Associate Designer (hybrid)

Associate Apparel Designer

The Associate Apparel Designer is responsible for a portion of the Apparel Designer's business; designing, developing, and executing product designs that achieve Belk's Private Brand objectives, and overall product strategy. They ensure that all aspects of the garment design remain consistent to each brand's profile and adhere to the timely seasonal assortments that are relevant to the brand's position and target customer. Participate in research and development of seasonal trends and ensure that designs meet merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points, and overall creative direction. This position requires strong management skills at a process and communication level.

Essential Functions:

• Partners with Apparel Designer or Senior Apparel Designer to ensure that department goals and priorities are aligned.
• Helps provide the creative vision for a specific product category or brands - has the ability to inspire ideas/new concepts outside the current assortments.
• Partner with the Apparel Designer on the creative vision for their specific product category or brands.
• Research markets for silhouette/color/fabric trends outside the current assortments each season.
• Identify and share opportunities for process improvement.
• Manage PLM systems, libraries, and projects to achieve Belk goals in accordance with company policy and practices.
• Create and present design concepts to Apparel Designer, Design Management, Brand Management, Merchant Teams, Technical Design and Vendor partners.
• Partner with Textile Designer to ensure compelling print assortments and color palettes.
• Apply understanding of design process and Private Brands/Merchant's business objectives to ensure consistency and drive financial results.
• Collaborate with Apparel Designer, Design Management, Brand Management, Overseas Offices, Merchandising, Trend Department, Textile Design, Technical Design/QA, and Vendors to achieve product execution, maintain design integrity, and streamline the development process.
• Produce cohesive product presentations to sell concept to entire team, including boards, tear sheets, and samples.
• Provide coaching and feedback to others on team as appropriate and supported by Apparel Designer.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience
• Specific Degree: Fashion Design, Fine Art or related field
• Specific Training: Must be proficient in design programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, etc
• 3-5 years applicable experience preferred
• Industry experience: Large retailer or manufacturer
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong commercial sense and market knowledge of garment construction
• Must be able to distinguish color
• Demonstrates strong people skills and the ability to be an effective communicator, and team player
• Able to work effectively in a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to research and to apply market trend information
• Willing to travel to stores and vendors/factories worldwide
• Working knowledge of design and product development processes
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines