Assistant Designer - Sweaters

Overview

The Assistant Designer for Sweaters at JCPenney supports the creation and development of knitwear collections from initial concept through to production. This role aids the design team to craft sweaters that align with brand standards, seasonal trends, and business goals. Collaboration is key as this role coordinates with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, and Production teams, gaining comprehensive insight into the product development lifecycle.

Key Duties

• Contribute to the design of seasonal sweater collections focusing on silhouettes, stitch patterns, textures, stripes, jacquards, and unique knit constructions.
• Produce design sketches, technical flats, stitch layouts, and presentation materials utilizing Adobe Illustrator.
• Support the assembly of seasonal mood boards, color narratives, trend research, and concept presentations.
• Conduct thorough research on trends, market, and competitors to spot new opportunities in knitwear and fashion.
• Assist with yarn sourcing, stitch development, and color review stages.
• Organize and manage inspiration resources, design references, and seasonal files effectively.
• Help create and update technical packs with detailed stitch, gauge, yarn, construction, measurement, and trim information.
• Facilitate communication of design ideas to both domestic and international vendors during development.
• Review knit-downs, strike-offs, prototype samples, and fit samples for adherence to design.
• Participate in fit sessions, document feedback, track revisions, and assist in sample approval.
• Monitor development schedules and sample deliverables to meet deadlines.
• Support sample tracking, data management, and follow-up during development phases.
• Collaborate with Merchandising on seasonal assortment planning and product strategies.
• Work with Technical Design to ensure fit, construction, and knitting feasibility align with design intent.
• Coordinate with Product Development and Production for vendor liaison, costing, and sourcing requirements.
• Engage in seasonal milestone meetings, line reviews, and design presentations.
• Maintain orderly design files, yarn libraries, stitch archives, and development documentation.
• Update PLM systems and internal tracking tools punctually and accurately.
• Assist with line plan upkeep, assortment updates, and seasonal development charts.
• Support showroom preparations, market setups, and presentation arrangements.
• Help ensure timely and accurate completion of all design deliverables.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• 0 to 2 years of relevant apparel design experience, including internships, with preference for knitwear/sweater exposure.
• Experience in fast-paced retail, wholesale, or fashion environments is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is required.
• Familiarity with PLM systems is beneficial.
• Basic knowledge of knitwear construction, yarns, stitches, and garment development processes.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and collaborative platforms such as Miro.
• Awareness of AI-assisted design and ideation software (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) is a plus.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work outputs.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine enthusiasm for fashion, knitwear, and emerging trends.
• Creative vision with a keen eye for color, texture, pattern, and silhouette.
• A strong desire to acquire technical and creative design skills.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-focused individual.
• Collaborative team spirit with positive attitude and excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Flexible and able to thrive under deadline-driven conditions.
• Curious and initiative-taking, showing readiness to own projects.

Physical and Additional Requirements

• Capability to lift and manage garment samples, yarn cones, and sample boxes as necessary.
• Availability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, seasonal meetings, and market appointments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for vendor visits, market research, or business needs.

Compensation

The position offers a salary range between USD 57,200 and USD 104,000 per year.