Associate Designer - Sweater (Value)

Catalyst Brands LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 62,700 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Brands LLC in New York seeks an Associate Designer for Lifestyle Brands to support knitwear collections from concept through production. Key responsibilities include developing seasonal sweater designs, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery of designs.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Fashion or Knitwear Design and relevant experience, with strong skills in Adobe Illustrator and a passion for knitwear design.

This position offers a salary ranging from $62,700 to $78,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably in sweaters/knitwear.
• Portfolio required, including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing seasonal sweater concepts and sketches.
• Support communication of design intent to overseas vendors.
• Participate in fit sessions and track revisions for sweaters.
• Review knit-downs, strike-offs, and samples for accuracy.

Skills

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator

Proficiency in Photoshop

Understanding of knitwear construction

Strong attention to detail

Excellent written communication

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design

Knitwear Design or related field

Tools

PLM

Miro

Job description

Overview

The Associate Designer, Lifestyle Brands, Sweaters COE, supports the design and development of knitwear collections from concept through production. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially viable sweaters that align with seasonal direction and business needs. The Associate Designer contributes to yarn selection, stitch development, and silhouette execution while supporting category-specific workflows and timelines.

Responsibilities

Design & Creative Support

• Assist in developing seasonal sweater concepts, including yarns, stitches, patterns, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction
• Create design sketches, stitch callouts, and technical flats using Adobe Illustrator
• Support development of stripe layouts, jacquards, textures, and novelty stitches
• Collaborate on yarn selection, color development, and trim details with cross-functional teams and vendors
• Help build mood boards, concept decks, and sweater-specific presentations for seasonal reviews
• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research focused on knitwear using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN)

Product Development & Execution

• Assist in creating and updating detailed tech packs, including stitch specifications, gauge, yarn details, construction, and measurements
• Support communication of design intent to overseas vendors, including stitch developments and proto comments
• Participate in fit sessions for sweaters; take notes, track revisions, and support approvals
• Review knit-downs, strike-offs, and samples to ensure accuracy of stitch, color, and quality
• Track development timelines and maintain accurate records to ensure on-time delivery

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising to support sweater assortment plans, pricing architecture, and seasonal direction
• Collaborate closely with Technical Design to ensure fit, construction, and knit feasibility
• Work with Production and vendors to align on yarn sourcing, cost targets, and manufacturing capabilities
• Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule

Operational & Team Support

• Maintain organized sweater design files, yarn libraries, stitch references, and seasonal documentation
• Update PLM systems with accurate sweater-specific data (yarns, gauges, constructions)
• Assist with line plan updates, sample tracking, and development charts
• Support market preparation, sample organization, and presentation setup

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or related field preferred

Experience

• 1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably in sweaters/knitwear (internships included)
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment preferred
• Portfolio required (including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred)

Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM familiarity preferred
• Understanding of knitwear construction, stitches, gauges, and yarns
• Experience working with or exposure to knit-downs and sweater sampling processes
• Familiarity with Miro or similar tools for collaboration
• Exposure to AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Personal Attributes

• Passion for knitwear design and strong interest in menswear trends
• Creative with a strong eye for texture, pattern, and color
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to learn
• Collaborative team player with a positive, adaptable mindset
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Physical Requirements (if applicable)

• Ability to lift and transport garment samples, yarn cones, and sample boxes
• Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings

Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $78,000.00 /Yr.