Associate Designer - Product Development

Job Title: Associate Designer, Product Development

Work Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Duration: 3 month contract with option to extend

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred

Position Overview
Position Overvie w The Associate Designer, supports the development and execution of seasonal apparel collections, with a primary focus on collaborative initiatives, licensing, and third‑party vendor program s . This role works closely with internal cross‑functional partners and external vendors to ensure collaborative product aligns with brand identity, design vision, quality standards, and seasonal timelines. The Associate Designer will play an integral role in day‑to‑day design development, technical execution, and coordination across multiple stakeholders. Serving as the key liaison between head designers and third‑party vendors and licensing teams, this role ensures clear communication, timely follow‑ups, and accurate execution of design intent. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, combining strong communication skills with a solid foundation in garment construction and apparel development

Key Responsibilities

rtAct as th e primary point of conta ct between the design team and third-party vendo

rsClearly communicate design intent, fit comments, and product detai

lsCoordinate and track all sample submissions, lab dips, and design approva

lsManage incoming and outgoing submits to ensure deadlines are m

etMaintain professional, timely email correspondence with vendo

rsSupport head designers by documenting and following up on fit commen

tsMaintain organized design libraries, records, and sample archiv

esAssist in the preparation of design packages, decks, and presentatio

nsCollaborate with cross‑functional partners to keep projects aligned and on schedu

leSupport the design development of collaborative and third‑party collections, ensuring alignment with brand standar

dsContribute to seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes specific to collaboration initiativ

esCreate and update technical sketches and flats using Adobe Illustrat

orSupport fabric, trim, wash, and color selection in partnership with the Design

erContribute to mood boards, concept decks, line reviews, and collaboration presentatio

nsConduct trend, market, and competitive research using digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WGSN, and Mi

onCreate, update, and maintain detailed and accurate tech packs, including measurements, construction details, BOMs, and design commen

tsSupport fit sessions by capturing detailed notes, tracking revisions, and following up on required chang

esAssist with sample management, including tracking, organizing, reviewing, and maintaining sample librari

esTrack product updates throughout the development lifecycle to ensure accuracy and on‑time executi

onSupport communication with third‑party vendors and overseas factories to uphold design intent and brand expectatio

Cross-Functional Collaboration

onPartner closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, and Sourcing teams to align collaborative product with line plans, costing, and timelin

esAssist in managing seasonal calendars and collaboration‑specific mileston

esSupport adoption meetings, line reviews, and cross‑functional checkpoin

Administrative & Operational Support

rtOrganize and maintain design files, collaboration decks, reference libraries, and seasonal boar

dsUpdate PLM systems, line plans, BOMs, and internal tracking too

lsSupport market preparation, collaboration launches, and internal presentatio

Qualifications

onBachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferr

Experience

ce1–3 years of experience in apparel design or product development (including internship s)

Experience working on collaborations, licensed product, or with third‑party vendors strongly preferr

edApparel industry experience requir

Skills

lsProficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience a pl

usWorking knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and f

itExceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

lyStrong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when working with external partne rs

etBasic understanding and hands‑on experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation, concept development, and design visualizati

Personal Attributes

esStrong interest in collaboration-driven product and brand partnershi

psProactive, adaptable, and open to feedba ck

ckHighly organized and comfortable managing multiple timelin es

esTeam-oriented with a positive, collaborative minds

etAbility to balance creative thinking with execution and deadlin ef

Physical Requirements

tsAbility to lift and transport garment samples and sample box

esAbility to attend fittings, reviews, and seasonal meetin

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