Associate Designer, Wrangler Men's Tops

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders.

Job Posting:

Associate Designer, Wrangler Men’s Tops

Kontoor Brands is currently seeking an Associate Designer for our Wrangler Global Men’s Design team. This position reports to the Designer and is responsible for supporting all design activities related to Wrangler Western. This person will support cross-functional work streams to drive new, trend right and innovative product consistent with the merchandising brief while staying true to the Brand DNA.  Learning and gaining the foundations to become a strong designer, to understand the design process/efficiencies, and fully supports the design team in the day-to-day functions.

This position reports to the lead Designer and is responsible for supporting all design activities related to Wrangler Western Men’s Tops. The Associate Designer has responsibility in owning a portion of the business – category or capsule from concept to pre-production. Works with Head Designer to build out concept, color, artwork direction, fabric and trims, and wash direction. Has the fundamentals of becoming a strong designer, understands the design process/efficiencies, and fully supports the design team in the day-to-day functions.

Responsibilities:  

• Work with manager to design key items to fit into the seasonal concepts and color palettes. 
• Market research of inspirational and competitor brands. Stay connected to what’s happening in the market and understand the trends that are emerging. Translate market research into new seasonal product designs.

• Work with managing designer to select new fabrics, trims, and washes under cost parameters.
• Draw accurate flat sketches as well as detailed sketches for technical packages. 
• Capability of building yarn-dyes and basic prints for each seasonal collection.
• Collaborate with technical designer to create specs for each style.  
• Troubleshoot product development related problems to maintain on-time delivery for market meeting samples. 

• Open and available for domestic travels.
• Attend fit meetings and communicate detailed comments on fit and construction to technical design team and Asia partners.
• Enter and track all virtual and physical prototypes.
• Support team to build Design presentation decks and create and maintain Design cadsheets.
• Develop and maintain Design Development Tracker.
• Responsible for working with Designer to approve color labdips, strike-offs, and handlooms.
• Responsible for taking notes in proto and fit reviews and any other key milestone meetings.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel design, art, graphics or equivalent combination of experience preferred 
• 2-3 years of professional experience in apparel design.
• Knowledge and understanding of sourcing fabrics and trims.

• Strong knowledge of garment construction and fit.
• Strong knowledge of garment finishing and washing.
• Proficient in designing - Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop, etc, flat sketching skills, and building tech packs.
• Familiar with V-Stitcher/3D design – preferred but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs - as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership and initiative in your category, ability to problem solve, think creatively, focus on the details, and a commitment to high quality of work.
• Highly organized and has able to communicate appropriately.
• Strong multi-tasking capabilities – be able to be flexible and agile while prioritizing time and deadlines.
• Have a positive attitude and outlook and be a team player.

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.