Associate Designer

Overview

The Associate Designer, Lifestyle Brands, Sweaters COE, supports the design and development of knitwear collections from concept through production. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on‑brand, commercially viable sweaters that align with seasonal direction and business needs. The Associate Designer contributes to yarn selection, stitch development, and silhouette execution while supporting category‑specific workflows and timelines.
Responsibilities

Design & Creative Support

Assist in developing seasonal sweater concepts, including yarns, stitches, patterns, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction
Create design sketches, stitch callouts, and technical flats using Adobe Illustrator
Support development of stripe layouts, jacquards, textures, and novelty stitches
Collaborate on yarn selection, color development, and trim details with cross‑functional teams and vendors
Help build mood boards, concept decks, and sweater‑specific presentations for seasonal reviews
Conduct trend, market, and competitive research focused on knitwear using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN)
Product Development & Execution

Assist in creating and updating detailed tech packs, including stitch specifications, gauge, yarn details, construction, and measurements
Support communication of design intent to overseas vendors, including stitch developments and proto comments
Participate in fit sessions for sweaters; take notes, track revisions, and support approvals
Review knit‑downs, strike‑offs, and samples to ensure accuracy of stitch, color, and quality
Track development timelines and maintain accurate records to ensure on‑time delivery
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Merchandising to support sweater assortment plans, pricing architecture, and seasonal direction
Collaborate closely with Technical Design to ensure fit, construction, and knit feasibility
Work with Production and vendors to align on yarn sourcing, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities
Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule
Operational & Team Support

Maintain organized sweater design files, yarn libraries, stitch references, and seasonal documentation
Update PLM systems with accurate sweater‑specific data (yarns, gauges, constructions)
Assist with line plan updates, sample tracking, and development charts
Support market preparation, sample organization, and presentation setup
Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or related field preferred
Experience

1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably in sweaters/knitwear (internships included)
Experience in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment preferred
Portfolio required (including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred)
Skills

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM familiarity preferred
Understanding of knitwear construction, stitches, gauges, and yarns
Experience working with or exposure to knit‑downs and sweater sampling processes
Familiarity with Miro or similar tools for collaboration
Exposure to AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation is a plus
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Personal Attributes

Passion for knitwear design and strong interest in menswear trends
Creative with a strong eye for texture, pattern, and color
Detail‑oriented, proactive, and eager to learn
Collaborative team player with a positive, adaptable mindset
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
Physical Requirements (if applicable)

Ability to lift and transport garment samples, yarn cones, and sample boxes
Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings
Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $78,000.00 /Yr.

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