Softlines Designer

Paramount•New York, NY

8d•$65,000 - $82,000

About The Position

The Designer, Global Softlines supports creative development across global fashion and accessories categories that bring Paramount’s iconic IP to life at retail worldwide. This role contributes across the full softlines creative process—from concept through final approval—ensuring high-quality product execution across apparel, bags, sleepwear, pet, and related fashion-driven categories. This designer drives creative excellence, brand integrity, and commercial relevance while partnering closely with licensees and cross-functional teams to ensure product aligns with franchise strategy, consumer insights, and global market needs. The role is highly hands-on, actively concepting, designing, providing art direction, and reviewing submissions to maintain consistent brand expression and elevated product quality. Working collaboratively within the Softlines team, this position supports a robust creative culture and requires deep creative instincts, trend awareness, and the ability to partner successfully across internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Graphic, or Product Design (or related)
3+ years experience in softlines design or licensed consumer products, preferably within entertainment brand or licensee
Strong portfolio demonstrating ability to design and develop branded apparel and accessories from concept through production
Strong track record managing creative approvals and working with licensees
Deep understanding of the licensing industry and global retail landscape
Hands-on mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) as well as proficiency in MS Office platforms
Strong knowledge of apparel construction, graphic applications, and softlines production processes
Excellent presentation, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for brand equity

Responsibilities

Lead Creative development and approvals across global softlines categories including apparel, accessories, and footwear
Serve as a subject-matter expert on Paramount’s IP stories, strategies, rules, and guidelines, ensuring all softlines product is on-brand and franchise-aligned
Create original exploratory design concepts, graphics, and visual direction to inspire licensees and elevate product quality
Define seasonal direction, trend POVs, and category standards across softlines
Partner with Brand, Retail, Sales, and Marketing teams to support pitches and develop retailer-specific creative presentations
Identify whitespace opportunities, emerging trends, and new product formats to drive innovation
Participate in key partner meetings and milestone reviews to drive creative alignment and elevate execution
Manage creative asset allocation and oversee organization of samples and approvals
Proactively partner with team leaders across all design disciplines within the Global Creative Group to share assets and develop aligned creative strategies
Ensure global brand consistency while adapting to regional market and retail needs
Provide hands-on design work including graphic layouts, apparel applications, print techniques, trims, and hangtag direction
Guide licensees on materials, fabrication, embellishment techniques, and construction considerations
Support trend forecasting and competitive analysis to inform creative direction
Maintain awareness of manufacturing processes, costing implications, and retail positioning
Regularly conduct retail market audits and competitive analysis to evaluate product positioning, identify emerging trends, and ensure all design work remains commercially competitive and trend relevant.