What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Associate position at Kontoor Brands?
Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB) is a global lifestyle apparel company with a portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands: Wrangler® and Lee®. We design, manufacture and distribute superior high-quality products that look good, fit right, and are crafted with sensitivity to our planet to give people around the world the freedom and confidence to express themselves.
With a presence in more than 60 countries and a heritage spanning a combined 200 years, our global community of more than 14,000 employees fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, performance and entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for inclusive, humble, creative and forward-looking employees with a passion for creating innovative apparel products, accessories, and solutions that are both meaningful and purposeful for consumers and employees.
Design Associate: Become the Newest Member of Kontoor Brands
Individual is responsible for part of the design process with a focus on Cut and Sew, to include conceptual direction, trends, fabrications, styling, trims, technical renderings/spec sheets while adhering to design/development calendar. Designs and develops styles for specific classifications and genders from initial concepts through pre-production to achieve accurate delivery while establishing superior fits and construction.
Key Responsibilities:
Works with Design Lead to work into seasonal concepts, color palettes and key items for the season in Men’s Western special make shirts and outerwear categories .
Designs into plaids, repeat allover print patterns, and stripes. Experience in CAD programs a must .
Researches emerging trends and styles to formulate strategies for projected lines: Provides innovative designs and concepts to strengthen the brand image and maintain competitive edge.
Selection of fabrication under cost parameters; develop washes and wet processing treatments.
Logo/graphic/trim development; gives direction to Graphics team and Trim department.
Draw accurate flat sketches as well as detailed sketches for technical packages.
Use 3D Design software to create virtual garments for development packages.
Collaborates with Pattern and Tech teams to pass off seasonal new styles.
Attends fit meetings and communicates detailed comments on fit and construction to technical design team.
Communicates with Product Development team overseas to ensure product development process is on time and flowing efficiently. Collaborates to source fabric, trims, send out artwork, update tech packs, comment on submits , etc.
Troubleshoots product development related problems to maintain on time delivery for showroom samples.
Available for domestic travel for research, Western lifestyle emersion trips , and vendor meetings.
Skills for Success:
Expert in Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat.
Proficient in CAD programs – i. e . : NED Graphics, Aquario – and extensive experience in creating original artwork.
Proficient in 3D Design – Browzwear /V-Stitcher.
Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
High level of visual and color design.
Basic garment sewing and construction skills.
Knowledge and extensive experience of global souring of fabrics.
Knowledge of fabric construction and wet processing treatments.
Efficient in verbal and written communication.
Construction flat sketches.
Experience/Education:
BS/BA degree in Design or related field
At least 3 years professional experience