Designer, Women's Apparel

Why J.McLaughlin?

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

We are seeking a Designer of Women’s Apparel to join our Design Team reporting to our Senior Design Director of Women’s Apparel. This role is a key member of the cross-functional product team for the Women’s apparel categories while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule with 4 days a week minimum in-office.

Essential Functions:

• Design seasonal women’s apparel collections across Woven and Knit product categories aligned with brand aesthetic and seasonal direction
• Develop concepts, sketches, and design details from initial inspiration through final approval
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Fabric, and Production teams to ensure designs are commercially viable and executable
• Create and maintain detailed design packages, including sketches, material callouts, and trim details
• Support color, material, and print direction in alignment with overall line plans
• Review samples and provide design feedback throughout development stages
• Participate in line reviews, fittings (as applicable), and milestone meetings
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support calendar adherence and on-time delivery
• Ability to travel occasionally to vendors, factories, or other business locations, as required.

Additional

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research to inform seasonal design direction
• Support development of materials and trim libraries
• Assist with maintaining design archives and sample organization
• Support special projects and perform other related duties as assigned

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills & Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in women’s apparel design within a retail or specialty lifestyle environment.
• Category experience across knits and wovens and within Outerwear and Dresses a plus.
• Experience working in PLM systems a plus
• Strong proficiency in creating accurate flat sketches in Illustrator
• Strong understanding of construction, materials, and production processes
• Proficiency in Photoshop
• Ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable designs
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various departments at the organization's facilities.