Associate Designer - Licensed Apparel

Associate Designer – Licensed Apparel

Position Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Location: New York City

Salary: $65,000–$70,000

Position Overview

This role is ideal for a creative, trend-driven designer with required experience in character-licensed apparel and a strong understanding of the kids’, tween, or junior apparel market.

The successful candidate will have hands-on experience designing licensed apparel, working within established brand guidelines, and developing fresh, trend-right concepts each season. They will collaborate cross-functionally to bring products from concept through production while supporting commercially viable assortments that meet customer and market needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop character-licensed apparel for Big Girls and Tweens.
• Create seasonal CADs and sketches in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to support line presentations and product development.
• Collaborate with Senior Designers, Graphic Artists, Product Development, and Technical Design teams to bring concepts to production.
• Partner with Sales to ensure assortments align with customer needs and market demand.
• Research fashion, retail, and pop culture trends to inspire new concepts and identify opportunities.
• Participate in fittings and provide input to maintain design integrity and proper fit.
• Communicate directly with licensors to obtain timely design approvals and ensure all designs adhere to established brand guidelines and licensing requirements.
• Review tech packs, lab dips, strike-offs, and fabric qualities for accuracy and quality.
• Work with costing and production teams to ensure designs are both creative and cost-effective.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of design experience in kids’, tween, or junior apparel.
• Character licensing experience is REQUIRED. Candidates must have prior hands-on experience designing character-licensed apparel (e.g., Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., or similar properties).
• Experience working with licensors, navigating licensing approval processes, and adhering to brand guidelines.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; strong sketching skills are a plus.
• Solid knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and embellishments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be based in New York City or open to relocation for an onsite role.

Please Note: Candidates must have previous character-licensed apparel design experience to be considered for this position.