What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Apparel Designer position at NANJINGUSA, INC.?
Company Description
Nanjing USA is a leading denim apparel business, recognized for its innovation and excellence in serving major department stores, specialty stores, and fashion houses globally. With a rich heritage and an enterprising mindset, the company specializes in Branded Apparel, Licensed Apparel, and Private Label Apparel. Leveraging a robust infrastructure and advanced supply chain processes, Nanjing USA ensures cost-efficient, high-quality, and rapid delivery of its products. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and outstanding customer service sets it apart in the apparel industry.
Position Summary
The Senior Designer will be responsible for the design process, from the initial concept development thru product delivery. They are responsible for trend, color, and fabric direction leading up to line development, tech pack development, cads, and samples. Will work directly with Sales, Product Development, Fabric and Production Teams to provide a trend appropriate quality product for our customer.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Market and Trend Research on aspirational and competitive landscape filtered through the lens of our target customer
o Shop Stores Aspirational and Competitive—on-line and in person. Be an expert in your category
o Drive positive impact results through design execution
o Evaluate and communicate new fabric and old fabric updates to the fabric team and follow through based on the timing of the WM calendar
o Create line plans and trend books on a seasonal basis
2. Execution
o Tech Pack Development---send clear and executable tech packs to China, follow up on sample timing and wash development
o Create and maintain 3D CADs, ensuring accuracy/completion before WM calendar deadline. If not able to achieve deadline, communicate in a time frame that is actionable.
o Files (fabric, cads, sample logs) organized in a manner cross functional teams can access and work with.
o Organize store bought samples and development samples in a clear and concise manner, that any other team member could locate a sample if needed
o Sample Development---track Samples, review Sample Development with the team, complete sample tags, send samples to WM
o Bench Marks---define the categories with the Sales Team and execute the content in a timely manner
o Meeting Preparation---work with sales to develop a compelling presentation to our target audience
o Hand Off Meeting to production team---prepare the samples and cads for the meeting
3. Communication/Teamwork
o Daily communication with our China team in regards to sample development, timeliness and product execution
o Work timely and effectively with the cross functional teams including sales, design, production, technical design and senior leadership. To build strong and synergistic relationships with the cross functional teams.
o Communicate with sales on a daily basis to prioritize the work load and achieve deadlines.
o Develop synergy within the design team to collaborate on projects, share best practices and cover for other team members in a hybrid work environment.
4. Team Development
o Oversee and monitor the work and development of the associate designer
o Coach and mentor junior/associate designers in design, tech pack, fit and garment construction
Qualifications and Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in Design, or related field
· Minimum 5-7 years in denim apparel
· PLM, Browzwear or similar program experience required
· Strong knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop
· Ability to be self-motivated and work well in a TEAM environment
· Team player and problem solver in a demanding deadline driven environment
· Motivated, proactive, highly organized and able to adapt to changing priorities
· Strong organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail
· Strong interpersonal skills