Technical Patternmaking Manager

Dries Van Noten founded his eponymous brand in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1986. He is widely recognised for his distinctive approach to craft, combining refined tailoring with bold eclecticism. His signature use of print, texture, colour, and silhouette continues to define a style that exists beyond seasonal trends. Today, Dries Van Noten collections are available in stores across Europe, the United States, and Asia, as well as through a global network of wholesale partners, and online. The brand has recently expanded into beauty and fragrance, complementing its ready-to-wear and accessories collections. In December 2024, Julian Klausner was appointed Creative Director. Having worked closely with Dries since 2018, his deep understanding of the house’s identity ensures continuity while opening a new chapter for its future. Mission As Technical Patternmaking Manager at Dries Van Noten, you will oversee the technical development of our Womenswear, Menswear and Drop 1 collections, ensuring that each design can be translated into production while maintaining our standards of quality and craftsmanship. Working closely with Product Development, Pattern Making and Production, you will guide the team through technical challenges, support the development of each collection and ensure that garments are ready for production. Responsibilities
• Lead the technical preparation of the Womenswear, Menswear and Drop 1 collections, ensuring garments are ready for production.
• Manage and develop the Technical Patternmakers and Technical Production Executive, providing guidance and hands-on technical support.
• Oversee garment construction, fit, patterns, grading and finishing, ensuring our quality standards are maintained.
• Work closely with Product Development, Pattern Making and Production teams to find practical solutions to technical challenges.
• Review prototypes and pre-production samples, identifying potential construction or manufacturing issues.
• Ensure technical specifications, measurements, Bills of Materials and production information are accurate and up to date in Lectra, PLM and ERP systems.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure technical requirements are understood and correctly applied in production.
• Anticipate technical or quality issues and work with the teams to resolve them before production.
• Assess the impact of technical decisions on quality, production timelines and costs.
• Improve technical processes and ways of working to support the team and ensure consistency across collections.
• Share technical knowledge and expertise within the team, helping to develop and preserve our craftsmanship. The tasks above are not conclusive and may change according to the needs of the company. A flexible approach towards tasks and responsibilities is always needed. Profile
• You hold a degree in Fashion Technology, Textile Engineering, Pattern Making, Product Development or a related field.
• You have at least 8 years of experience in technical production, pattern making or product development, including team management.
• You have strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, patterns, grading, finishing and manufacturing processes.
• You have experience working with and manufacturing partners and understand the technical requirements of ready-to-wear production.
• You are comfortable making technical decisions and finding practical solutions while respecting the original design.
• You have experience working with Lectra, PLM and ERP systems and technical production documentation.
• You enjoy working closely with different teams and have a hands-on, collaborative approach.
• You have strong organisational skills and can manage different priorities within seasonal deadlines.
• You are fluent in English. Knowledge of Dutch, French or Italian is an advantage. Offer Our company values Authenticity, Respect and Creativity are the pillars of our working culture. As part of our team, you can expect a collaborative and supportive work environment where your ideas are important and encouraged. You’ll enjoy access to the Dries Van Noten stock sale and benefit from an employee discount. You will be invited to our company gatherings, which are designed to connect, celebrate our team, and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our culture.