Custom Design Specialist

Essense of Australia is an international bridal wholesaler with key offices based in Lenexa, Kansas, Perth, Australia, and Zug, Switzerland. Our organization also operates in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand. We have been a global leader in bridal fashion for over 20 years and our designs are currently sold in nearly 1,000 stores worldwide. With innovative designs and a strong customer service approach, Essense of Australia is a dynamic company that rewards excellence, drive, and collaboration.  

The Role

We are seeking a bright and exceptionally talented Custom Design Specialist with an agile and solution-focused approach to join our team in Lenexa, Kansas.  The successful candidate will pair their spark, charm, and empathy with a responsive and professional demeanor to offer exceptional service to our customers (bridal retail stores) domestically and internationally.  The Custom Design Specialist will have a hand in creating custom garments while serving as a liaison between clients and the Product Operations team. They provide technical insight and industry knowledge to process custom design orders from concept, through production, and final delivery of the product.  This position will have key elevated responsibilities and outcomes including but not limited to providing garment functionality recommendations, solutions to issues, and providing excellent client support.

We want our clients to feel valued and supported. As such, we’re seeking a stellar communicator with a warm, confident manner that sets our customers and sales professionals at ease. The successful candidate will be a skilled listener and use their positive attitude, flexibility, and solution-based approach to nurture strong relationships with our staff and seek the best possible outcomes. They will also be a natural problem solver and multi-tasker who shines in an agile, fast-paced environment. Our culture thrives on creative energy and collaboration, and above all, we’re looking for a team player with a sense of fun.

What We Expect

The following is a brief list of primary responsibilities for this role:

• Liaise with clients to gather correct information and produce custom design quotes.
• Evaluate custom design requests to ensure garment functionality based on full understanding of garment construction and to ensure all internal design standard guidelines are met.
• Create detailed design instructions and style sketches for factory reference.
• Follow up on all pending custom design queries and liaise with clients to resolve any outstanding issues.
• Provide garment construction guidance to customers on complex queries.
• Liaise with Product Operations team as needed.
• Provide exemplary customer service and foster strong, on-going relationships with our clients.
• Maintain a flexible, professional demeanor at all times and work closely and efficiently with fellow team members and other departments across the globe to provide the best solutions to meet our customers’ needs.
• Accurately enter and update data in multiple tools across an array of technology mediums.
• Assist with specialized customer service projects potentially outside normal business hours as required as well as manage time sensitive and escalated customer service issues.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor of Arts in Apparel, Fashion or related degree; equivalent, relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of previous experience in technical design, bridal, fashion, or equivalent required.
• Technical knowledge of garment construction including knowledge of sewing and pattern making.
• Excellent communication skills (vocabulary, diction, and the ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely).
• Strong customer service orientation & demeanor.
• Ability to deal effectively with changes, variables, and "gray" areas.
• Agility to adapt to high pressure situations and changing work priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment under minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Illustrator, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Experience working with CRM systems; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Ability to calmly and smoothly negotiate changes, variables and areas of ambiguity.
• Natural flair for conversation paired with the ability to listen closely and a flexible attitude with a caring, empathetic approach.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment under minimal supervision and with keen attention to detail.
• Have the flexibility to occasionally assist with tasks outside of standard work hours.

What We Offer

Essense of Australia is a company with heart. We value creativity, innovation, and dedication, and we’re looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional bridal fashion to brides and partners alike. In return for your skills, we offer you the opportunity to join an international industry leader and be part of a creative and collaborative culture that empowers its people and promotes teamwork. We recognize and reward excellence, innovation, and loyalty. As such, we provide competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.  If you have the skills, spark and drive to help us further our growth, please go to https://www.essensedesigns.com/careers/ and follow the prompts to submit your cover letter addressing the above criteria along with a resume and salary expectations.   

Join Essense of Australia and be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping brides around the world find their dream wedding gowns. If you're ready to make an impact and drive success in a global bridal fashion powerhouse, apply now and let's shape the future of bridal together!