Activewear Technical Designer

Los Angeles, CA
October 7, 2024
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Job Description

Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich. 

With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.

That’s the FAM Brands difference.

Job Summary:

The Technical Designer for Activewear is responsible for managing all aspects of technical design to ensure the fit, function, and quality of our activewear products meet both design and customer standards. This role involves developing and maintaining accurate technical specifications, creating detailed tech packs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams from design, production, and factories to bring innovative activewear designs to life.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Technical Specifications & Development:

    • Translate design concepts into technical packages (tech packs), including detailed specifications for fit, construction, and fabrications.
    • Develop accurate product specifications and garment measurements for various activewear styles (e.g., leggings, sports bras, tops, jackets).
    • Create and maintain graded size specifications across all size ranges.

  • Fit and Function:

    • Conduct and lead live fit sessions with cross-functional teams and fit models to ensure garments meet functional, performance, and aesthetic requirements.
    • Make fit adjustments and recommendations, ensuring activewear products meet company fit standards, customer needs, and brand expectations.
    • Review garments for fit consistency, pattern corrections, and grading.

  • Collaboration:

    • Work closely with designers, production teams, pattern makers, and overseas factories to manage the development process, from concept to final sample.
    • Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve fit, construction, and quality issues throughout the development process.
    • Communicate any technical changes or improvements to all relevant teams.

  • Fabric and Trim Testing:

    • Ensure that fabrics, trims, and components are tested for performance in activewear (e.g., moisture-wicking, stretch, durability, and comfort).
    • Collaborate with materials and product development teams to source fabrics that align with design intent and functional needs.

  • Process Improvement:

    • Identify areas of opportunity in technical design processes, recommending new tools, software, and procedures to streamline development.
    • Maintain and update PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems to reflect current specifications and designs.

  • Quality Assurance:

    • Ensure that all technical designs meet high-quality standards, and provide approvals for final samples before production.
    • Work with production teams to ensure accuracy and consistency across all final products in bulk production.

Qualifications:

  • Education:

    • Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Manufacturing, or related field.

  • Experience:

    • 4+ years of technical design experience in the apparel industry, preferably with a focus on activewear or performance apparel.
    • Strong experience with garment fit, grading, construction, and fabrics specific to activewear.

  • Skills:

    • Proficiency in PLM systems (Centric experience preferred).
    • Expertise in Adobe Illustrator and other design software.
    • Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing processes.
    • Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

  • Additional Qualifications:

    • Knowledge of activewear trends and market demands.
    • Familiarity with performance fabric properties and testing.
    • Experience working with international vendors and factories is a plus.

COMPENSATION

At FAM Brands, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation. Salary ranges for positions are based on job level, location, and market data. We offer competitive benefits and are dedicated to equal pay for equal work. Specific salary offers depend on each candidate’s qualifications and experience. FAM Brands also offers all employees participation in our annual bonus program (Non-Sales) or commission program (Sales).

Compensation Range

$75,000—$85,000 USD

Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity

 

FAM Brands is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. FAM Brands makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

 

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice for Job Applicants

FAM LLC values your privacy. This notice outlines our practices regarding the personal information of job applicants in compliance with the CCPA.

What We Collect: We collect information you provide in your job application, including contact details, educational and employment history.

Purpose: We use this information to evaluate your application and manage the hiring process.

Disclosure: Your personal information may be shared with service providers assisting with recruitment and as required by law.

Your Rights: Under the CCPA, you have the right to access and request deletion of your personal information and to not face discrimination for exercising these rights.

For questions or to exercise your rights, contact [email protected].

By applying, you acknowledge you understand our privacy practices.