Design Assistant / Production Coordinator

About Garb

Garb, Inc. is a leading children’s apparel company specializing in decorated garments for golf clubs, junior camps, resorts, bookstores and major retailers nationwide. Our mission is to create fun, functional, and high-quality apparel while fostering a collaborative, family-oriented workplace where every team member plays a vital role in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Design Assistant / Production Coordinator

Location: Denver, CO

Department: Product Development & (Overseas) Production

Reports to: Senior Designer (and Ultimately VP of Design, Sales and Merchandising)

Position Summary

The Design Assistant / Production Coordinator supports the full product lifecycle—from concept through bulk production. This role is responsible for coordinating development and production needs with overseas factories, preparing technicalpackages, managing samples, executing artwork, and ensuring product accuracy through fit, measurement, and quality control.

A key part of this role includes managing specialty make-ups (SMUs)—supporting custom product requests, coordinating unique colorways or trims, and ensuring accurate execution from initial specs through final QC.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.

**Assist with creative projects as they arise. 

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Communication

• Responsible for creating and sending out tech packs, production artwork, color standards, and sample requests.
• Correspond daily with overseas factories regarding development, production, timelines, and approvals.
• Execute production packages, including detailed color/trim specifications and production-ready print and graphic artwork.
• Track and follow up on development progress, fabric sourcing, trim ordering, and sample status.
• Support all specialty make-ups (SMUs), including execution of tech packs, material callouts, color standards, and custom artwork.
• Assist in preparing presentation materials and supporting set-up for design-led meetings.

Sample Management, Fit, & Approvals

• Assist in approving strike-offs, lab dips, fabric qualities, trims, and other development materials.
• Assist in managing SMS, proto, fit, and photo samples to ensure all garment details and construction elements are accurate.
• **organize fabric library, submits by collection 
• Keep sample management chart updated to track all samples.
• Handle all specing and measuring of garments for development submittals, fit reviews, vendor communication, specialty make-ups, and bulk QC to ensure product accuracy.
• Work with Senior Designer to provide initial development specs and provide full graded specs for bulk production.
• Maintain organized sample archives and track sample comments and revisions.

Specialty Make-Ups (SMUs)

• Manage SMUs from initial request through delivery, ensuring accurate specs, artwork, and materials.
• Communicate custom requirements to factories and track timelines for approval, sampling, and production.
• Set up and ensure all BOMs are accurate. 
• SMU garments meet construction, color, and quality standards.
• Maintain SMU logs, costing sheets, approval comments, and tracking documents.

Calendar & Milestone Management

• Adhere to seasonal calendars and key development/production milestones.
• Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and proactively identify risks or delays.
• Ensure both mainline and SMU programs stay on track with development and delivery timelines.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Apparel Design degree (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Internship experience in apparel design or production strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, (required) and InDesign (preferred).
• Technical sketching ability (flats and basic illustration).
• Working knowledge of garment construction, fit, trims, and sewing techniques.
• Knowledge of lab dips, color standards, and print development.
• Excellent color sense.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Attributes

• Strong creative sense and trend awareness.
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with strong organization and attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and team-focused mindset.
• Passionate about fashion and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Salary $26-$28 HR (depending on experience)