Textile Designer

Position Summary:

Develops innovative and compelling knitted mattress fabric designs that meet customer needs across multiple dimensions, including price point, construction, design, and color. The Designer contributes creative concepts that stay ahead of market trends and supports customers in achieving commercial success through thoughtful, market-driven design solutions. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Create, reproduce, and modify designs, patterns, and artwork based on customer specification using EAT CAD design software.
• Partner with Sales and the Design Team to evaluate and develop products that are commercially viable and marketable.
• Collaborate with the Design Manager, creative design team, and Sales to develop customized designs in response to specific customer requests.
• Participate in customer presentations, including preparing and presenting supporting materials such as trend boards and concept documentation to clearly communicate design intent.
• Liaise with Yarn R&D, design purchasing, and technical teams (including programmers and knit technicians), as well as design colleagues, to ensure fabric designs align with end-use requirements, pricing targets, and performance properties.  This can be an emerging skill based on need and experience.
• Create and maintain all required documentation for new designs, including sample requests.
• Prepare machine-ready files, including stitch structures and color assignments, for knitting   production.
• Review sample fabrics and recommend or implement design or technical adjustments as needed.
• Manage multiple projects while working within established deadlines, volume requirements, and budget constraints.
• Stay current on knit structures, materials, and production techniques.
• Attend textile trade shows as required.
• Participate in internal design challenges to explore and expand creative capabilities.
• Perform additional assignments, projects, and tasks as directed by management 

Role Qualifications/Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proficiency in EAT design software, Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of circular knitting preferred.
• Experience conducting trend research and developing professional design presentations.
• Understanding of yarn properties and textile production processes, including knitting machine types and gauges.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple design elements.
• Effective collaborative and communication skills across multiple functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving results through creative problem-solving.
• Alignment with and commitment to company values.

Education requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in Textile Design or a related field preferred.

Travel Requirements:  Occasional travel to customer sites or industry trade shows