Technical Designer (icebreaker)

icebreaker is looking for an exceptional Technical Designer to join our team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

Driven by the belief that nature has the answers, we provide natural performance alternatives to synthetic-based apparel, to create a healthier and more sustainable future for our species and the planet. We're passionate about connecting people to natural alternatives.

Let’s Talk about the Role

As Technical Designer, you will be accountable for creating tools to support the execution of the icebreaker product line through the GTM process from concept to finished goods ensuring alignment with the brand strategy, global business needs, sourcing capabilities and quality standards.

This role plays a critical part in the precise execution of industry leading product to design intent, collaborating cross functionally with a multi-season time horizon perspective.

A key member of the product creation team you will support and enable the Manager, Technical Design’s vision on product fit, applying technical know-how in patternmaking construction and precision digital modelling tools transforming product concepts into reality to drive business growth.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Concept Translation & Technical Realisation: Work closely with the Design and Product Development teams to interpret and translate creative concepts into accurate physical and digital patterns using advanced pattern-making techniques. Leverage CAD and digital pattern tools to create detailed and scalable patterns. Develop digital 3D product samples that enable virtual fittings and iterative adjustments. Utilize 3D modelling software to simulate garment behaviour, ensuring that design intent aligns with technical feasibility and ergonomic performance. Your work will ensure that every idea is effectively translated into products that meet the brand’s strategic and commercial objectives.

• End-to-End Product Excellence: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine patterns, troubleshoot fit challenges, and implement innovative solutions ensuring that the design intent is accurately realised in every product. Seek manufacturing improvement initiatives with an emphasis on fit and optimal garment performance to ensure they are continually upgraded, enhanced and the best they can be.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise between internal departments (Innovation, Design, Product Development,) and external stakeholders (Vendor base). Establish strong working relationships, facilitate transparent communication and collaboration to ensure seamless integration of design aesthetics with technical precision. Communicate effectively to relay fit issues, propose adjustments, and align on quality benchmarks.

• Project Management: Manage project timelines for assigned seasonal and non-seasonal products, following critical paths to ensure cross functional alignment and on-time delivery of on-time delivery of digital patterns, virtual prototype samples and SMS across all categories. Use agile methodologies to manage timelines while proactively troubleshooting challenges to keep projects on time, to a precise standard of execution.

• Data Management: Maintain and regularly update the digital pattern and virtual samples database, ensuring integrity and accuracy across all product lines facilitating seamless, on-time communication between the Product Development, Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams.

• Product Fitting: Prepare for sample reviews by measuring, pre-fitting and scheduling fit sessions. Guide the Product Development and Design Teams in fit sessions to assess and refine product fit, function, and construction towards desired outcomes without compromising comfort, performance or sustainability. Complete pattern revisions on-time, that enable vendors to execute products efficiently and at cost (SMS & Bulk production).

• Continuous Improvement & Feedback: Analyse market feedback and wear-test and product performance data to continuously refine existing products and influence future development efforts towards process improved product fit, comfort, and functionality. Actively seek opportunities for personal growth, with a focus on developing product category knowledge & expertise.

Skills for Success

• Vision: A trained eye for proportion and balance as well as aesthetic detail. Identify and anticipate evolving trends in fit, performance, and digital prototyping, ensuring that patterns meet both current market demands and future innovations that keep icebreaker at the forefront of the industry.

• Values: A commitment to sustainability, ethical production practices, together with a meticulous approach to ensuring precise execution in fit and quality construction.

• Expertise: A robust understanding of garment engineering, traditional and digital patternmaking/grading, 3D modelling and fit optimisation to support the design and development of innovative, performance apparel.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated success working in cross-functional teams. Ability to effectively partner with, Designers, Product Developers, and external parties to turn creative visions into production-ready realities.

• Communication: Able to succinctly translate complex pattern and fit details into clear, actionable guidance for internal teams and external vendors towards pre-determined project objectives.

• Agility: Able to organise and prioritise workload across multi-phase product development projects with an understanding of critical path and process management. Flexibility to work and travel in an international context across regions and associated time zones, at times requiring meeting attendance early mornings or evenings.

• Professionalism: Exceptional time management and good interpersonal skills with an emphasis on embracing an inclusive culture of excellence and respect within the team and across all stakeholder relationships. Deals with conflict and challenges with an objective and calm approach.

Education & Experience

• A University Bachelor or Master’s degree in Fashion Technology, Industrial Design, or equivalent combination of education and experience a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in digital patternmaking and 3D prototyping are advantageous.

• Good level of computer literacy is essential; proficient in Microsoft Office & Adobe CC with experience in CAD software (Gerber, Lectra, Optitex) and 3D modelling simulation tools (CLO 3D, Browzwear).

• A few years of experience in technical pattern engineering and digital product creation roles within the apparel industry. Experience in the outdoor performance or sustainable apparel sector is highly preferred.

About VF

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands

• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!

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