Assistant Designer

UMENCO; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UMENCO in Melbourne, Australia, is seeking an Assistant Designer to join its contemporary womenswear brand with a strong international presence. You will support the day-to-day operations of the design studio, helping develop each collection from research through to product.

Working closely with the Founder and Creative Director, you will translate the vision into cohesive, commercially relevant designs, manage mood boards, prints, trims, CADs, mock-ups and technical handovers, and participate

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in fashion design.
• BA, MA or equivalent qualification in Fashion Design.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Understanding of fashion trends, product development and commercial design.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the design studio and assist in development of each collection.
• Translate creative vision into cohesive, commercially relevant collections.
• Prepare mood boards and seasonal research covering trends, eras, colour palettes, fabrics and key details.
• Prepare accurate technical drawings and tech packs; attend fittings and design meetings.
• Collaborate with Garment Technician and Production Coordinator on prototype sampling.
• Contribute to accessories, special projects and collaborations as required.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Fashion design

Trend research

Education

BA in Fashion Design

MA in Fashion Design

Tools

CAD software

Job description

UMENCO is currently recruiting an Assistant Designer to join a contemporary womenswear brand with a strong international presence, who reimagine timeless wardrobe staples.

The Assistant Designer will support the day-to-day operations of the design studio, contributing to the development and delivery of each collection from initial research through to product. Working closely alongside the Founder and creative Director, who leads and designs every collection, the Assistant Designer will act as a creative partner across seasonal research, concept development and design execution. The role will help translate the creative vision into cohesive, commercially relevant collections while ensuring option targets, design objectives and seasonal timelines are consistently achieved.

The role is highly hands-on, with responsibility spanning research, womenswear design, print and trim development, fabric and fabrication sourcing, CADs, mock-ups, sampling and technical handover. The Assistant Designer will prepare mood boards and seasonal research covering trends, eras, colour palettes, fabrics and key details, while supporting the development of designs from concept through to final product. Working closely with the Garment Technician and Production Coordinator, the successful talent will prepare accurate technical drawings and tech packs, attend fittings and design meetings, oversee prototype sampling and ensure clear communication throughout the product development process. The role will also contribute to accessories, special projects and collaborations as required.

The ideal talent will have a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar fashion design role, supported by a BA, MA or equivalent qualification in Fashion Design and experience across a broad range of design categories. Strong Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills are essential, alongside a highly organised and detail orientated approach. The successful talent will bring a strong understanding of fashion trends, product development and commercial design, with the ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities and maintain clear, efficient workflows. They will also demonstrate a genuine alignment with the brand’s design philosophy, brand image and commitment to considered, enduring product.