Overview:
Assistant Designer – Denim
Position Summary
The Assistant Designer – Denim COE supports the design and development of seasonal denim collections from concept through production for Nautica Women’s. This role works closely with the Denim Design team and cross-functional partners to execute brand-right, trend-driven products that align with customer needs and business objectives.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about denim and fashion trends. They possess a strong understanding of apparel design fundamentals, are eager to learn technical aspects of denim product development, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This role provides an opportunity to contribute creatively while supporting the day-to-day design process across multiple stages of development.
Key Responsibilities
Design Support & Creative Development
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Support the design team in the creation and development of seasonal denim collections across assigned categories.
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Research fashion, denim, cultural, and social media trends to identify opportunities relevant to the Nautica customer.
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Assist in the preparation of inspiration boards, seasonal concepts, trend presentations, and color direction.
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Create and update sketches, CADs, technical flats, and presentation materials under the guidance of senior design leadership.
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Help develop washes, fabrications, trims, and design details that support seasonal product initiatives.
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Conduct competitive shopping and market research across retail channels and online platforms.
Product Development & Technical Support
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Assist in the creation and maintenance of tech packs, ensuring design details, construction information, trims, and wash instructions are accurately documented.
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Organize and track sample development throughout the product lifecycle.
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Support wash development by reviewing strike-offs, wash submissions, and samples with manager for design consistency.
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Prepare samples, reference materials, and comments for fittings and review meetings.
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Partner with Technical Design and Product Development teams to communicate updates and maintain accurate records.
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Help ensure design specifications are updated and entered into PLM systems in a timely manner.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams throughout the development process.
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Participate in sample reviews, fittings, seasonal meetings, and line reviews.
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Communicate sample status, design updates, and development needs to internal and external partners.
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Assist in preparing seasonal presentations and leadership review materials.
Trend & Market Research
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Monitor denim and fashion trends through retail research, social media, runway coverage, and competitive analysis.
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Maintain trend, wash, fabric, and inspiration archives for the design team.
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Track industry developments in denim fabrics, silhouettes, washes, sustainability, and consumer preferences.
Administrative & Organizational Support
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Maintain organized sample libraries, wash standards, fabric swatches, trims, and seasonal design records.
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Assist with seasonal calendar management and ensure key milestones are met.
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Organize design files, line sheets, presentation decks, and seasonal documentation.
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Support special projects and additional design initiatives as needed.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
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0–2 years of design experience, internships, or relevant experience within the apparel industry preferred.
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Strong interest in denim design, fashion trends, and product development.
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Basic knowledge of apparel construction, fit, fabrics, washes, and garment development processes.
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
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Experience with PLM systems is a plus.
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Strong sketching, CAD, and technical flat skills.
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Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Collaborative mindset with a strong willingness to learn and grow within a design team.
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Familiarity with AI design and visualization tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom, or comparable platforms is a plus.
Core Competencies
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Trend Research & Consumer Awareness
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Denim & Apparel Design Fundamentals
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Technical Flats & CAD Development
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Product Development Support
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Organization & Attention to Detail
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Time Management
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Creative Problem Solving
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Communication Skills
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Adaptability & Learning Agility
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Microsoft Office & Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency
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AI-Assisted Design Tools Awareness and Application
Pay Range: USD $57,200.00 - USD $104,000.00 /Yr.
