Associate Manager, Trend & Concept
About The Position
The Associate Manager, Trend & Concept plays a key role in identifying emerging fashion, cultural, and consumer trends and translating insights into inspiring seasonal concepts that support the brand vision. This position partners closely with Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and Product Development teams to help shape product direction through trend research, concept development, color stories, print inspiration, and market analysis. The Associate Manager will connect trend insights with commercial opportunities and help influence seasonal product and storytelling strategies. The ideal candidate is highly creative, trend-focused, and passionate about fashion, with a strong understanding of the customer and retail landscape.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Merchandising, Trend Forecasting, or a related field.
- 2-4 years of experience in trend forecasting, concept development, fashion design, color, textile design, merchandising, or a related creative role.
- Strong understanding of women's apparel, retail trends, and the fashion marketplace.
- Exceptional eye for color, print, pattern, silhouette, styling, and emerging trends.
- Ability to translate creative inspiration into commercially relevant product concepts.
- Strong presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Keynote, and Microsoft Office.
- Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.
Nice To Haves
- Experience creating trend reports, mood boards, concept presentations, and seasonal storytelling materials preferred
Responsibilities
- Research and analyze fashion, cultural, consumer, competitive, and retail trends to identify emerging opportunities for the brand.
- Monitor runway shows, street style, social media, industry publications, and trend forecasting resources to stay informed on evolving trends.
- Translate trend insights into actionable recommendations for seasonal product categories, color direction, prints, patterns, and styling concepts.
- Assist in defining trend-driven narratives, color palettes, fabric directions, print concepts, and styling vision for each season.
- Partner closely with Design teams to ensure trend and concept direction is effectively integrated into seasonal assortments.
- Collaborate with Merchandising to align concepts with customer needs, line plans, and business objectives.
- Work with Marketing and Creative partners to ensure seasonal storytelling and product styling remain consistent across channels.
- Develop and present compelling presentations that communicate trend insights, concept direction, and seasonal opportunities.
- Organize and maintain trend libraries, inspiration resources, and seasonal concept archives.
- Clearly articulate ideas and recommendations to diverse audiences across the organization.
Benefits
- Merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands
- Support for individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
- A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities
- Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Time off – paid time off & holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
