Designer II, Women's Apparel
About The Position
The Designer II helps shape the product aesthetic for L.L.Bean apparel, including color, pattern, silhouette, fabric, and trim direction. The role partners with Product Development and Merchandising to research market trends, define seasonal concepts, create color palettes, and develop brand-right designs that support commercial product strategies. Based in Freeport, Maine, the Designer II contributes to seasonal product vision and collection planning, develops apparel from concept through product review, and collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to deliver products that meet brand, consumer, quality, fit, performance, and business expectations. The position uses digital design tools, AI-assisted creative platforms, PLM systems, and visualization technologies to improve product creation and collaboration. It also incorporates responsible materials and construction considerations where appropriate and supports sustainability, material innovation, and waste-reduction efforts. Employees are expected to follow workplace safety policies and procedures, report unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors, and work safely.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of apparel design experience.
- Strong understanding of apparel construction, materials, fit, and product development processes.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and other relevant digital design tools.
- Experience working within PLM systems and managing product documentation.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong trend interpretation, consumer insight, and storytelling capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to seasonal product vision by developing concepts, key-item strategies, and collection narratives aligned with brand objectives and consumer needs.
- Communicate seasonal direction through inspiration boards, trend storytelling, color palettes, fabric direction, and silhouette strategies.
- Translate market opportunities into commercially viable product concepts balancing innovation, brand positioning, and business goals.
- Support line architecture and assortment planning to create cohesive collections and clear product differentiation.
- Partner with Merchandising and Product Development to identify whitespace opportunities, emerging categories, and assortment growth areas.
- Monitor consumer behavior, cultural shifts, competitors, and emerging market trends to inform product direction.
- Research and interpret relevant color, fabric, silhouette, and styling trends; use forecasting services, retail analysis, social insights, and marketplace data to identify opportunities and risks.
- Participate in domestic and international market travel, trade shows, vendor visits, and competitive shopping to gather inspiration and industry insights.
- Evaluate competitor assortments and best practices to refine product strategy and design execution.
- Design and develop apparel that meets brand aesthetic, functionality, quality, fit, and performance expectations.
- Create design sketches, technical flats, and presentation materials that communicate product intent.
- Select and develop fabrics, trims, washes, prints, graphics, and construction details in support of design objectives and target costs.
- Partner with Product Development, Technical Design, and sourcing teams throughout development to ensure products are commercially executable.
- Maintain product information, color approvals, material specifications, and design documentation in PLM systems.
- Review and approve lab dips, strike-offs, prints, trims, and prototype samples for design integrity and quality.
- Collaborate with Graphic Design and Print partners on surface design, pattern, and branding elements.
- Participate in fittings and product reviews, providing feedback on fit, styling, comfort, and consumer experience.
- Ensure product solutions meet intended end use, performance requirements, and aesthetic goals.
- Maintain consistency and cohesion across collections while introducing fresh ideas, styling details, and seasonal updates.
- Apply knowledge of apparel construction, materials, and manufacturing capabilities to achieve high-quality product outcomes.
- Build partnerships across Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, and external vendors.
- Present concepts, seasonal direction, and product recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership teams.
- Influence product decisions through clear communication, design rationale, and a consumer-first mindset.
- Support team initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving across functions.
- Use digital design tools, AI-assisted creative platforms, PLM systems, and visualization technologies to improve speed, accuracy, and collaboration.
- Explore emerging technologies and workflows that enhance product creation, ideation, and storytelling; drive efficient design processes while maintaining creativity and product quality.
- Incorporate responsible material and construction considerations where appropriate and partner with teams on sustainability initiatives, material innovation, and waste reduction.
- Follow safety policies and procedures, report unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership, and conduct work safely.
Benefits
- Benefits package with programs and perks designed to support health and financial goals.
- Work-life balance and opportunities to recharge outside.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
