Zubaz - The Original · 1 day ago
Relationship Coordinator / Technical Designer
Gurnee, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expZubaz is an iconic sports lifestyle brand known for our bold zebra-print athletic wear that defined 1990s sports culture. The Relationship Coordinator / Technical Designer is responsible for creating comprehensive tech packs and managing the quality assurance process while serving as the primary point of communication with manufacturing partners.
Apparel & Fashion
Responsibilities
Create detailed, production-ready tech packs for all product styles including measurements, construction details, materials, trims, colorways, and artwork placement
Develop and maintain accurate flat sketches and technical drawings with clear callouts for stitching, labeling, and finishing details
Specify bill of materials (BOM) including fabric, thread, zipper, elastic, labels, hang tags, and packaging requirements
Update and revise tech packs based on sample reviews, fit sessions, and production feedback
Maintain organized tech pack library and ensure version control across all active styles
Translate design concepts into clear, factory-ready technical documentation
Develop and maintain graded spec sheets with accurate measurements for all sizes (S–5XL and beyond)
Conduct fit sessions and evaluate samples against size specs, providing detailed comments and corrections to factories
Establish and enforce quality standards for construction, print, embroidery, and finishing across all product lines
Review pre-production, top-of-production (TOP), and shipment samples to ensure compliance with approved standards
Identify and communicate quality issues and defects, working with factories to implement corrective actions
Maintain tolerance charts and measurement standards for consistent sizing across vendors and product categories
Monitor and document shrinkage, wash testing, and fabric performance requirements
Serve as the primary liaison between Zubaz and manufacturing partners (domestic and overseas)
Communicate production orders, timelines, and delivery requirements to factories clearly and accurately
Track order status from PO placement through production, shipping, and delivery
Negotiate and coordinate sample development timelines with factory partners
Manage and resolve production issues including material shortages, quality concerns, and delivery delays
Coordinate approvals for lab dips, strike-offs, and print/embroidery samples before bulk production
Maintain strong, professional relationships with factory contacts to ensure priority treatment and smooth communication
Collaborate with the design and merchandising teams to ensure product feasibility and cost targets are met
Source and evaluate new fabrics, trims, and materials as needed
Support costing efforts by gathering factory quotes and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
Assist with PLM system management (WFX or similar), including uploading tech packs, BOMs, and product specs
Maintain awareness of NCAA and NFL team color standards and licensing requirements to ensure product accuracy
Qualification
Required
3+ years of experience in technical design, garment production, or a similar role in the apparel industry
Proven experience creating professional, factory-ready tech packs from scratch
Strong understanding of garment construction, sewing techniques, and manufacturing processes
Experience with grading, size spec development, and conducting fit sessions
Demonstrated ability to manage QA processes and enforce quality standards
Direct experience communicating with overseas factories (Asia preferred) and managing production orders
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating flat sketches and technical drawings
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for spec sheets, measurement charts, and order tracking
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
Experience with licensed sports apparel (NCAA, NFL, or similar)
Familiarity with PLM software such as WFX
Knowledge of NCAA and NFL team color palettes and brand guidelines
Experience with Pantone color matching for print and embroidery specifications
Background in working with knit and cut-and-sew products
Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems for order management
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Science, Apparel Production, or related field
Company
Zubaz - The Original
Zubaz LLC is an apparel & fashion company based out of Chicagoland area.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase