Senior Fit & Pattern Specialist (icebreaker)

icebreaker is looking for an exceptional Senior Fit & Pattern Specialist to join our team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

 

Driven by the belief that nature has the answers, we provide natural performance alternatives to synthetic-based apparel, to create a healthier and more sustainable future for our species and the planet. We're passionate about connecting people to natural alternatives.

 

 

Let’s Talk about the Role

 

 As Senior Fit & Pattern Specialist, you’ll play a key role in fit, pattern development and digital sampling execution for through the go-to-market (GTM) process, from concept to finished goods. You will ensure alignment with the brand strategy, global business needs, sourcing capabilities and quality standards.

This role drives the precise technical execution of industry leading product to design intent, collaborating cross functionally with a multi-season time horizon perspective.

As a key contributor to the product creation team, you will support the Global Head of Product Development’s vision on product fit by executing pattern development and digital sampling against critical project timelines. You will apply your technical expertise to achieve exceptional fit and performance, support best practices and process improvements, and act as a technical coach to colleagues in solving fit and pattern challenges. Working collaboratively with cross-functional partners, you will turn product concepts into reality to drive business growth.

 

How You Will Make a Difference

• Technical Expertise: Create and refine patterns, digital prototypes and fit evaluations to meet brand and commercial objectives. Support colleagues in digital patternmaking, 3D prototyping and sustainability-focused fit solutions.
• End-to-End Product Excellence: Refine patterns using physical and digital fitting feedback and best practices in 3D simulation and virtual prototyping. Maintain established fit standards and grading rules, recommending refinements for consistent fit and quality across categories.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Be the fit, pattern and grading contact across Innovation, Design, Product Development and vendors. Own accurate, timely specialist inputs for consolidated tech packs, collaborating on product engineering and providing clear construction and fit guidance to external partners.
• Process Optimisation: Prioritise assigned seasonal and non-seasonal work against the critical path. Coordinate partners to deliver digital patterns, virtual prototypes and SMS on time; flag risks and dependencies promptly. Apply agreed digital tools and contribute workflow improvements for efficiency and sustainability.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate, organised digital patterns, virtual samples and fit records for assigned products, meeting procedures and seasonal deadlines. Support timely data sharing across Product Development, Design, Merchandising and Sourcing. Analyse fit and wear-test data to improve fit, comfort and performance.
• Product Fitting: Measure and pre-fit samples, schedule cross-functional fittings and lead technical fit discussions for assigned products with Design, Development and Manufacturing. Deliver clear, timely pattern revisions for SMS and bulk production at the required cost, protecting comfort, performance and sustainability.
• Stakeholder Management: Build strong sourcing and vendor relationships; improve digital creation and patternmaking to reduce sampling and improve fit. Report directly to the Global Head of Product Development on deliverables, risks and improvements. 

 

Skills for Success

• Vision: A trained eye for proportion and balance as well as aesthetic detail. Apply forward-thinking technical solutions to develop 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: Foster a collaborative environment by building strong partnerships across Design, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product integrity from concept to final execution.
• Communication: Facilitate effective collaboration between internal and external stakeholders. Able to succinctly translate complex pattern and fit details into clear, actionable guidance for internal teams and external vendors.
• Agility: Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise your workload across 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.
• Professionalism: 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.
• Technical Coaching: Track record of sharing specialist fit and pattern expertise, supporting colleagues in solving technical challenges, and building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

 

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).
• 5-7 years of experience in technical pattern engineering and digital product creation roles within the apparel industry. Experience in the outdoor performance or sustainable apparel sector is highly preferred.

 

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

 

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.

 

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

 

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!

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