopt new skills to implement new technology and optimal processes
• Responsible for the training and development of all team members. Assists Manager with appraisals of team members to achieve department goals.

Skills for Success:   

• Leadership ability to motivate result-driven, high-performing teams 
• Analytical thinker with attention to details and loves problem-solving
• Solid organization skills to prioritize, multitask and deliver to deadlines and drive optimal results
• High proficiency in systems –Illustrator, MS Office applications (SharePoint, Teams, Excel etc.), preferably Gerber Accumark 2D Pattern Software and Browzwear Vstitcher 3D Pattern Software, and PLM experience with implementation experience being a plus.
• Excellent communication and networking skills

Experience/Education: 

• Extensive apparel manufacturing experience with extensive knowledge in pattern, technical product development processes and systems development or related manufacturing, sourcing, or operations areas. 
• In-depth technical knowledge in E2E product manufacturing processes. Preferred experience in Women’s Denim and knowledge of multiple product categories a plus (i.e. Bottoms, Tops, Outerwear, Sweaters, Wovens, Knits)
• Ability to manage teams.  Project Management skills a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.