Associate Designer

Carters Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter’s Inc. in Atlanta, GA is seeking an Associate Designer to translate trends into market-ready children’s apparel designs.

You will collaborate with design and merchandising teams to develop seasonal collections, create line sheets, and support the design process from concept to final development. The role requires 2–5 years of design experience (preferably in children’s apparel), strong Illustrator skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• BA or BFA in apparel design or related field.
• 2–5 years of design experience, preferably in children’s apparel.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction and trend research.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; familiarity with PLM.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Translate trends and brand direction into fresh, market-ready designs.
• Present new ideas demonstrating innovative, brand-right creative.
• Collaborate with design and merchandising to ensure brand-right seasonal designs.
• Independently design assigned groups with supervisor approval.
• Create line sheets and print assets in Illustrator; update design cards.
• Sketch technical drawings in Illustrator and communicate design intent.
• Maintain design details and line sheets through sample reviews.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Creative problem-solving

Team collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

BA or BFA in apparel design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

PLM

Job description

Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter’s Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Skip*Hop and Little Planet brands. Meaningful work, constant learning, genuine people, and a community guided by core values that promote inclusion and innovation is in everything we do. There are many reasons to build your career at Carter’s.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT:

Associate Designer will support the development of seasonal collections by translating trends and brand direction into fresh, market-ready designs.

40% Product line Development

• Present new ideas that demonstrate innovative, brand-right creative (silos, trim & details, color, print & graphic design direction to supervisor and peers)


• Collaborating with our design team and merchandising teams to create designs that are brand right seasonally.


• Independently design assigned groups with Supervisor’s approval


• Fill silhouettes with prints/art in Illustrator working line sheet, update printouts accordingly for presentation meetings


• Sketch technical drawings in illustrator, communicate design intent, and update design cards


• Build and maintain line sheets in Illustrator for presentation and buying needs.


• Own Design details and communication throughout the sample review’s

30% Creative Concept

• Researching our customer and the relevant trends, fabrications, prints and pattern for upcoming seasons.


• Prepare and request design and proto samples from Product Development Team


• Design silhouettes: develop fabric, washes, dry finishes, repairs and trims that are market and brand appropriate.


• Assemble creative and /or trend boards for internal presentations

30% Design Process & Communication

• Support facilitation for all aspects of design: from initial concept to final development of product


• Participate in all aspects of daily follow up with internal business partner, i.e. email communication and meetings


• Responsible for maintaining all product details throughout design review process that impact final execution of product commercialization; communicate changes with tech, merchant, sourcing and production teams.


• Participate in fittings with senior design team and make updates accordingly.


• Train Interns & EDP’s on silhouette sketching in Illustrator, line sheet and PLM responsibilities


• Assist with new hire onboarding.


• Responsible for achieving calendar deadlines for all stages of design.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:

Must have:

• Exhibit inquisitiveness, strong communication and analytical skills


• Strong knowledge of garment construction, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim development


• Possess strong attention to detail and good organizational skills


• Strong time management and creative problem-solving skills


• Ability to work in a fast paced, creative, and team-oriented environment


• Must have ability to analyze and interpret market trends as it relates to our brands as demonstrated through a portfolio of professional work


• Exceptional Mac skills: Adobe Illustrator, Design, etc.


• Strong presentation skills

Preferred skills and experience:

• BA or BFA required, preferably in apparel design


• 2-5 years of design experience (preferably in children’s apparel)


• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool

MAKE A CAREER AT CARTER’S:

Career Development: Success starts from within, and we have several paths from which you can choose to enhance your career evolution. From Carter’s University to Toastmasters to mentorship programs and more, we encourage you to utilize these tools to elevate your professional prowess.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties described may be changed or reassigned at the discretion of management, and the employee may be required to perform duties that are not listed in the job description.

Carters is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.