Senior Technical Developer - Sweaters

Senior Technical Developer, Sweaters

Who we are:

lululemon is a yoga-inspired technical apparel company up to big things. The practice and philosophy of yoga informs our overall purpose to elevate the world through the power of practice. We are proud to be a growing global company with locations all around the world, from Vancouver to Shanghai, and places in between. We owe our success to our innovative product, our emphasis on our stores, our commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we get to make in every community we are in.

About this team:

Imagine Design is the Architect of a product, and Product Development is the Engineer. From concept through to pre-production stage, Product Development is the front-line regarding communication with the finished goods vendor base, launching sketches, requesting sampling, fitting product and keeping an accurate data library of the life cycle of a product. Product Development is a truly cross functional working group that pivot to partners such as Design, Concept, Fit, Quality, Merchandising, Finished Goods Sourcing, Raw Materials and Go To Market operations to deliver a commercially ready product to our buying teams.

They are strong communicators who value and develop their cross functional relationships. This is a team of high performers who are constantly striving to develop personally and professionally, practicing open feedback in a trusting space. This team knows how to bring fun into their everyday, prioritising team connection and enjoying creative sessions together.

A day in the life:

The Senior Technical Developer of sweaters at lululemon creates world class athletic & lifestyle apparel that is acknowledged as leading in innovation, design, function, fit and quality. Under the mentorship & partnership of the TD, Senior TD, PD Manager, and PD Director; you develop the line from tech pack hand-off to the production of garments. 

• Responsible for prototype management, style number & colorway creation

• Maintain data integrity in Flex PLM

• Organize daily work-flow that adheres to GTM deliverables & development timelines

• Develop and create tech packs in Flex PLM to communicate requirements for Design aesthetic, fit, and construction engineering

• Manage the product class seasonal costing excellence by advising on material choices & yield, construction methods, & vendor suitability while maintaining lululemon quality standards

• Measure and review proto samples based on submitted tech pack

• Lead fittings & presentations: Measure, evaluate fit sample submit (construction, execution), present style history, advise required fit and construction corrections discussed for assigned styles

• Ensure construction and fit consistency across product class according to established brand guidelines

• Spec and analyze garments to determine compliance of measurements, workmanship, construction direction, and maintain fit intent

• Analyze and communicate the outcome of fittings and construction reviews with cross functional and vendor partners

• Lead vendor & cross-functional relationships through effective email correspondence, in-person meetings, and plan onsites 

• Educate team in advanced technical knowledge of our brand’s construction and fit standards

• Present and support team in proto changes, challenges, and solutions at GTM meetings

• Build strategies alongside Manager that drive competencies within the scope of product creation

• Mentor & train team

Qualifications:

• 4 Year BA Degree with focused training in Technical Design, Patternmaking or relevant experience

• Proficiency in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)

• 8 - 10 years minimum industry experience (preferably within the Sweater or fully fashioned knit categories)

• Proficiency with Flex PLM or similar PLM software

• Familiarity or proficiency with Gerber Pattern Making and/or 3D software (CLO, Browzwear) is an asset

• Exposure to International production; Domestic production would be an asset

• Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (Internal and Overseas)

• Knowledge of garment construction methods in multiple fabrications (woven, knit, & engineered knits) and product categories

Must haves:

• Driven by the technical aspect of the product creation process

• Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities

• Comprehensive knowledge of fabric, construction, draping, graphic & dye techniques

• Skilled at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams & fit photos

• Expert knowledge of Grading

• Strong applied comprehension of end to end product life cycle

• Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset

• Ability to work and thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment

• Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills

• Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity

• Ability to lead fit sessions for all products