Design Associate, Trim & R&D

The Children's Place

7d•$50,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Design Associate, Trim & R&D supports the day-to-day operational needs of the R&D team, ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely updates across all development tools. This role is responsible for maintaining fabric and trim (including marketing trims) development data, tracking testing, and updating seasonal charts. The Design Assistant plays a key role in facilitating cross-functional communication, managing development workflows, and ensuring all materials, systems, and documentation remain current, accurate, and aligned with seasonal timelines. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced product development environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Development, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field preferred
1–3 years of relevant experience in apparel design, product development, or R&D support (internships included)
Familiarity with fabric and trim development processes within the apparel industry strongly preferred
Experience working with global teams or overseas vendors is a plus
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on data integrity
Highly organized and process-driven with the ability to multitask
Adaptable and able to work under tight deadlines
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
Proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with fabric and trim development processes within the apparel industry
Experience working with global teams or overseas vendors

Responsibilities

Support the day-to-day operational needs of the R&D team, ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely updates across all development tools
Maintain fabric and trim (including marketing trims) development data, testing trackers, and seasonal charts
Create and maintain seasonal order trackers in SharePoint
Update seasonal master charts with newly landed fabrications and trims
Upload newly landed trim images into PLM and ensure all associated data is accurately captured
Create Seasonal Denim Wash, Non-SAP, S/D, and 3rd Party License Collaboration colors in PLM
Update, create, and maintain Label & Packaging PLM codes, including uploading images
Track test reports, ensuring results are entered into shared testing charts and flagged appropriately
Maintain the Fabric Attribute Chart to ensure all fabric details remain current and accurate
Monitor Miro boards daily during PSY ordering deadlines and update corresponding trackers
Communicate with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, and overseas partners on ongoing fabric and trim development
Participate in Packaging & Label R&D emails and meetings to stay informed of developments and production issues
Schedule mill and vendor appointments and manage all follow-up actions post-meeting
Send replenishment color chiclets to HK or Pakistan Color Room when requested
Maintain fabric and trim libraries and seasonal fabric binders, ensuring organization and accuracy of materials
Maintain existing Design Label Guides and update them for new developments
Support new developments and special project labels through approval and upload final images into PLM
Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and tracking
Manage and prioritize multiple tasks across fast-moving development calendars
Maintain strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to follow-up and documentation
Communicate effectively and collaborate across cross-functional teams
Demonstrate proficiency in PLM systems, SharePoint, Miro, and Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced preferred)