Dillard's Inc. is hiring: Assistant Designer in Little Rock

Assistant Designer

Job Purpose and Scope

The Assistant Designer for Men’s Ready-to-Wear (RTW) plays a critical role in supporting the design team by managing organizational, creative, and administrative tasks essential to the development and execution of seasonal collections. This entry-level position is ideal for a highly motivated individual with a passion for men’s fashion, offering an opportunity to learn from experienced designers and gain hands-on experience in the industry.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in researching seasonal trends, color palettes, and fabric innovations to align with brand direction and market demand.
• Contribute to the creation of inspiration boards, design concepts, and seasonal trend decks.
• Collaborate with the design team to develop new ideas and designs for Men’s RTW collections.
• Organize and maintain the seasonal fabric, trim, and material libraries, ensuring all items are accurately labeled and accessible.
• Track the development and arrival of prototypes, trims, and fabric samples, ensuring timely delivery for fittings and reviews.
• Support the team during fittings by organizing samples, taking detailed notes, and ensuring updates are implemented.
• Assist in preparing technical packages and updating development sheets with accurate information, including sketches, fabric details, and measurements.
• Partner with CAD designers and product development teams to ensure seamless communication and execution of design concepts.
• Create and maintain seasonal binders with comprehensive records of styles, color standards, and fabric swatches for reference.
• Serve as a liaison between the design team, vendors, and cross-functional partners to track and communicate the status of projects.
• Assist in coordinating design presentations, ensuring all materials are polished and ready for review by internal stakeholders.
• Develop relationships with mills, vendors, and manufacturers to source appropriate fabrics and trims that meet the brand’s aesthetic and quality standards.
• Manage the Timing and Action (T&A) calendar to ensure all deadlines are met and escalate potential delays to the design team.
• Support the design team with scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and managing the flow of communication between departments.
• Maintain accurate records of development progress, ensuring all details are readily available for reference.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interest and understanding of men’s fashion trends, styles, and market dynamics.
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with other design software is a plus.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to pivot as project needs evolve.
• Strong teamwork skills, coupled with the ability to work independently when needed.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.

Position Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience in fashion design, product development, or a related role (internships included).
• Familiarity with the design and production process, including fabric sourcing, color matching, and sample reviews.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a generous merchandise discount, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Dillard’s is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.