Designer, Women's Apparel

J McLaughlin

$85K — $110K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of experience in women's apparel design in retail or specialty lifestyle settings
  • Knowledge in both knits and wovens, with additional expertise in Outerwear and Dresses preferred
  • Experience with PLM systems is advantageous
  • Strong skills in flat sketch creation using Illustrator
  • Comprehensive understanding of construction, materials, and production processes
  • Proficiency in Photoshop
  • Ability to convert creative ideas into market-ready designs
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management capabilities
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills
  • Capacity to manage various seasons and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

  • Design seasonal women's apparel collections that align with brand aesthetics
  • Develop concepts and sketches from inspiration to final approval
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are viable
  • Create and manage detailed design packages with sketches and materials
  • Support overall line plans with color, material, and print direction
  • Review samples and give feedback throughout development
  • Take part in line reviews and fitting sessions as needed
  • Ensure calendar adherence for timely delivery

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Flexible work environment
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Clothing allowance and discounts on merchandise
  • Discretionary bonuses depending on role
  • Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits
Full Job Description
Overview

We are seeking a Designer of Women's Apparel to join our Design Team reporting to our Senior Design Director of Women's Apparel. This role is a key member of the cross-functional product team for the Women's apparel categories while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule with 4 days a week minimum in-office.

About the role

Essential Functions:
  • Design seasonal women's apparel collections across Woven and Knit product categories aligned with brand aesthetic and seasonal direction
  • Develop concepts, sketches, and design details from initial inspiration through final approval
  • Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Fabric, and Production teams to ensure designs are commercially viable and executable
  • Create and maintain detailed design packages, including sketches, material callouts, and trim details
  • Support color, material, and print direction in alignment with overall line plans
  • Review samples and provide design feedback throughout development stages
  • Participate in line reviews, fittings (as applicable), and milestone meetings
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support calendar adherence and on-time delivery
  • Ability to travel occasionally to vendors, factories, or other business locations, as required.

Additional Job Responsibilities:
  • Conduct trend, market, and competitive research to inform seasonal design direction
  • Support development of materials and trim libraries
  • Assist with maintaining design archives and sample organization
  • Support special projects and perform other related duties as assigned

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:
  • 4+ years of experience in women's apparel design within a retail or specialty lifestyle environment.
  • Category experience across knits and wovens and within Outerwear and Dresses a plus.
  • Experience working in PLM systems a plus
  • Strong proficiency in creating accurate flat sketches in Illustrator
  • Strong understanding of construction, materials, and production processes
  • Proficiency in Photoshop
  • Ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable designs
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
  • Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays
  • Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
  • Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
  • Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$85,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

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