The Designer is responsible for translating market insights and creative direction into commercially viable products - owning trend research, concept development, garment design, fabric and trim selection, technical package creation, sample and fit approvals, production approvals, and customer presentations. This individual should have a strong understanding of apparel construction, materials, fit, print development, and production processes, with the ability to manage multiple seasons simultaneously and communicate clearly across cross-functional teams and overseas vendors.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the apparel design and development process from concept through production for assigned categories
• Research competitive brands, retailers, and market trends to identify seasonal product opportunities
• Develop seasonal inspiration boards, color palettes, and concept presentations aligned with brand strategy
• Create garment sketches and detailed technical CAD drawings in Adobe Illustrator
• Select fabrics, trims, and components developing new fabrics as needed
• Build complete, accurate tech packs covering sketches, measurements, construction details, colorways, materials, artwork, and labeling
• Submit development packages to overseas factories; track samples and respond promptly to factory questions
• Review incoming samples against approved standards; evaluate fit, construction, materials, and color
• Participate in fit sessions with the Tech Team and document clear, actionable revisions for the Production Team and factories
• Prepare seasonal sell-in presentations and organize samples for customer meetings
• Participate in customer meetings presenting the line
• Capture customer feedback and incorporate it into the product development
• Review and approve production submissions along with the Design Assistant- lab dips, bulk fabric, trims, artwork, labeling, and hangtags - to ensure execution matches approved design intent
• Maintain development trackers, calendars, fabric libraries, color standards, and trim archives; proactively communicate risks and delays
Qualifications
• 4-5 years of experience in activewear design
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, materials, trims, and print development
• Experience working directly with factories, and overseas vendors
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel; PowerPoint and PDF presentation skills
• Strong CAD skills with the ability to execute detailed technical drawings and create development packages from concept to production handoff
• Ability to create and modify colorways, technical sketches, print layouts, and pattern artwork for development and production
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple styles, categories, and seasonal calendars simultaneously
• Understanding of garment construction, fit evaluation, and production approval workflows
Compensation & Benefits
• Salary range: $90,000+ commensurate with experience
• Discretionary annual bonus in December
• 401(K) with $1,000 company match & profit sharing (eligible after 1 year)
• 5 PSST days, 10 Vacation Days
• Company holidays including closure between Christmas and New Year's
• Hybrid schedule: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm : On-site Monday through Thursday, Remote Friday
• Business casual work environment
Work Location: NYC
