Confidential is hiring: Associate Designer in New York

Associate Designer is responsible for assisting/supporting the Design Director/CCO and Senior Designer of our in-house brand. It is expected that this position be able to assist in design for all woven categories for women (jackets/pants/dresses) with a focus on tops/blouses/shirts (both soft and structured), experience with knits a plus. Position is also responsible for being current with market trends, sourcing of new trims, assist in creating line sheets/mood boards to present within the company. Presentations generally include trend direction for silhouette, color, fabric and print.

Essential Functions

• Strong digital flat sketching skills for women’s shirting, ensuring accuracy in proportion and detail.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed Tech Packs, including:
• Precise measurement specs for various shirt fits and silhouettes.
• Construction details, seam finishes, and special design elements.
• Trim and fabric information specific to shirting (e.g., buttons, collars, cuffs, plackets).
• Ability to analyze and interpret seasonal fashion trends to update core shirting styles.
• Ability to track sample development and approvals while maintaining design integrity.
• Communicates with suppliers on fabric and trim under the direction of the Design team.
• Conduct trend research tailored to the aesthetic of the brand
• Assist in sourcing new fabrics, trims and prints seasonally
• Organize and conduct presentation of new product to in-house Sales team
• Translate Design Director’s sketches into Illustrator to clearly communicate new concepts to factories, Sales & Merchandising teams
• Create and manage tech packs, must have experience with PLM systems
• Collaborate with CAD Designer to accommodate all brand needs (presentations boards, line sheets, artwork modifications, etc.)
• Attend and participate in all fittings from development to production
• Communicate w/overseas offices from development to pass off to production team
• Seasonally contribute to company spanning Trend Direction presentation

Required Education and Experience

• BFA in Fashion Design or fashion related field
• Experience working as an Assistant Designer in a fashion company, preferably in women’s woven tops or shirting.

Technical Skills Required

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for CADs, colorways, and print layouts.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for managing BOMs (Bill of Materials), costing, and production tracking.
• High taste level and creative ability - ability to take inspiration to fully realized samples
• Basic understanding of fabric construction, specifically woven fabrics such as cotton poplin, oxford, and stretch blends.
• Knowledge of garment construction and tailoring techniques specific to classic and modern shirting styles.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, especially for managing multiple SKUs and seasonal collections.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, corporate design environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Must be self-motivated and proactive