Designer

Nautica • New York, NY

22d • $75,900 - $97,950

About The Position

The Designer, Nautica, leads the creative development and execution of apparel collections from concept through production. The role works closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially successful products while meeting seasonal timelines and quality standards. The Designer helps shape the aesthetic, drive design development, and support execution across key categories.

The Designer develops seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes; creates original sketches and technical flats; selects materials; and prepares concepts and presentations for seasonal reviews. The role also conducts trend, market, and competitive research, manages tech packs and samples, participates in fit sessions, and tracks product revisions through final approval.

The position collaborates with merchandising, technical design, production, overseas vendors, and factories to support product feasibility, costs, quality, and on-time delivery. Additional work includes maintaining design files and documentation, updating PLM systems and tracking tools, and supporting market preparation, line adoptions, and collaboration launches.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of apparel design experience.
• Portfolio required.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• PLM experience required or strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Miro for collaboration with design and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated understanding and hands-on experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Vizcom for ideation, concept development, and design visualization.
• Strong sketching and design execution skills with attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit.
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift and transport garment samples and sample boxes.
• Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• Experience within a fast-paced, high-volume apparel environment preferred.
• Menswear experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction and customer needs.
• Create original design sketches and detailed technical flats using Adobe Illustrator.
• Select fabrics, trims, washes, and colors in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Build and present mood boards, concept decks, and line presentations for seasonal reviews.
• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research using digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Miro, and WGSN.
• Create, update, and manage accurate tech packs, including measurements, construction details, bills of materials, and design intent.
• Participate in and lead fit sessions, provide clear feedback, and track revisions through final approval.
• Review and manage samples throughout development, ensuring quality, fit, and consistency.
• Track product updates and maintain accurate records to support on-time development.
• Partner with Merchandising to align design with line plans, SKU counts, and financial targets.
• Collaborate with Technical Design and Production to meet feasibility, cost, and quality standards.
• Communicate design intent and feedback to overseas vendors and factories.
• Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are met on schedule.
• Maintain organized design files, reference libraries, and seasonal documentation.
• Update PLM systems, line plans, and internal tracking tools.
• Support market preparation, line adoptions, and collaboration launches as needed.

Benefits

• If eligible, medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Term life insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays, subject to eligibility.
• 401(k) with Company match.
• Associate discount on Catalyst Brands merchandise.
• Eligible store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday receive additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior