Associate Designer - Sweater (Value)

Responsibilities

• Aid in the development of seasonal sweater concepts, incorporating yarns, stitches, patterns, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction.
• Create design sketches, stitch callouts, and technical flats using Adobe Illustrator.
• Support the creation of stripe layouts, jacquards, textures, and novelty stitches.
• Select yarns, develop colors, and coordinate trims with cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Build mood boards, concept decks, and sweater-specific presentations for seasonal reviews.

Product Development & Execution

• Create and update detailed tech packs, including stitch specifications, gauge, yarn details, construction, and measurements.
• Communicate design intent to overseas vendors, providing stitch developments and proto comments.
• Participate in fit sessions, taking notes, tracking revisions, and supporting 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 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).
• Aid in line plan updates, sample tracking, and development charts.
• Support market preparation, sample organization, and presentation setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or related field preferred.
• 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).
• 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.
• Familiarity with 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

• Ability to lift and transport garment samples, yarn cones, and sample boxes.
• Attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings.

Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $114,000.00 /Yr.