Reports to: Director of Product Development
About the Role
Rachel Comey is seeking an Atelier Coordinator to support the day-to-day operations of our in-house atelier. The Atelier Coordinator will keep sample development organized and on schedule, prepare the materials our pattern makers, sewers and cutter need, and help every style arrive ready for its fitting and handoff to production.
This is a newly created position and an opportunity to grow with the atelier. The role does not involve drafting patterns, but it calls for a working knowledge of garment construction and a strong interest in how a designer sample room runs.
The Atelier Coordinator works alongside our team of pattern makers, sewers and a cutter, and supports the flow of work between the design studio, product development and production. The coordinator does not manage the atelier team; work assignments and priorities are set with the Director of Product Development.
Responsibilities
- Workflow and planning
- Maintain the atelier’s weekly and daily schedule for patternmaking, cutting and sewing, based on priorities set by the Director of Product Development.
- Check that every style enters the atelier with a complete development package (sketch, CM, TP, BOM, etc.) and follow up with the design and PD teams on anything missing.
- Keep the atelier WIP up to date, tracking each style through proto, fit rounds and bulk approval.
- Flag delays and capacity issues to the Director of Product Development as they arise.
- Help coordinate freelance pattern makers and sewers during seasonal peaks.
Atelier support
- Act as the day-to-day point of contact for the pattern makers, sewers and cutter, making sure they have the materials and information they need.
- Take notes in team check-ins and share updates between the atelier, the design studio and product development.
- Track team schedules and time off, and help onboard new or freelance team members.
- Help maintain a respectful, organized and collaborative workroom.
Quality and fittings
- Help document atelier standards for patterns, cutting and finishing.
- Review samples against the checklist before fittings and raise any issues with the team.
- Prepare fittings, record fit comments, and make sure corrections reach the right pattern maker.
Transition to production
- Maintain an organized, version-controlled pattern library (analog and digital).
- Prepare handoff packages for production: final patterns, cut tickets, construction details and approved samples.
- Support production and technical design in carrying fitting decisions through to the factory.
- Support accessories and special projects that are occasionally developed in the atelier, alongside RTW.
Atelier operations
- Track inventory of sample fabric, trims, notions and supplies at the in-house atelier and domestic factories, and prepare reorders for review.
- Prepare purchase orders and process atelier invoices for approval.
- Schedule equipment maintenance and help keep the workroom safe, clean and well organized.
- Compile a monthly report for the Director of Product Development on sample output, on-time delivery and recurring delays.
Qualifications Required
- 2–4 years of experience in a designer sample room, atelier or product development team.
- Working knowledge of patterns and garment construction: able to read a pattern, follow construction details and spot obvious issues. The role does not involve drafting.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience keeping schedules, WIPs or trackers up to date for a busy team.
- Clear, professional communication with design, PD and atelier teams.
- Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets; PLM experience a plus.
- A degree in fashion design, technical design, product development or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Preferred
- Experience with a contemporary or designer womenswear brand, ideally an independent house.
- Hands-on sewing, sample making or patternmaking training.
- Familiarity with wovens, tailoring and specialty fabrics.
- Familiarity with New York’s Garment District suppliers and contractors.
- Spanish, Cantonese or another language commonly spoken in New York workrooms.
Pay, schedule and benefits
- Salary range: $70,000–$90,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, on-site, with additional hours as needed around fittings, market and shows.
- Competitive medical benefits
- PTO plans
- 401k and Roth IRA retirement plans
How to apply
To apply, please send your résumé and a brief cover letter describing your sample room or atelier experience to hr@rachelcomey.mom.