Creative Apparel Designer

Overview:

The Creative Apparel Designer uses advanced design skills to create market right product. This position works with design leadership and partner teams to ensure design feasibility to meet price points and merchandising needs in accordance to the Timing & Action Calendar deadlines. The Creative Apparel Designer has proven ability to design across brands, genders and product categories. This position communicates and presents design proposals and concepts encapsulating all aspects of design - color, fabric, silhouette, trim, fit, construction, & marketing. The Creative Apparel Designer liaisons with key partner teams in Technical Design, Brand, Sourcing, QA, Country Managers and Graphics. This position is a seamless extension with aligned Brand HQ (ie: Under Armour, Champion, etc…)  This position maintains deep understanding of current trends through research and exposure to both consumers and customers. In addition, participation in activities to increase understanding and working knowledge of market is obligatory. The individual will obtain significant experience, exposure, and mastery of daily workload. Responsibilities begin at concept, carry through to material/trim sourcing and approval, claim validation, and into creating accurate production bill of materials.                                                                                    Responsibilities:

• Applies and performs design skills such as drawing/sketching, color concepts, use of fabric & trim, as well as visual presentation and layout.
• Demonstrates business acumen and is considered an internal expert for assigned product/brand.
• Creates market appropriate product designs within accordance the Timing & Action Calendar.
• Identifies trends and translates into market right products at key price points.                                                                                                            
• Adheres to the Timing & Action Calendars of multiple businesses that run parallel to each other
• Builds accurate bill of materials:Provides "customer service" as needed to Teams on a daily basis: HQ’s, Brand Management / Sourcing / Creative Design / Country Manager, Graphics, QA, IDG, etc...Distills sketch/color ups and materials into an organized bill of materials                                                             
• Provides info for placement of fabrics and trims, designates specialty issues like "Washes", "Raw Edge", etc...
• Understands functionality of coding and maintains its integrity                            
• Tracks & communicates expectations on sampling    
• Travels domestically for collaboration and retail trends. Maintains awareness of competitive landscape, sees product in use at market, and attends seminars/meetings as needed. Responsible to present findings to the team. International travel on an as needed basis.
• Maintains awareness of how technology effects the market and ability to execute job. Technology in terms of product innovation (like finishes on fabric) as well as software & tools to facilitate workload (3D Design, AI).

• On occasion manages labels / hangtags / sub-labels, trims, packaging etc.
• Manages multiple categories. Ie: unisex men's, women's, youth, infant, etc... 
• Works across Brands / Divisions and with multiple partner teams                                                   
• Carries a full workload as well as extra as needed. Has full understanding of business needs and product cycle.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continually refining the team & processes         
• Prioritizes and determines action plan to manage workload

• Provides leadership skills, strong initiative and attention to detail
• Conducts oneself in accordance to HBI Values, as well as shows accuracy and competence in one's daily workload. Able to be a valuable representative of the company in high level meetings / situations.    
• Develops and executes multiple types of presentations and well-developed ability to speak to one's work       
• Maintains working area, samples, and tools to be easily accessed by other team members and self. 
• Works with different internal groups to achieve a common goal with advance problem solving skills. 
• Identifies and resolves opportunities within the organization for improvement.                                                                                  
• Trains and mentor individuals as needed    

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design & Product Development or similar field
• 6-10 years’ experience in Design / Product Development
• Ability to design across brands / genders
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and Creative Suite programs
• Tech Packs (PDL/PLM) knowledge/working experience required
• 3D experience preferred (Browzwear a plus)
• Familiarity using AI
• Proficient in garment sketch development and construction.
• Working knowledge of pattern making, understanding fit / balance of garments, grading and garment constructions. Ability to communicate aesthetic fit direction.
• Ability to understand trends and translate them through the lens of our market
• Knowledge of fabric, trims and their performance in garment form
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group
• Strong written and verbal communication to all partner teams; including meeting presentations. Communication, tracking and recall must be excellent
• Ability to be a positive influence on the lab combined with the ability to execute.

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status