Associate Technical Developer

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team, apply to join our team today!

OVERVIEW:

The Associate Technical Developer is responsible for managing the fit and construction of garments thru PP and TOP stages for a single or multiple categories of DICK’s Sporting Goods vertical brand products. It is the responsibility of the Associate Technical Developer to deliver high-quality products in alignment with the brand standards and our athlete’s expectations for aesthetic, quality and fit. The Associate Technical Developer is responsible to ensure product follows the approved sample going into and throughout production. The Associate Technical Developer assists in reviewing PP samples with the Technical Designer, reviews TOP samples for production approval, checks graded nested pattens for final approval and communicated back to the vendor any issues and how to solve. In this role, the Technical Developer will collaborate with Technical Designer, Product Manager, QA Manager and the Design team to assure the fit and quality level follow the approved samples and technical specifications.

The ideal candidate for the role has experience as an apparel technical design assistant or associate level, with relevant experience in the product categories they will lead (athletic, outdoor, golf) at a successful design firm or retailer. In addition, the ideal candidate must have knowledge of fit fundamentals including grading, patternmaking and apparel construction and manufacturing methods. 

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Fit Approval – PP & TOP

• Review TOP samples coming direct from vendors in Asia and Central America to record and document technical differences from what was approved. The garment should be reviewed as it relates to adherence to specification, construction, the overall appearance and fit. Analyze any changes previously made to assure adherence to the fit and design direction. 
• Work cross-functionally with the Design, Product management, QA and Sourcing teams to align on strategy for TOP rejection.
• Communicate with overseas vendors for tech pack questions; Make appropriate recommendations in collaboration with cross functional teams on matters pertaining to specs, patterns, construction and techniques to improve fit, balance and overall quality of garment as called out from vendor. 
• Participate in production quality issues escalated to QC and TD Directors by providing background information and recommending possible solutions in their product category
• Be sure the Designer’s vision is followed throughout production; 

Sample Tracking

• Ensure accuracy of Tracking Reports, ETA's of sample arrival and Cut dates in alignment with the time and action calendar for assigned brand. This includes following up with vendors, as needed to ensure key milestone dates are met. Escalate potential misses to deadlines to leadership in a timely manner, including problem resolutions.

Graded Neste Patterns

• Review all graded nested patterns for final production approval; communicate with Technical Designer when issues are found; responsible for correction of graded nested pattern and communication back to the vendors to assure clear understanding of corrections needed. 

PLM

• Tracks arrival of samples; organizes and maintains garments in the sample room as well as filing information and hard copy patterns; prioritize PP garments with Technical Designer. Keep tracking reports updated (Qlik; other enterprise reporting platforms).
• Ensure that all time and action calendar deadlines are met

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QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree

BA/BS degree in apparel/textiles or equivalent industry experience

3 - 5 Years

Experience working with Athletic Apparel, Sportswear or Outdoor Apparel environment preferred.