Designer

Nautica; New York (NY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Term life insurance

Paid vacation & holidays

401(k) with company match

Associate discount

Job summary

Nautica is seeking a Designer to lead creative development and execution of apparel collections from concept to production. The role collaborates with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, high-quality products on seasonal timelines.

The Designer shapes aesthetic direction, drives design development, and supports execution across key categories, with strong skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM tools to manage tech packs and line plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 5+ years of apparel design experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Portfolio demonstrating menswear design.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction.
• Create original design sketches and detailed technical flats using Illustrator.
• Produce accurate tech packs with measurements, BOMs, and design intent; participate in fit sessions and track revisions.
• Review samples throughout development to ensure quality, fit, and consistency; manage updates and records for on-time development.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to ensure feasibility and align with line plans and targets.
• Maintain organized design files, reference libraries, and PLM line plans; support market prep and collaboration launches.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM

Miro

AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom)

Garment construction

Sketching

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Miro

AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom)

PLM software

Job description

Position Overview

The Designer, Nautica, is responsible for leading the creative development and execution of apparel collections from concept through production. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially successful product while meeting seasonal timelines and quality standards. The Designer plays an active role in shaping the aesthetic, driving design development, and supporting execution across key categories.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Creative Development

• Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction and customer needs
• Create original design sketches and detailed technical flats using Adobe Illustrator
• Select fabrics, trims, washes, and colors in partnership with cross-functional teams
• Build and present mood boards, concept decks, and line presentations for seasonal reviews
• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN) to inform design direction

Product Development & Execution

• Create, update, and manage accurate tech packs, including measurements, construction details, BOMs, and design intent
• Participate in and lead fit sessions; provide clear feedback and track revisions through final approval
• Review and manage samples throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring quality, fit, and consistency
• Track product updates and maintain accurate records to support on-time development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising to align design with line plans, SKU counts, and financial targets
• Collaborate closely with Technical Design and Production to ensure feasibility, cost targets, and quality standards are met
• Communicate design intent and feedback to overseas vendors and factories
• Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are met on schedule

Operational & Team Support

• Maintain organized design files, reference libraries, and seasonal documentation
• Update PLM systems, line plans, and internal tracking tools
• Support market preparation, line adoptions, and collaboration launches as needed

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• 5+ years of apparel design experience
• Experience within a fast-paced, high-volume apparel environment preferred
• Menswear experience a plus
• Portfolio required

Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience required or strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Miro for collaboration with design and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated understanding and hands‑on experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation, concept development, and design visualization
• Strong sketching and design execution skills with attention to detail
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Personal Attributes

• Strong design point of view balanced with commercial sensibility
• Proactive, organized, and solution‑oriented
• 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 and sample boxes
• Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings

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

Pay Range USD $75,900.00 - USD $97,950.00 /Yr.