Assistant Designer Women's Sports Apparel

A leading global apparel brand is seeking an Associate Designer to support its fast-growing Sports & Apparel division. This team focuses on performance-driven and lifestyle categories including sports bras, leggings, active layers, fleece, and lounge apparel.

This role is ideal for an emerging designer with strong technical foundations, refined creative instincts, and the ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The Associate Designer will translate conceptual direction and business strategy into brand-right, commercially compelling designs while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners.

• Create compelling, on-brand apparel and package designs aligned with conceptual direction and seasonal business strategy.

• Develop and present designs featuring strong typography, color strategy, silhouette, and material direction.

• Produce detailed sketches and technical flats in Illustrator; build comprehensive tech packs and accurately measure garments.

• Adapt and refine designs based on feedback to ensure alignment prior to finalization.

• Research and interpret seasonal fashion, beauty, and cultural trends to inform product development.

• Apply strong understanding of brand DNA and customer insights to ensure trend relevance and commercial viability.

• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, product development, and production teams to execute projects in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

• Clearly communicate design concepts to external partners and comp houses to ensure accurate 3D representations and samples.

• Track project timelines with meticulous attention to detail, proactively identifying risks and resolving issues.

• Assist in preparing materials for internal meetings, milestone reviews, and executive presentations.

• Contribute to maintaining an organized and efficient design workspace, including in-office collaboration and presentation preparation when needed.

• Continuously seek opportunities to grow creative and technical capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field.

• 0–3 years of design experience within a highly creative and fast-paced apparel environment; experience at a large-scale brand preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; working knowledge of InDesign.

• Strong sketching ability; illustration, hand rendering, and 3D visualization skills are a plus.

• Experience building tech packs and measuring garments; familiarity with PLM systems preferred.

• Strong understanding of current trends in fashion, beauty, and active wear.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

• Self-starter who can manage multiple priorities independently.

• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with strong communication skills.

• Results-driven and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Professional, accountable, and motivated to contribute to a growing category.

This position supports a dynamic Sports & Apparel design team composed of a Senior Designer, Associate Designer, and Assistant Designer. The business is experiencing significant growth, with continued expansion anticipated across active and lounge categories. The role requires hybrid flexibility, with the ability to work in-office in Manhattan as needed for fittings, presentations, and design collaboration.