Senior Designer - Knitwear (Freelance)

Cobalt Fashion; New York (NY); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Ralsey Group seeks a Freelance Senior Knitwear Designer to join the team, reporting to the Design Director and VP, with exposure to the global knitwear market across regions. Responsibilities include designing trend-appropriate concepts, developing knitwear collections from concept to delivery for major retailers, and coordinating yarns, trims, and sample development.

Collaborate with Sales, factories, and overseas vendors, maintain design integrity, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 10–15 years of knitwear design experience in mass market.
• Strong portfolio and proficiency in Illustrator/Photoshop.
• In-depth knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns and techniques.
• Translate trends into commercially viable concepts.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop knitwear collections for mass market + contemporary segment.
• Collaborate with Design SVP and cross-functional teams on brand direction.
• Conduct market research to identify styles, colors, silhouettes.
• Create trend reports, sketches, and tech packs communicating details.
• Source yarns, trims, and embellishments within cost/quality guidelines.
• Oversee sample development, fit sessions, and revisions.

Skills

Knitwear design

Trend analysis

Market research

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities? Here is what you need to know about the job: Ralsey Group is seeking a Freelance Senior Knitwear Designer to join their team! This position provides full visibility into the global knitwear market, including Europe and Asia, while reporting to the Design Director and VP. Responsibilities include designing and executing trend-appropriate design concepts to meet customer needs and drive sales. The designer will work closely with the Sales team to gain market knowledge and create an enhanced knitwear collection for each season, from concept to delivery for major retailers. This includes coordinating the timely execution of each stage of the process, creating and executing yarns and stitches to meet the needs of our retailers, and maintaining strong relationships with factories, suppliers, and designers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop knitwear collections for mass market + contemporary segment, incorporating the latest trends, yarns, and techniques.
• Collaborate closely with the Design SVP and cross-functional teams to understand brand direction, seasonal themes, and product requirements.
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify emerging styles, colors, and silhouettes relevant to the target demographic.
• Create trend reports, sketches, and tech packs that effectively communicate design concepts, construction details, and sizing specifications.
• Source and select appropriate yarns, trims, and embellishments while adhering to cost and quality guidelines.
• Oversee sample development process, including fit sessions, prototyping, and sample revisions, ensuring designs translate seamlessly from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 10-15 years of proven experience in knitwear design, preferably within the mass market segment.
• Strong portfolio showcasing original knitwear designs and technical proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other design software.
• In-depth knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, stitches, and techniques, with a keen eye for detail and quality.
• Ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into commercially viable product concepts.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of creativity and accuracy.
• Experience working with overseas vendors and factories is a plus.
• Passion for fashion, creativity, and innovation, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions

Compensation/Benefits

• The approximate annual base salary range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00 per hour. The offered hourly rate for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set and years of experience.

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As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.