Freelance Designer (Temporary)

The temporary Designer is responsible and accountable for the entire design process for knits and sweaters participating in all phases of the design development process from initial concept to production. The right candidate should be proactive in their approach and is hard working.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Actively participates in the conceptual development of product lines (i.e., sells ideas/concepts and convinces others to adopt a course of action).
• Responsible for entire product design process to include market research, inspiration boards, designing, sketching, creating CADs, and working with all departments to ensure all info are communicated
• Ensures that product is consistent with market trends and  business strategy
• Know the competition, walk the floor and anticipate the next new design/ideas 
• Ability to update best sellers and to reinvent next best seller product
• Ensure that the product meets the price point, tells a strong merchandising story and meets SKU requirements for the brand
• Ability to structure and design high perceived value product with price point in mind
• Detail oriented to ensure quality of design and fit
• Partners with the merchandising team to define seasonal time frames and ensure that creative goals and business goals are aligned
• Research trends and ideas. Writes reports to support the findings
• Researches current and develops future trends for color, print, silhouette, fabric and trim
• Attends design meetings and presents ideas and designs with guidance of the manager
• Creates presentation boards and any design selling tools
• Draws silhouettes and illustrations in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Responsible for communicating design details through accurate detailed flat sketches
• Creates fabric, pattern, and body CADs: updating and modifying throughout the season.
• Pitches colorways for fabric developments to be sent out for hand looms, strike offs, and lab dips.
• Attends all fittings and actively participates. 
• Updates sketches, and makes design comments  for any style changes post fittings.  Communicates changes via email.
• Attends all WIP (work in progress) meetings with a good knowledge of what is happening with the products
• Works with Technical Designers and Product Developers to ensure PLM packages are accurate and complete.  
• Ensures all design assets are accurate and passed to Product Coordinator/Developer on time for PLM creation.
• Ensures Bill Of Material / Trim sheets and summary sketches are accurate and updated as needed in PLM 
• Work closely with Product Developer and Fabric Team to send out fabric developments, strike offs and lab dips.
• Responsible for lab-dip, knit-down, strike off, and handloom approvals and comments.
• Works directly with Design Director, Technical Design, Merchandising, Product Developer, and Sourcing on a daily basis.
• Manage the team to make sure that all things are being executed properly and with accuracy on calendar
• Some travel may be required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• High level of creativity with a passion for design
• Must be proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color, sewing techniques, graphics, embroidery and trim. 
• Ability to learn new computer technology including 3-D design and Nedgraphics
• Strong sense of color, print, and taste level
• Strong organizational, time management, communication and presentation skills. 
• Ability to present in front of an audience 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the normal demands of any job, such as sitting, standing, reaching with arms and hands, walking, talking and hearing.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor degree (B.A) from a college or university, major in Design
• 5+ years of design experience preferable in mens

Hourly rate offered will be commensurate with experience. For this New York based position, the hourly pay range is between $30 to $45 per hour.