NECESSARY

icebreaker is looking for an exceptional Fit & Pattern Manager, to join our team based in Stabio, Switzerland.
Let’s Talk about the Role As Fit & Pattern Manager, you’ll lead a dynamic Technical Design Team in creating patterns and digital tools to support the execution of the icebreaker product line through the GTM process from concept to finished goods ensuring alignment with the brand strategy, global business needs, sourcing capabilities and quality standards.
This role drives the precise execution of industry leading product to design intent, collaborating cross functionally with a multi-season time horizon perspective.
A key stakeholder in the product creation team you will support and enable the Global Head of Product Development’s vision on product fit driving the pattern development and digital sampling process, ensuring that every product achieves an exceptional fit, performance and efficiency.
You will apply your technical expertise to mentor and develop a high-performing team to turn product concepts into reality to drive business growth.
How You Will Make a Difference Leadership & Supervision.
Oversee and mentor the Technical Design team, guiding them through the creation and refinement of patterns, digital prototypes and fit evaluation to ensure the successful delivery of products that drive the brand’s strategic and commercial objectives.
Support the personal development of the Technical Design associates ensuring that each team member reaches their full potential.
Enable opportunities for growth with a focus on coaching technical excellence in digital patternmaking, 3D prototyping, and sustainability-focused fit solutions.
End-to-End Product Excellence.
Drive the continuous improvement of patterns by analysing feedback from physical and digital fittings.
Embed best practices in 3D product simulation, virtual prototyping, and digital pattern development to optimise product execution.
Establish and maintain fit standards and grading rules to ensure consistency across all product categories ensuring they are continually upgraded, enhanced and the best they can be.
Cross-Functional Collaboration.
Be the central technical hub between internal departments (Innovation, Design, Product Development,) and external stakeholders (Vendor base).
Establish strong working relationships, facilitate collaboration in product engineering ensuring the seamless integration of fit and technical specifications.
Process Optimisation.
Manage capacities and project timelines and for seasonal and non-seasonal products, identifying and tracking critical paths to ensure cross functional alignment and on-time delivery of digital patterns, virtual prototype samples and SMS across all categories.
Implement new technologies and best practices in 3D product simulation, virtual prototyping, and digital pattern development workflows to optimise product timelines and sustainability.
Data Management.
Take ownership of the maintenance and organisation of the digital pattern and virtual samples database, ensuring integrity and accuracy across all product lines facilitating seamless, on-time communication between the Product Development, Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams.
Analyze fit and wear-test data to continuously improve product fit, comfort, and performance.
Product Fitting.
Oversee the preparation for sample reviews, measuring, pre-fitting and scheduling cross-functional fit sessions.
Lead fit sessions to assess and refine product fit, function, and construction.
In conjunction with the Design, Development and Manufacturing teams ensuring all projects meet desired outcomes without compromising comfort, performance or sustainability.
Manage the completion of pattern revisions on-time, that enable vendors to execute products efficiently and at cost (SMS & Bulk production).
Stakeholder Management.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with sourcing partners and external vendors.
Champion innovation in digital product creation and pattern-making practices to improve fit, reduce sample iterations, and enhance efficiency.
Report directly to the Global Head of Product Development providing regular updates on the team’s progress against the critical path and cross-functional initiatives Skills for Success Vision.
A trained eye for proportion and balance as well as aesthetic detail.
Utilise forward-thinking strategies to guide your team in developing products that keep icebreaker at the forefront of the industry.
Values.
A commitment to sustainability, ethical production practices, together with a meticulous approach to ensuring precise execution in fit and quality construction.
Expertise.
In-depth knowledge of garment engineering, traditional and digital patternmaking/grading, 3D modelling and fit optimisation to support the design and development of innovative, performance apparel.
Collaboration & Communication.
Foster a collaborative environment by building strong partnerships across Design, Product Development, Manufacturing, and external stakeholders / vendors to ensure product integrity from concept to final execution.
Agility.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, organise and prioritise, multi-phase technical engineering projects with an understanding of critical path and process management.
Flexibility to work and travel in an international context across regions and associated time zones, at times requiring meeting attendance early mornings or evenings.
Leadership.
Exceptional time management and strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on building a cohesive and inclusive culture of excellence and respect within the team and across all stakeholder relationships.
Manage conflict and challenges with an objective and calm approach.
Ability to develop specialized team and driving execution.
Education & Experience A University Bachelor or Master’s degree in Fashion Technology, Industrial Design, or equivalent combination of education and experience a related field is required.
Advanced degrees or certifications in digital patternmaking and 3D prototyping are advantageous.
High level of computer literacy is essential; proficient in Microsoft Office & Adobe CC with extensive experience in CAD software (Gerber, Lectra, Optitex) and 3D modelling simulation tools (CLO 3D, Browzwear).
Extensive years of experience in technical pattern engineering and digital product creation roles within the apparel industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory position.
Experience in the outdoor performance or sustainable apparel sector is highly preferred.
What’s in it For You We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people.
That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates.
When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.
A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives A discount card with 50% on all VF brands Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity  As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity.
We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!