Associate Designer, Denim

JCPenney; Lloyd's Corners (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Term Life Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

401(k) with Company match

Associate Discount

Holiday pay

Job summary

JCPenney is seeking an Associate Designer – Denim to support the design team in the development and execution of the seasonal denim line for Nautica Men’s and Women’s mainline. This role involves researching trends, collaborating with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design, and assisting in preparing milestone meetings.

The position contributes to sketching, tech packs, product development, and day-to-day organizational tasks, while managing deadlines and maintaining line sheets.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of design experience; final title will be based on experience.
• Strong sketching ability with the capability to produce quick, accurate Illustrator sketches.
• Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Excel, and PLM systems.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to be flexible, multi-task, and manage shifting priorities.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Understanding of the denim market and the Nautica customer.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed sketches and represent wash standards for the denim assortment.
• Maintain seasonal collection boards and the fabric wall.
• Build and update tech packs, including sketches, garment and fabric construction details, hardware, and trims.
• Develop strong working relationships with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design through effective communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Create and maintain seasonal assortment line sheets.
• Stay informed on current selling performance, market trends, and industry conditions.
• Understand foundational elements of the production process as it relates to the denim category.
• Attend and participate in fit sessions; take thorough notes and follow up on required changes.
• Assist with day‑to‑day operational tasks such as organizing files, copying materials, and updating development packages and wash comments.
• Manage deadlines and deliverables according to the corporate calendar.
• Conduct competitive research and monitor social platforms to identify trends aligned with the brand and customer.

Skills

Sketching

Problem solving

Multitasking

Organization

Communication

Denim market knowledge

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Excel

PLM systems

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

PLM systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Associate Designer – Denim

General Summary

The Associate Designer supports the Design team in the development and execution of the seasonal denim line for Nautica Men’s and Women’s mainline. This role is responsible for researching relevant trends, collaborating closely with cross-functional partners—including Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design—and assisting in the preparation of all milestone meetings. The Associate Designer contributes to sketching, technical package creation, product development, and day‑to‑day organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Create detailed sketches and represent wash standards for the denim assortment.
• Maintain seasonal collection boards and the fabric wall.
• Build and update tech packs, including sketches, garment and fabric construction details, hardware, and trims.
• Develop strong working relationships with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design through effective communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Create and maintain seasonal assortment line sheets.
• Stay informed on current selling performance, market trends, and industry conditions.
• Understand foundational elements of the production process as it relates to the denim category.
• Attend and participate in fit sessions; take thorough notes and follow up on required changes.
• Assist with day‑to‑day operational tasks such as organizing files, copying materials, and updating development packages and wash comments.
• Manage deadlines and deliverables according to the corporate calendar.
• Conduct competitive research and monitor social platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to identify trends aligned with the brand and customer.

Position Requirements

• 3+ years of design experience; final title will be based on experience.
• Strong sketching ability with the capability to produce quick, accurate Illustrator sketches.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Excel, and PLM systems.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to be flexible, multi-task, and manage shifting priorities.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Understanding of the denim market and the Nautica customer.

What you get:

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com

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Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $79,350.00 /Yr.