Associate Designer - Knits

Lands' End Inc (B5), 5 Lands End Ln, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA

Hybrid role: three weeks per month onsite (Mon. – Thurs.). The fourth week is fully remote.

As an Associate Designer you will contribute to the Design team with creative, customer‑focused and brand‑aligned ideas. You will interpret concepts into finished products through collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development, managing all stages of design such as developing themes, color, fabrications, silhouettes, and direction for upcoming seasons. You will partner with cross‑functional teams throughout the product development cycle.

• Partner and facilitate design and development of Lands’ End products by translating ideas and concepts into finished items in collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development.
• Contribute research via design decks, creative sketches, and tears; provide a point of view on design direction and present ideas clearly.
• Develop themes, color, fabrications, silhouettes, and mood for upcoming seasons, working with manufacturers to create original textiles and patterns.
• Present development and design ideas to team members, cross‑functional teams, and leadership; create presentation boards, sample mock‑ups, and other materials to showcase ideas.
• Engage in raw material research, market research, and fabric/trim development.
• Execute seasonal line plans, follow product development calendar deadlines, and be aware of responsibilities for key milestone meetings.
• Partner with product development to communicate with vendors and oversee sample development.
• Evaluate lab dips, strike offs, and trim development approvals.
• Clearly articulate design sketches with detailed call outs, understanding garment construction and fabric/trim end use.
• Build relationships with cross‑divisional design partners, vendors, and cross‑functional partners (PD, Tech, Merch) and follow through on sample development.
• Attend fit sessions and articulate design direction and point of view.
• Mentor interns or design assistants in certain categories.
• Collaborate with merchandising to understand sales history when designing products.

• Fluency in Centric, Illustrator, and Miro; knowledge of CAD and 3D software is beneficial.
• Ability to create flat drawings/sketches for design and prototypes.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, multitasking, and troubleshooting ability.
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal communication, and exceptional follow‑up skills.
• Creative problem‑solving and process‑driven collaboration.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Knowledge of CAD is a plus.
• Independent management of projects or assignments with moderate to high complexity.
• Active contribution to strategic planning and decision‑making processes.

• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel or Fashion Design or a relevant field, or equivalent experience with a strong sense of garment construction.

2–5 years of relevant professional experience.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel as needed for work.

The pay range for this position is $60,000 – $70,000. Pay within the range will be based on factors including education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographical location, and business needs. The position may also be eligible for annual merit increase, bonus, and/or incentive compensation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, health, dental, vision, and disability benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.