Associate Designer, Denim

JCPenney; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) with Company match

Employee discount

Job summary

Catalyst Brands is seeking an Associate Designer – Denim to support the Nautica denim line for men’s and women’s mainline. You’ll sketch, build tech packs, and collaborate with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design to develop the seasonal collection.

The role emphasizes trend research, organization, and hands-on development tasks, including fit sessions and cross-functional problem solving.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of design experience
• Proficiency in Illustrator sketches
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Understanding of the denim market and Nautica customer

Responsibilities

• Create detailed sketches and wash standards for denim
• Maintain seasonal boards and fabric wall
• Build and update tech packs with construction details
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design
• Create and maintain seasonal assortment line sheets
• Stay informed on selling performance, trends, and market conditions
• Participate in fit sessions and note changes
• Assist with day-to-day development tasks and file management
• Manage deadlines according to the calendar and milestones
• Conduct competitive research and monitor social platforms for trends

Skills

Sketching

Cross-functional collaboration

Organization

Strong communication

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

InDesign

Microsoft Excel

PLM systems

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.