Master Craftsperson

Coach America - Paterson, NJ

Full-time - Manager

Paterson, NJ

Support Activities for Transportation

About the position

Coach is a leading design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections, with a long-standing reputation built on quality craftsmanship. Defined by a free-spirited, all-American attitude, the brand approaches design with a modern vision, reimagining luxury for today with an authenticity and innovation that is uniquely Coach. All over the world, the Coach name is synonymous with effortless New York style. Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio - a global house of brands powered by optimism, innovation, and inclusivity. The Master Craftsperson will serve as a Manager, overseeing a team of craftsmen in the creation and design of patterns, bringing them to production. This role requires a strong proficiency in the Repair/(Re)Love Department, where the successful individual will manage the translation of designer ideas into repeatable patterns. Responsibilities include reading and interpreting design models and blueprints, operating all necessary machinery to create concept samples, and acting as a project manager between the Patternmaking Division and Designers. The Master Craftsperson will also manage the work-in-progress (WIP) calendar to ensure project deadlines are met, provide weekly project updates to all necessary departments, and serve as an expert on all machines and equipment for training purposes or delegation of assignments. The role demands strong leadership skills to create sample patterns and templates, lead the team in creating three-dimensional samples from materials, and provide knowledge and training on all machinery needed to create final samples. Strong communication skills and proficiency in design software, particularly Optitex, are essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of craftsmen in creating and designing patterns for production.
• Translate designer ideas into repeatable patterns.
• Read and interpret design models and blueprints.
• Operate all machinery needed to create concept samples, including sewing machine, skiving machine, splitting machine, and clicker.
• Act as a project manager between the Patternmaking Division and Designers.
• Manage the work-in-progress (WIP) calendar to ensure project deadlines are met.
• Provide weekly project updates to all necessary departments.
• Serve as an expert on all machines and equipment for training and delegation purposes.
• Delegate responsibilities to team members based on project needs.
• Lead the team in creating three-dimensional samples from materials.
• Provide knowledge and training on all machinery needed to create final samples.

Requirements

• 5+ years of industrial sewing experience is required.
• High attention to detail and craftsmanship experience in Skiver, Splitter, Clicker, Sewing Machine, and Foot Press.
• Willingness to assist with other functions as needed.
• Ability to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Eager to learn and increase skills and quality of work.
• Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Professionalism in attitude, appearance, and approach.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience on Skiver, Splitter, Clicker, Sewing Machine, and Foot Press.
• Understanding of handbag constructions.
• Ability to read and interpret design cards and specifications.
• Understanding and working experience in luxury leather handbags and goods.
• Bi-lingual: English, Spanish.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in luxury fashion or accessories design.
• Knowledge of sustainable materials and practices in design.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Employee discounts on products.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Flexible scheduling options.