Technical Designer

Halfdays is an outdoor apparel brand for the modern woman with a mission to make outdoor sports more approachable, inclusive, and fun.

Key Responsibilities:

Specs/Grading expertise:

• Provide technical direction on all matters pertaining to specs/grade, pattern, construction methods, and techniques to improve fit, balance, and overall quality and cost of the garment.
• Build and upkeep detailed spec sheets, graded specs, and clear, pattern-informed fit comments.
• Receive, measure and evaluate samples in order to prepare for fitting sessions. Proactively reviews all construction against tech packs, prior fit comments, spec sheets and design changes.
• Leads fittings with Product team; informing on-and-off tolerance specs, general fit intent adherence, construction issues.
• Consistently refines + improves grade rules based on ongoing fit feedback and product sales analysis.

Fit Consistency:

• Work with Design to understand and protect fit intent and fit differentiation across merchandising assortment.
• Maintain and consistently elevate the brand’s fit positioning across all product categories, creating fit signatures long term.
• Create garment archive and maintain organization of samples’ fit development stage, comments, etc
• Conduct fit clinics of customers, fit models, etc to identify fit optimization opportunities and/or problem solving.
• Work with Production on vendor production quality standards and agreements, QC checklists + processes.
• Work with Design, Product Development + Production at the end of each season on hindsighting fit or construction challenges, optimizing for future reorders.

Product Insight:

• Specialist in outerwear and performance fit - understand ergonomics and general practices in ski/outerwear product design.
• Deeply passionate about flattering fit and comfort in outdoor apparel for all sizes.
• Has an eye on innovation, high-end tailoring, and keen knowledge of both standard sizing as well as Plus sizing (XXS-2X) and up-to-date grading and sizing practices across competitive brands in our segment of the market. Petite sizing experience is a plus.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Reports to Head of Production to uphold product quality, industry-best fit and timelines.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including CX, marketing, product development, and finance, to ensure alignment of fit changes and specs each season.
• Communicate clearly and succinctly with overseas factories on all fit, measurement and construction details of garments.
  Translate complex technical information in easily understood manner to overseas partners using patternmaking, draping and construction expertise.
• Conduct international calls with Asian vendors and/or attend technical design-related trade shows/events when needed.
• Participate in key business meetings and contribute to strategic discussions.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in outerwear, activewear, and ready-to-wear technical design. Active outerwear is a must as well as cut & sew activewear, seamless activewear and woven separates.
• Minimum Bachelor Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Design and/or Patternmaking.
• Leadership experience heading up a technical design team in a fast-paced environment.
• Accountable, entrepreneurial, and proactive with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
• Having an expert-level understanding of pattern making (paper and digital), draping and grading is essential. Optitex experience is a plus.
• Must be good at sketching in Adobe Illustrator and tech-savvy; working with Microsoft Office, Acrobat, Google, Dropbox.
• Ability to work on both long-lead and speed-to-market developments; agile and efficient while remaining detail-oriented.
• Highly organized and able to productively self-manage workloads and prioritize top deliverables
• Must be based in or willing to relocate fully to Denver, Colorado.
• 401(k)
• WFH flexibility
• Unlimited Paid Time Off

Salary Range: $115,000-$125,000

At Halfdays, we know that outdoor enthusiasts come from all different backgrounds, and we are here to support them by having a diverse team. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.