Associate Designer, Wrangler Women’s Denim

Kontoor Brands, Inc.•Greensboro, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Kontoor Brands is seeking an Associate Designer for their Wrangler Global Traditional team. This position reports to the Senior Designer and is responsible for supporting all design activities related to Wrangler Traditional. The role involves supporting cross-functional work streams to create new, trend-right, and innovative products that align with the merchandising brief while staying true to the Brand DNA. The Associate Designer will learn and gain foundational knowledge of the design process and efficiencies, supporting the design team in daily functions. This role has responsibility for owning a portion of the business, such as a category or capsule, from concept to pre-production. The Associate Designer will work with the Head Designer to develop concepts, color palettes, artwork direction, fabric and trim selections, and wash directions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in apparel design, art, graphics or equivalent combination of experience preferred
2-3 years of professional experience in apparel design.
Knowledge and understanding of sourcing fabrics and trims.
Strong knowledge of garment construction and fit.
Strong knowledge of garment finishing and washing.
Proficient in designing - Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop, etc, flat sketching skills, and building tech packs.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs - as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to take ownership and initiative in your category, ability to problem solve, think creatively, focus on the details, and a commitment to high quality of work.
Highly organized and has able to communicate appropriately.
Strong multi-tasking capabilities – be able to be flexible and agile while prioritizing time and deadlines.
Have a positive attitude and outlook and be a team player.

Nice To Haves

Familiar with V-Stitcher/3D design

Responsibilities

Work with manager to design key items to fit into the seasonal concepts and color palettes.
Market research of inspirational and competitor brands.
Stay connected to what’s happening in the market and understand the trends that are emerging.
Translate market research into new seasonal product designs.
Work with managing designer to select new fabrics, trims, and washes under cost parameters.
Draw accurate flat sketches as well as detailed sketches for technical packages.
Capability of building and recoloring yarn-dyes and basic prints for each seasonal collection.
Manage communication with third party contractors to help brief and evolve seasonal print artworks.
Collaborate with technical designer to create specs for each style.
Troubleshoot product development related problems to maintain on-time delivery for market meeting samples.
Attend fit meetings and communicate detailed comments on fit and construction to technical design team and Asia partners.
Enter and track all virtual and physical prototypes.
Support team to build Design presentations and decks, and create and maintain Design cadsheets.
Develop and maintain Design Development Tracker.
Responsible for working with Designer to approve color labdips, strike-offs, and handlooms.
Responsible for taking notes in proto and fit reviews and any other key milestone meetings.