Senior Technical Designer

Job Title: Senior Technical Designer

Organization Structure: Reports To Technical Design Manager

FLSA status:  Salaried, Exempt – Full Time

Department: PBS (Private Label & Brand Services)

Location: In-office at the Zumiez Home Office, Lynnwood, WA

Position Summary

The Senior Technical Designer manages the technical development of assigned apparel categories from initial prototypes through final production approval. This role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a high level of technical expertise and leadership skills. As a specialist with a keen understanding of product development and production processes, they offer solutions toward maintaining design intent while assuring the best fit and construction for the functionality of the product. This role involves leading fit sessions, identifying potential production, quality, or costing challenges, engaging with all team partners and external vendors to ensure Zumiez’s brand standards are met. Additionally, the Senior Technical Designer mentors junior team members, providing constructive feedback to leverage technical knowledge and experience in product execution.  This position plays a critical role toward streamlining processes and creating efficiencies that align with Zumiez’s business goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Product Development Oversight:
• Manage the technical design process from initial prototype through production for assigned categories, ensuring quality, fit and brand consistency.
• Oversee all sample stages (prototype, fit, pre-production, and top of production), ensuring adherence to specifications and brand guidelines.
• Update and maintain tech packs, incorporating accurate construction details, pattern modifications, and grading adjustments.
• Fit and Construction Management:
• Lead fit sessions on live models or mannequins, assessing fit, balance, and construction for functionality and design integrity.
• Analyze samples to identify fit and quality issues, providing corrective recommendations with detailed comments, sketches, and photos.
• Ensure vendor adherence to fit corrections and issue updated grading guidelines upon fit approval.
• Pattern and Block Development:
• Evaluate and refine existing patterns, fit blocks, and grade rules to streamline processes and improve consistency across factories and brands.
• Develop and maintain block specs and pattern libraries, ensuring all categories align with Zumiez’s fit standards.
• Utilize CLO3D software for pattern development and digital fitting to build efficiencies and reduce physical samples.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Partner closely with Design, Product Development, and Production teams to ensure alignment on fit, quality, and timeline objectives.
• Communicate fit comments, corrections, and technical recommendations clearly to overseas vendors, providing timely feedback to maintain workflow.
• Work with vendors to resolve production challenges, ensuring that technical requirements are met and that any deviations are promptly addressed.
• Mentorship and Leadership:
• Provide guidance and technical support to junior team members, assisting with fit analysis, pattern adjustments, and construction techniques.
• Collaborate with the Technical Design Manager to refine processes, improve efficiencies, and elevate the overall quality of the product.
• Lead by example, maintaining professionalism and upholding Zumiez’s values of collaboration, empowerment, and personal development.
• Mentors TD team associates and assistants in one or more specialty categories.  Prepares and delivers written and oral reviews of those mentored against given job criteria.
• Leverages technical knowledge and experience to support a strong team atmosphere and product execution consistent with Zumiez brand standards.
• Sample Tracking and Quality Control:
• Maintain sample tracking logs to monitor product progression from initial prototype through top of