Assistant Designer

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in retail and fashion to shape aspirational products. In this foundational role, you’ll translate concepts into brand-right, commercially viable designs while upholding high standards of quality and innovation in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

You’ll assist the design team with sketches, CADs, and presentation boards, coordinate with internal partners and vendors, and support fittings, samples, and product development to ensure timely delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Entry-level experience with design in retail environment is expected.
• Proficiency in MS Office and design software is required.
• Strong eye for commercial fashion and product styling.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Ability to recall information and communicate clearly.
• Team-oriented with customer-centric approach.
• Motivated, passionate and proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist design team in creating brand-right, commercial designs.
• Develop sketches and CAD images, providing construction specs.
• Maintain sample room and organize development workflow.
• Prepare line presentation boards and select product samples.
• Coordinate development with internal partners and vendors.
• Support fittings and follow-up with technical design.
• Track development samples and ensure timely handoffs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Collaborative team player

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Customer service oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a global leader renowned for shaping trends and defining aspirational aesthetics in the retail and fashion industry. This is an incredible opportunity to join a dynamic team that crafts commercially viable and brand-right products, directly influencing the consumer experience and market presence. You’ll play a pivotal role in bringing innovative designs to life, contributing to a brand that inspires and delights customers worldwide.

Ignite Your Design Career: Shape Aspirational Products

Step into a foundational role where your creativity and precision will directly impact the development of exciting new product lines. As a key contributor to the design team, you will be instrumental in translating conceptual visions into tangible, brand-defining products. This position offers a unique chance to hone your skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, contributing to designs that resonate with consumer needs and drive business success. Your keen eye for detail and passion for fashion will be essential in maintaining the high standards of quality and innovation this brand is known for.

Your Impact & Responsibilities

• Assist the design team in creating brand-right, commercial designs that align with conceptual direction and business strategy.
• Develop design sketches and prototypes, providing clear specifications for construction.
• Maintain and organize the sample room, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Produce flat sketches and detailed CAD images.
• Prepare the design team for critical meetings, including coordinating line presentation boards and selecting product samples.
• Facilitate ongoing development communication with internal partners and vendors, ensuring seamless information flow.
• Collaborate with technical design on the fit and execution of prototypes, assisting with scheduled fittings and follow-up.
• Track and organize development samples, ensuring timely delivery and smooth handoffs to key stakeholders.
• Actively participate in routine team meetings and partner alignment sessions.
• Adapt designs based on feedback, incorporating revisions for finalization.
• Apply customer-centric processes to anticipate and exceed consumer expectations.
• Source new ideas, conduct competitor research, and perform trend analysis to inform design decisions.
• Clearly articulate design concepts through compelling mood boards and concept tears.
• Achieve goals with meticulous attention to detail, tracking progress and proactively addressing potential issues.
• Seize opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
• Cultivate a deep understanding of the brand’s aesthetic and identity within your specific product category.
• Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with key internal and external partners.
• Seek continuous improvement in processes to enhance efficiency and agility.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Entry-level experience with some design background in a comparable retail environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Exceptional talent with a commercial fashion eye and meticulous attention to product styling and performance.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Strong ability to recall information.
• A customer service-oriented philosophy.
• Proven collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Highly motivated, passionate, and results-oriented individual.
• Solid communication and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding and ability to communicate construction instructions.
• A champion for change, capable of reacting with speed and agility.
• Flexible and creative problem-solver.
• Demonstrates personal professionalism and accountability.

What Will Make You Stand Out

• A strong aesthetic understanding for aspirational design.
• Exceptional design eye and acute attention to detail.
• Advanced Illustrator CAD skills, including technical CADs, creating lace brushes or patterns/textures, and coloring CADs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of garment construction, particularly in lingerie and women’s ready-to-wear.
• Ability to effectively incorporate constructive criticism.
• A creative, reactive, and dynamic approach to design challenges.
• Proven experience in creating technical packs (TP) with an understanding of lingerie construction.
• A positive and proactive attitude that drives success.

Personality & Cultural Fit

We are seeking someone with a positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills, who is open to feedback and direction. Being receptive to new and different ways of thinking, along with flexibility as deliverables shift, will be highly beneficial in this role. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.