Assistant Designer

Castlewood Apparel Corp•New York, NY

11d•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven Assistant Designer to join our team. This role plays a critical part in supporting both men's & women's design execution and production/sample management, partnering closely with the Design Director, Senior Designers, sales team, and overseas factories to keep development moving on schedule. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and has a foundational understanding of the apparel design and development process from tech pack through bulk production. This individual should be a proactive team player, open to direction, and able to switch gears quickly across sample tracking, factory communication, CAD/tech pack support, and showroom preparation.

Requirements

Minimum of 1–3 years of fashion industry experience, preferably in design; recent graduates of design programs may be considered.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and MS Office Suite (CAD samples will be requested).
Sketching ability with technical accuracy.
Highly organized, responsible, punctual, and reliable, with a sharp eye for detail.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and switch gears in a fast-paced environment.
Team player, open to direction, and able to work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

Assist in the day-to-day operations of the design team and support the full development process from tech pack to prototype to salesman sample to bulk production.
Create and update sketches, presentation CADs, tech packs, and print artwork.
Assist Senior Designers with CADs and tech packs across other categories as needed.
Update presentation boards and perform design and trend research as required.
Provide general support to Design and Tech Design teams (cutting swatches, communicating approvals to factories, etc.).
Track, communicate, and follow up daily with overseas suppliers on all SMS, PP, and TOP samples.
Receive and open incoming sample packages daily; log all samples into the tracking chart.
Review samples with the design team and process each according to buyer guidelines, including completing and attaching all required forms.
Prepare outgoing sample packages for FedEx pick-up and compose corresponding emails to buyers.
Track samples sent out by the sales team.
Communicate with factories on all approval items — lab dips, bulk fabrics, print patterns, and trims — collaborating with the design team as needed.
Maintain electronic and physical records of production approvals by season; follow up with factories on rejected submissions.
Meet all deadlines per the seasonal calendar.
Maintain the sample archive, fabric library, and trim library.
Prepare swatch cards and take product photos.
Maintain the order and presentation of the showroom in anticipation of client meetings.
Administrative tasks as required.