Associate Designer

Associate Designer


Position Summary: Weissman/Dancewear Solutions is a national Recital Costume/Dancewear catalog/web retailer and manufacturer that is experiencing rapid growth. The

Associate Designer is responsible for the design of costumes or dancewear that is highly creative, brand relevant, and trend appropriate products for the


Weissman customer. This individual protects the integrity of the brand by delivering products that fulfill the Merchandising strategies and meet the customers’ expectations in quality, design, and functionality. The Associate Designer also supports the Design Team as needed. The experience and performance of an Associate Designer are at a higher level than Assistant Designer. This position requires close collaborative partnerships with Technical Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production.


Responsibilities: Design: Under the direction of the Director of Design and a Design Mentor, has the ability to deliver creative concepts that have commercial appeal, meet sales and margin targets and have a good sketch selection rate, survey score, and adoption rate. Takes into consideration fabric and trim usage and salability of all

designs. Works closely with a Design Mentor while illustrating, flat sketching, fitting, and communicating designs to successfully translate relevant industry

trends to the Weissman customer.


Design Team Assistance: Assists Senior Designers and Designers with special projects and daily tasks to meet design deadlines. Trend and Market Knowledge: Responsible for researching global and domestic markets to identify new trends, fabrics, accessories, and techniques; ensures the product is consistent with market trends while maintaining brand integrity and business strategies. Completes selective research projects as requested by the Design Team. Attends local dance recitals and competitions to analyze current dance trends. Demonstrates good knowledge of the Weissman customer, brand, and competitive landscape.


Technical Skills: Creates technical flats of designs with accurate construction callouts and assists with flats for design team members. Communicates design

details to Pattern Makers and Technical Designers. Fits prototypes and pre-production samples independently with assistance from Technical Design

partners to maintain the design aesthetic including silhouette, fit, and styling direction.


Leadership: Introduction of leadership qualities and opportunities; starts to successfully train and mentor interns with a focus on team assistance, company

growth, and design development based on skills.


Communication: Displays a great level of communication and presentation skills. Ability to communicate creative vision from concept to finished product and

present designs to merchants for line consideration. Uses sound judgment; holds self and others accountable for their commitments and conduct.


Business Analytics: Consistently drives sales and performance by analyzing sales and assortment along with competitors’ assortments, pricing, and catalog/web

presentations.


Quality: Collaboratively works with the Product Development team to ensure that all products meet or exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.


Expected Outcomes: Financial: Designs that consistently meet planned sales and margin goals.


Timelines: Meets all internal Design, Merchandising, Purchasing, and Marketing

deadlines as planned.


Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Apparel Design


2 to 5+ years of professional experience in Apparel Design


Excellent illustration and CAD skills, fashion and color design aesthetic, and ability to design highly creative concepts


Strong aesthetic related to the Weissman brands and customer base


Understanding of garment construction, fit, finishes, and industry resources


Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud

Strong work ethic and ability to work and design independently, excels in prioritizing work, and places a high value on time effectiveness.


Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative team environment; flexible and adaptable to change


Displays a strong commitment professionally and personally with Weissman’s mission and values


SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT PORTFOLIO, LINKS, OR ATTACHMENTS, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

NO CALLS

To apply, send your resume with cover letter to careers@weissmans.com

All candidates considered must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.