Left On Friday Canada

Reporting directly to our Design Manager, the Fit Optimization Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the fit, comfort, and quality of our swimwear and apparel designs. You will be at the forefront of the product development process, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring our brand vision to life. In this role, you will manage a small, brilliant team and contribute to the continuous growth and success of our brand.

Key Responsibilities:

Standard Fit and Construction Establishment:
- Work closely with the Design and Development team to establish standard fit by product type, category, and end use, ensuring product size and fit consistency.
- Ensure our fit standards are maintained throughout the fitting process from the first prototype through all stages of pre-production samples.
- Establish and maintain standard fit and grading standards based on the company's fit guidelines.
- Ensure consistent application of these standards across all products.
- Continuously evaluate and refine fit and grading standards to align with market trends and customer feedback.
- Partner with Designers and Product Developers to establish and document product construction standards and illustrated technical specifications for all products.
- Create and evolve construction, block standards, and maintain block library.

 

Product Communication:
- Collaborate with Design and Development to ensure all external product communication accurately reflects our requirements and specifications.

- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including designers, product developers, and suppliers.

- Provide clear and concise instructions and feedback to ensure alignment and understanding.

 

Execution and Quality Control

- Create, develop, and modify patterns for new and existing apparel designs.

- Ensure patterns meet design specifications and fit standards.

- Oversee the execution of patterns from initial concept through final production.

- Conduct fittings and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal fit and construction.

- Maintain high-quality standards and ensure consistency across all patterns.

- Develop and modify patterns using pattern making software (specifically Gerber Accumark), ensuring precision and consistency in fit and sizing.

- Collaborate with Designers to interpret design sketches and concepts, translating them into accurate patterns and prototypes.

- Conduct fit sessions with live models to assess the fit, drape, and comfort of garments, making necessary adjustments to patterns and samples.

- Communicate fit comments, recommendations, and technical specifications to internal and external stakeholders, including overseas suppliers and manufacturers.

 

Project Management

- Provide estimates of raw material yields to Product Developers during prototype development.

- Report on prototype and sample progress to ensure development and product creation deadlines are met.

- Collaborate with Product Development throughout the sample concept stage to meet all construction standards testing requirements.

- Work closely with the Design and Development team to troubleshoot fit and construction issues, offering innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

- Create and maintain detailed fit records, including comprehensive fit comments, measurement charts, and photos, to facilitate communication and ensure continuity throughout the product development process.

- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and priorities are balanced.

- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, and technical teams.

- Monitor and track the progress of pattern development and make adjustments as needed.

 

Industry Awareness:

- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to fit, pattern making, and garment construction, sharing insights and recommendations with the team to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in pattern making and garment construction.

- Utilize pattern making software and tools efficiently (e.g., Gerber, Lectra, or similar).

 

Team Leadership:
- Manage, build and mentor a team of pattern makers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

- Provide training and development opportunities for the pattern making team.

- Assign tasks and projects to team members, ensuring deadlines are met.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Participate in meetings and cross-functional discussions to support the achievement of project milestones and deadlines, proactively identifying and addressing potential challenges or bottlenecks.

 

Other Duties:

- Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the team and company.

 

Qualifications:

 

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Engineering, Textile Technology, or related field (preferred).

 

Experience:

- Minimum of 7-10+ years of experience as a Fit Technician and/or Pattern Maker in the apparel industry, with a demonstrated track record of success. With at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.

- Experience in developing patterns for technical swimwear and active apparel.

- Proficiency in pattern making software (e.g., Gerber, Lectra, or similar).

- Expert in garment construction, fit, and manufacturing processes.

- Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop a team.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

 

Technical Skills:

- Proficiency in pattern making software, specifically Gerber Accumark and digital pattern manipulation techniques. Expert knowledge of Adobe Illustrator.

- Ability to work from pattern blocks or from sketches.

- In-depth knowledge of garment construction, fit principles, and sizing standards, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

- Exceptional problem-solving skills and analytical abilities, coupled with a collaborative and proactive approach to teamwork.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information and articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

- Passion for innovation, creativity, and continuous learning, with a commitment to staying current with industry trends and developments.

 

Location: Victoria BC, Hybrid: 3 days in office/ 2 days remote per week. 
Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 CAD

 

Submit your application here. Applications close October 30, 2024.