Assistant Designer, Exclusives

Location: Dearborn, MI  

Department: Global Product Design 

Reports to: Manager, Design Exclusives  

Job Classification: Hybrid  

FLSA: Exempt  

Job Band: Professional   

Job Summary

The Assistant Designer is responsible for supporting the creation of consumer-focused designs within multiple sub-categories of products across Men’s and Women’s that exceed the needs of our consumers, the market, and the needs of our top accounts.  The Assistant Designer will work collaboratively with their cross- functional partners, focused on executing against accelerated timelines to provide market segmentation and differentiation opportunities for key accounts and D2C.

We Are All Leaders at Carhartt

In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

Representative Responsibilities

• Assist in creating and refining design options to meet new product opportunities and exceed consumer needs.
• Create sketches including concept designs, flat view sketches, illustrations and color ways across all categories within Men’s and Women’s.  multiple sub-categories.
• Responsible for supporting capsule inspiration and concepts, researching to maintain and develop knowledge of the industry including materials and relevant technologies. Participate in market trips and trade shows to gather product insights.

• Brainstorms unique product solutions that support brand growth and strategic initiatives.
• Present new design ideas and concepts to Design and Merchandising teams.
• Partners with cross-functional teams (PD, TD, Merch) to ensure creative direction is followed, as well as communicate project details to internal partners as needed.
• Support with handoff of designs to Product Development and Technical Design teams while following multiple timelines.
• Manage and maintain Design owned responsibilities in PLM.
• Attend fit sessions for all exclusive products, as well as collaborative mainline projects, as needed.
• Assist with presentation needs for all key meetings.
• Will float between multiple categories based on workload needs.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Industrial Design, or related field, or equivalent years of experience in lieu of degree. 

Required Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of apparel design and construction required.
• Advanced computer skills including working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud programs.
• Experience with PLM preferred.
• Experience with Miro or another virtual collaboration platform preferred.
• Experience manipulating placement graphics, all over print designs, or plaids is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop strong business relationships and work effectively in a team environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and multi-task with excellent attention to details.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Extended periods of time sitting, standing, typing on a computer is required.
• Light lifting may be required up to 10 lbs.
• Willing to work some weekends if necessary.
• National and International travel required (up to 20%).

• This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.

• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

#LI-Hybrid