On - Senior Lead – Apparel Makerspace - Zürich

Team for Career Site

Apparel & Accessories Product Creation

In short

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Senior Lead Apparel Makerspace to oversee the workflow organization and overall creation of patterns, prototypes, and samples that are made in our in-house “Atelier” based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Called the Apparel Makerspace, this center of Swiss Engineering will focus on the innovation and creation of both fashion lifestyle and technical sportswear garments for our Collabs and SMU programs, optimizing construction techniques and high level of workmanship and fit
standards. It will also include developing concept prototypes for our Inline seasonal products dictated by business needs.
This senior leadership role will be instrumental in ensuring that the high quality garments coming from our Apparel Makerspace align with our overall design intent and aesthetics, fit standards and potential bulk production feasibility.

The Senior Lead Apparel Makerspace is also responsible for managing work schedules and ensuring production timelines are met. They will work closely with Pattern Makers, Sample Makers and Production Teams to streamline operations, optimize efficiency, and track progress while maintaining clear communication across departments. Additionally, this role will play a key part in mentoring junior team members and implementing best practices in apparel creation.

Your mission

– Manage development of precise patterns for prototypes and production garments based on technical specifications and design sketches, ensuring scalability and manufacturability.
– Oversee fit, construction feasibility, and overall garment functionality, making necessary pattern adjustments for superior product execution.
– Evaluate pattern accuracy, fit, and construction techniques, ensuring designs are production- ready.
– Supervise Pattern Engineers and Sample Makers to troubleshoot construction challenges and refine patterns accordingly.
– Lead fit evaluations, incorporate feedback, and implement modifications to enhance garment performance, comfort, and aesthetic.
– Drive research into emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in pattern making and garment construction.

– Organize and assign daily workload for the Sample Makers and production staff based on business priorities and deadlines.
– Maintain a real-time tracking system for all ongoing work, ensuring visibility of timelines and bottlenecks; including workflow adjustments based on changing priorities, production challenges or design revisions.
– Communicate with the Head of Technical Development and other senior leaders (Director of Apparel Creation, Senior Director of Apparel Design) to ensure a smooth and efficient work process.
– Monitor inventory of work materials (fabric, trims, etc.) to ensure availability for scheduled tasks.
– Generate status reports and performance insights to assist in operational decision-making and strategy.

Your story

– Minimum 10+ years in Technical Design, Technical Development, Pattern Engineering, Product
Development within the fashion or sportswear apparel industry.
– Advanced proficiency in manual and digital pattern making.
– Strong command of industry-leading software such as Gerber, Lectra, and Browzwear.
– Deep understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and advanced sewing techniques.
– Problem-Solving & Innovation: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fit and construction issues while providing creative, production-ready solutions.
– Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work cross-functionally with Design, Sample-making, and Production teams to achieve best-in-class garment execution.
– Project & Time Management: Expertise in balancing multiple and complex projects within tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
– Strong Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented with experience in tracking and reporting work progress.
– Ability to balance creativity and entrepreneurial spirit with organisation and discipline in a dynamic and diverse, fast-paced environment.
– Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, flexibility, and agility in order to seamlessly navigate change management and bring forth the entrepreneurial spirit when facing unexpected challenges.

Meet the team

We are focused, solutions-oriented, and able to take action upon imminent challenges. We establish and follow processes, but are also continuously confronting the status quo and the industry standard.

We are engineers that steer pinnacle sportswear design ideas into functional reality. We are able to convert innovative concepts and prototypes into commercialised products with stringent quality and engineering standards, bringing them into the hands of our discerning,
global customer base.

Product creation is a mindset and every team member is empowered to make decisions with the understanding that failure is part of the learning and growth process. As an integrated function in the design and development organisation; we are detail-minded problem solvers; guiding and executing apparel technical development within tight timelines and the highest possible product quality, both on the shelf and in use.