Fractional Tech Designer (1 day a week)

lemlem is a women's resortwear, ready-to-wear and swimwear brand made responsibly in Africa, with a core mission of preserving the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspiring economic growth on the continent. As a B Corp company, lemlem is committed to building a strong, fair and sustainable fashion industry in Africa, taking a holistic approach to production that values and upholds artisans, craftsmanship, the environment and communities.

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We are looking for an NYC-based 1 day a week Fractional Technical Designer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing technical design projects both independently and collaboratively with our Design Team, Sales Team, and Production Manager. You will report directly to the Senior Design Director, meeting in person weekly to align on objectives, fit evaluations, and production timelines.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work with a growing sustainable brand focused on women's swimwear, ready-to-wear, and resort wear. Candidates should bring an open-minded approach, an interest in understanding the African factory landscape and artisan production partners, and a commitment to maintaining technical specifications and garment quality across all product categories.

The Fractional Technical Designer will provide strategic guidance to the design team regarding their Design development workflows. Responsibilities include recommending methodologies to optimize operations across all development phases, encompassing tech pack initialization, fit sample assessments, and the articulation of technical feedback to international vendors, thereby maintaining rigorous garment quality, precise fit standards, and punctual delivery for all collections.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seasonal collection spec creation, incorporating innovative technical workflows to optimize existing processes and support scalability. Support where necessary on technical packages for fit sample development in all categories with a focus on newness complicated constructed styles

• Evaluate fit samples, pre-production and TOP samples for specs, quality and workmanship

• Participate in maintaining consistency of product fit, technical specifications and development processes. 

• Advise on fittings with designers and internal teams on live models and body forms. 

• Communicate fit revisions and comments into tech packs

• Write technical fit from fittings, providing clear technical comments and assisting illustrations/photos. 

• Maintain a pattern library for future reference. 

• Plan appropriate fit schedules with, designers and model booking agents

• Update and maintain department fit logs. Expertise in POM's for wovens both in developing new styles & maintaining legacy styles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• At least 6+ years of Technical Design experience preferably contemporary and premium fashion brands
• Extensive experience leading fittings, evaluating garment construction/fit, setting points of measure (POMs), and determining grade rules
• Proficiency in Excel 
• Proactive self-starter driven by deadlines and high urgency in a fluid, fast-paced, multi-channel environment
• Strong organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative team player with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

The salary range for this role is $35-$65 an hour depending on experience.

lemlem is committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity in all its forms – race, gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, disability, and sexual orientation – is a source of creativity that enriches our business. xhyhwjd We are dedicated to promoting a culture of belonging for our team, our partners, and our customers.