Associate, Designer

Centric Brands•New York, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together. What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders. The challenges are exciting and the possibilities endless – as you contribute your skills in a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture that celebrates you as a valuable member of the team.

Requirements

Exceptionally detail oriented with superior organizational skills and excellent communication & presentation skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task and meet deadlines
Ability to pick up direction quickly, to carry design direction through to completion
Creativity, strong sense of color & ability to sketch
Knowledge of textile design (knit, woven and print), soft accessories design, construction, silhouettes, techniques, fabrications, trims and manufacturing
Bachelor’s Degree or related experience in textile design, apparel design, accessories design or related field
1-3 years experience in soft accessories design, textile design, and/or apparel design
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and Mac computers, experience in PLM a plus

Responsibilities

The Associate Designer assists the Design Director in full scope of concept, design and execution of soft accessory category.
Objective is to become versed not only in the product category but developing basic understanding of business environment and Centric processes and procedures.
Associate Designer takes ownership of one brand under the Design Director’s umbrella with their guidance, to allow Associate to learn and grow into Designer role, executing the seasonal design development process, from concept to delivery, by creating and executing original, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales, ensuring the timely execution of each stage in the process
Support in conceptualization and design of product lines based on merchandise line plans, corporate and brand strategies, and pricing structure
Shop and perform research to identify relevant trends: interpret & implement concepts as it relates to market demands, brand DNA and business strategy
Supports in all aspects of product design process to include market research, mood board creation, design, colorways, CAD sketching, AI rendering, material & trim sourcing, tech pack creation & maintenance, fit, color and product approvals
Accountable for meeting deadlines as outlined on seasonal time and action calendar
Ensure daily maintenance of designs in shared drives, PLM and NuOrder systems
Organization of samples and reference materials in the design archives library
Direct communication and follow-up with external customers and contacts including suppliers, manufacturers and licensors
Daily communication and collaboration with internal cross functional & overseas teams
Set up for and attend all product and design meetings, participating in dialogue and recapping meeting notes
Collaborative team player who contributes positively to team dynamic with the ability to manage up
Open to learning and growing with the ability to ask questions and seek feedback, take initiative, and express ideas clearly & respectfully with their own development and overall success of the team in mind