Associate Design Director

Atrium is seeking on behalf of our client a Associate Design Director based in New York, New York.

A background check may be run only after a conditional offer is made, where permitted by law.

Position: Associate Design Director

Location: New York, New York

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $125,000 – $150,000

Position Overview

The Associate Design Director will lead the Girls Division design team, focusing on creating innovative and trend-right apparel for the tween market (ages 7–16). This role involves managing a small team, collaborating closely with the Design Director, and ensuring designs align with business objectives and brand standards. The position requires strong leadership, creativity, and the ability to balance design vision with commercial viability. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 3–4 designers within the Girls Division, providing guidance and feedback.
• Oversee the design process from concept through final product, ensuring alignment with brand and market trends.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet business goals and timelines.
• Utilize Illustrator and Photoshop to create and refine design concepts.
• Develop designs for off-price retailers such as Burlington, TJX, and Ross, ensuring competitive and appealing assortments.
• Report directly to the Design Director and support strategic initiatives for the division.

Required Experience/Skills

• 7–10 years of experience in apparel design, preferably in girls, boys, or women’s categories.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a design team.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Ability to balance creative design with business objectives and market demands.
• Strong understanding of trend forecasting and product development for the tween market.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Experience working with off-price retailers and understanding their unique requirements.
• Background in tween apparel design, though experience in boys or women’s categories is acceptable.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Familiarity with production processes and garment construction.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Benefits

If eligible under the ACA, medical, dental and vision benefits and time off in accordance with local paid sick time laws will be offered. Additional benefits may include paid holidays, a 401(k)-retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program, where applicable. Other compensation programs may include overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, or other incentive compensation, where applicable.

Commitment to Diversity

As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

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