Associate Designer - Apparel

At Torrid we're committed to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive and diverse culture driven by a focus on open dialogue, empowerment, recruiting, training, development and retention. We believe inclusion of diverse backgrounds and perspectives is fundamental to our success. 
        

The Associate Designer works closely with the Designer to develop and execute the assigned categories with the seasonal trend concepts and merchandise strategy. Manages design execution process to ensure all deadlines are met. The role is a hybrid role working in office and at home.
What You’ll Do:        

• Research global market to identify new trends, fabric, trim, fit, and hardware pieces and other raw materials.
• Shop market for trend and inspiration and interpret for the target market.
• Work closely with the buying and technical design team throughout the development process to ensure the highest level of quality and integrity.
• Design and create sketches and specs for Product Development team, including front and back sketch, construction details, illustration, material, trims, hardware spec.
• Prepare spec sheets with detailed technical information.
• Maintain design records and ensures line sheets are up to date.
• Communicate with overseas and local vendors and merchants.
• Review and approve design, lab dips, trims, and fabric details, etc.
• Participate in fitting sessions and provide fit comments to ensure proper fit and brand integrity.
• Participate in the conceptual development of product lines to create and deliver effective, cohesive product presentations to sell concepts and convince others to adopt a course of actions.
• Provide recommendations regarding seasonal themes, edits to line, and new concepts.
• Produce design sketches and make seasonal presentations of product designs.
• Create style board for area of responsibility, showing silhouette and color, fabric, print or pattern options.

What You’ll Need:         

• Jackets, cold weather construction, and bottoms experience and knowledge.
• Solid design and conceptual skills.
• High School Diploma required.
• Minimum 3 years of design experience including technical knowledge.
• Experience in junior marketing. Plus size experience preferred.
• Ability to set a creative tone and to inspire new ideas/concepts.
• Technical knowledge of fabric construction finishes and techniques.
• Strong knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color, sewing techniques, graphics, and trim.
• Timely sense of trends and market direction encompassing color, fabric, and silhouette.
• Strong computer skills including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Flexibility to deadline demands, seasonal schedules, and possible travel.
• Illustrates a dedication to meeting requirements of internal and external customers, responding to all customer requests promptly and thoroughly.
• Strong communication skills including ability to work in a team environment, give honest, direct feedback and is a solid verbal and written communicator.
• Meets deadlines, prioritizes appropriately, copes well with change, and maintains composure under pressure.
• Is accountable for results, approaches obstacles proactively and looks for ways to resolve problems and issues.
• Team player with a can-do attitude, and with the ability to work independently or collaboratively with multiple people and/or teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Provide honest, direct, and constructive feedback.

What You'll Get:        

• A culture where people are accepted and encouraged to be who they are.
• Our open floor plan allows for a creative, collaborative and fun environment.
• Competitive compensation, 401k with company matching contribution, plus potential to earn company performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive wellness package including, medical, dental, vision, FSA and on-site, chiropractic and massage therapy services as well as fitness and yoga classes.
• Generous 50% employee discount and access to employee-only sales.
• Support the causes you’re passionate about. We pay you up to 32 hours annually for volunteering your time in the community.
• Child Care Discount at participating locations.
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Aimed at helping employees address a variety of personal and family issues including legal financial consultations, mental health services and more.
• Work and learn alongside industry-leading executives while making huge strides in impacting the lives of women.
• You’ll be challenged and grow. Opportunity for upward mobility available at all levels of the organization.

Salary range: $66560-$75341