Designer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Term life insurance

401(k) with Company match

Associate discount

Job summary

JCPenney is seeking a Designer in New York to lead the development and execution of apparel collections from concept through production. You will collaborate with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially successful product within seasonal timelines.

You will drive design development, create original sketches, manage tech packs, and participate in fit sessions, ensuring quality and consistency across samples and final lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of apparel design experience.
• Menswear experience a plus.
• Portfolio required.

Responsibilities

• Design & Creative Development: develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction and customer needs.
• Product Development & Execution: create, update, and manage accurate tech packs, participate in fit sessions, review samples and track revisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: partner with Merchandising and Technical Design to ensure feasibility, cost targets, and quality standards; communicate design intent to overseas vendors.
• Operational & Team Support: maintain design files, update PLM systems, and support market preparations and launches.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM

Miro

AI tools

Design sketching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Designer

Department: Design

Location: New York, NY

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

#LI-KT1

Pay Range

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