Design Assistant Apparel (12 Mth FTC)

Kmart; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working options

Team member discount card (Kmart/Taget

Brighter Benefits program

Bonus program eligibility

Parental leave and Circle In support

Mentor Programme

Kudos recognition program

Job summary

Kmart is seeking a Design Assistant to join the Apparel team in Melbourne on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will work with designers to translate trends into apparel ranges, supporting the end-to-end design and development process from research through to production.

You will gain hands-on experience with trend research, technical drawings, fittings and production, while learning from experienced designers in a fast-paced, large-scale retail environment.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Fashion Design or related discipline.
• Strong skills in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience with CAD and technical specification drawings.

Responsibilities

• Support Designers with day-to-day development of apparel ranges.
• Create and update technical sketches, style briefs and tech packs.
• Set up and maintain range boards, range pages and option plans.
• Assist with sample fittings and fit sessions.
• Liaise with suppliers on samples and product development requirements.
• Contribute to trend, colour and market research, including creating trend boards.
• Collate research and design concepts into clear presentations.
• Help maintain milestones across the critical path and follow up on samples.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Collaborative mindset

Strong communication

Education

Fashion Design

Textile Design

Graphic Design

Surface Pattern Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

CAD

Tech packs

Job description

We are an inclusive team who power two of the most iconic and loved brands, Kmart and Target. We have more than 50,000 passionate individuals across our stores, distribution centres, and offices around the globe.

With our brands touching the lives of almost two million customers every week, you'll feel the impact of the work you'll do every day. As a leader in the retail market, we're optimistic about our future and yours. We're changing at a rapid rate, giving you challenging work that you'll be proud of.

Join the team

Design Assistant, Apparel

to join our creative and high-performing Apparel Design team on a 12-month fixed term contract.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is creative, detail-focused and eager to build their experience within a fast-paced, large-scale retail environment.

Working closely with our Designers and broader team, you'll gain hands‑on experience across the end‑to‑end design and development process, from trend research and range development through to technical drawings, fittings and production.

You’ll work closely with our Designers to translate emerging trends, customer insights and market intelligence into exciting, relevant apparel ranges. We're looking for someone who actively follows the latest fashion and cultural trends, understands the competitive retail landscape and is curious about how we can stay ahead of our competitors and deliver products our customers will love.

What you'll be doing

As a Design Assistant, you'll work collaboratively with the design team to help bring exciting, customer-led apparel ranges to life.

You will:

• Support Designers with the day‑to‑day development of apparel ranges
• Create and update technical sketches, style briefs and tech packs
• Set up, maintain and update range boards, range pages and option plans
• Assist with sample fittings and attend fit sessions with the design team
• Support the selection and development of fabrics, trims, colours and accessories
• Liaise with suppliers on samples, submissions, approvals and product development requirements
• Assist with lab dips, print and fabric approvals within required production timelines
• Contribute to trend, colour and market research, including creating trend and inspiration boards
• Collate research and design concepts into clear, visually engaging presentations
• Help maintain key milestones across the critical path, following up outstanding samples and approvals
• Work collaboratively across Design, Buying, Technical and other key stakeholders
• Provide general administrative and design support to keep the team and range development process running smoothly

What we're looking for

You’ll be enthusiastic, curious and keen to develop your career in apparel design. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively, be comfortable juggling multiple priorities and bring a positive, proactive approach to the team. This role offers a great opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within a supportive and collaborative Apparel Design team while contributing to ranges that reach customers at scale.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced Designers, strengthen your creative and technical capability, contribute your ideas and build valuable end‑to‑end retail design experience.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• A qualification in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Surface Pattern Design or a related discipline
• Strong skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience with, or an understanding of, CAD and technical specification drawings
• An understanding of garment construction and apparel product development
• The ability to create technical drawings and tech packs, or the capability and enthusiasm to learn quickly
• Strong attention to detail and a great eye for colour, trend and design
• Confident communication and relationship‑building skills
• Good organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications
• A proactive attitude, plenty of energy and a genuine willingness to learn

Previous experience within fashion, apparel or retail will be highly regarded, but just as important is your passion for design and your desire to build your career.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your design career and want an opportunity where you can learn, create and make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits we’ll offer you:

• Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
• A team member discount card that gives you a discount at Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings
• Access to the Brighter Benefits program which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health - with over 60 suppliers!
• We want you to feel rewarded for your commitment and hard work that's why eligible team members get the opportunity to participate in a bonus program
• We offer inclusive parental leave, and ongoing support offered through our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances
• A dynamic learning and support program
• Opportunity to fast track your career through our Mentor Programme as a Mentee or Mentor
• A Kudos recognition program, where you are nominated by your peers to spin a wheel, to win a stack of cool prizes
• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group

We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe, and strive to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming, with applications encouraged from all candidates.

We encourage you to tell us about any workplace adjustments that you would like, by emailing ***************@kmart.com.au.