Assistant Designer
Job Purpose and Scope
The Assistant Designer for Men’s Ready-to-Wear (RTW) plays a critical role in supporting the design team by managing organizational, creative, and administrative tasks essential to the development and execution of seasonal collections. This entry-level position is ideal for a highly motivated individual with a passion for men’s fashion, offering an opportunity to learn from experienced designers and gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist in researching seasonal trends, color palettes, and fabric innovations to align with brand direction and market demand.
- Contribute to the creation of inspiration boards, design concepts, and seasonal trend decks.
- Collaborate with the design team to develop new ideas and designs for Men’s RTW collections.
- Organize and maintain the seasonal fabric, trim, and material libraries, ensuring all items are accurately labeled and accessible.
- Track the development and arrival of prototypes, trims, and fabric samples, ensuring timely delivery for fittings and reviews.
- Support the team during fittings by organizing samples, taking detailed notes, and ensuring updates are implemented.
- Assist in preparing technical packages and updating development sheets with accurate information, including sketches, fabric details, and measurements.
- Partner with CAD designers and product development teams to ensure seamless communication and execution of design concepts.
- Create and maintain seasonal binders with comprehensive records of styles, color standards, and fabric swatches for reference.
- Serve as a liaison between the design team, vendors, and cross-functional partners to track and communicate the status of projects.
- Assist in coordinating design presentations, ensuring all materials are polished and ready for review by internal stakeholders.
- Develop relationships with mills, vendors, and manufacturers to source appropriate fabrics and trims that meet the brand’s aesthetic and quality standards.
- Manage the Timing and Action (T&A) calendar to ensure all deadlines are met and escalate potential delays to the design team.
- Support the design team with scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and managing the flow of communication between departments.
- Maintain accurate records of development progress, ensuring all details are readily available for reference.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong interest and understanding of men’s fashion trends, styles, and market dynamics.
- Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with other design software is a plus.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to pivot as project needs evolve.
- Strong teamwork skills, coupled with the ability to work independently when needed.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.
Position Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
- 0-2 years of experience in fashion design, product development, or a related role (internships included).
- Familiarity with the design and production process, including fabric sourcing, color matching, and sample reviews.
Dillard’s is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.
Rules of Arbitration
I state that the information contained in the foregoing statements is complete, true, and correct. I understand that if I am employed, any misrepresentation or omission of material facts on this application is sufficient cause for dismissal. I agree that my employment is for no definite period of time and can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either Dillard's or myself. I understand that neither the Associate Work Rules and General Policies, the Associate Benefits and Related Policies, nor any other written or oral statements by Dillard's or its representatives are contracts of employment. No employee of Dillard's other than the Chairman of the Board or the President has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing, and no such agreement has been made. If, at the time of termination, I am for any reason indebted to Dillard's, whether for merchandise, cash advances, withdrawals, or otherwise, I agree that Dillard's shall have the right to make the necessary deductions and withhold from any remuneration or from any reimbursement to which I may be entitled, an amount sufficient to fully cover and completely pay for all of my indebtedness to Dillard's. I also hereby agree that in no event shall Dillard's be liable for any loss or damage to my clothing or my personal property. In consideration of Dillard’s agreeing to consider my Application, I agree that effective on my submission of this Application, Dillard’s and I shall be entitled to the benefits of and mutually agree to become subject to Dillard’s RULES OF ARBITRATION (the “Rules”). The Rules will apply to any Legal Claim which may arise out of the application process or over Dillard’s failure or refusal to offer me employment. A free copy of the Rules is available A) by emailing a request for a copy to legal@dillards.com or B) by requesting a written copy of the Rules by dialing toll free 866-353-6787.
