Junior Designer - Studio & Athletica

About the role

The Aje Collective is seeking a Junior Designer to join the Aje Athletica & Studio team at its Melbourne head office. This position supports the creation and development of performance-led collections that stay true to the brand’s distinctive aesthetic, with an emphasis on functional, well-crafted product and a strong focus on activewear and lifestyle apparel.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of Aje Athletica & Studio ranges, balancing technical performance with the brand’s signature look and feel.
• Investigate market direction, customer preferences and new trends to guide design choices.
• Build mood boards, colour directions and concept sketches to shape cohesive collection ideas.
• Help develop products that are practical, innovative and appealing to customers.
• Prepare and maintain tech packs, CADs and coversheets, ensuring suppliers receive clear information on design details, fit, trims, construction and finishing.
• Partner with Production and Garment Tech teams to make sure samples achieve the right quality, fit and performance.
• Provide technical specifications and assist with fittings so final products reflect the intended design accurately.
• Share lab dip and strike-off feedback with suppliers and keep development aligned to the critical path.
• Maintain seasonal development documents such as line sheets and style boards so team information stays accurate and current.
• Work with the Product Developer to choose fabrics and materials that meet performance, cost, quality and suitability requirements.
• Track fabrics, trims, prints and development progress against timeline and pricing targets.
• Support commercial results by considering costing and product lifecycle impacts throughout the design process.

What you should bring

• A strong interest in colour, design details, fabric selection and print development, especially within activewear and lifestyle categories.
• A highly organised approach with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in a fast-moving design setting, including the ability to manage several seasons at once.
• Working knowledge of garment construction, fit and fabrications, ideally in performance or activewear product.
• Confidence using Adobe Creative Suite, along with strong CAD capability.
• Analytical thinking, initiative and practical problem-solving ability.
• Clear communication skills for working with internal teams and external suppliers.
• An efficient, energetic approach to day-to-day tasks.

Benefits and perks

• Generous salary packaging.
• Employee discounts, staff wardrobes, pre-order access, clothing allowances and regular sample sales.
• Training and development support is encouraged and promoted.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Leave benefits to recognise personal milestones such as birthdays.
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support.
• Recognition for achievements and successes.
• Referral incentives.

Diversity and inclusion

The Aje Collective says it is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. The company aims to foster a safe environment for employees, applicants and customers, and notes that diversity has been part of the brand’s identity since its beginnings, shaped by multicultural Australia.