Knitwear Designer

Natick, MA

The Knitwear Designer will create and execute on the vision of the Chief Creative Officer, ensuring that the product is consistent with market trends while maintaining the brand identity and supports overall business strategy. Candidates will have a passion for the NIC+ZOE brand and customer with a strong eye for trend and color. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organization skills with the ability to direct and develop junior designers.

The Designer will be an integral member of the design and development function. The Designer will be working in a fast paced team oriented environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

Responsible for the research, design and development of silhouettes in knits
Responsible for yarn sourcing and swatch development
Develop brand-appropriate knitwear in line with seasonal concepts and color palettes. Design with entire collection in mind.
Partner with Design and Product Manager to review lab dips
Sketch and present concepts based on design direction to COO
Set up tech packs and communicate design details to technical design team
Oversee prototype fittings. Correct technical details and sketches for samples.

OWNERSHIP

Participate in creative collaboration across the design team.
Drive and manage creative process to deliver projects on time and on budget; track and manage multiple project timelines in various stages of completion to ensure all timelines are met.
Ensure creative output is consistently brand appropriate
Manage the design and development process from concept through final proto/sample, including but not limited to flat sketch, initial spec, tech packs, trim details and production fit approval.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

4 year degree in Design or related field
3 - 5 years of knitwear experience, high level of proficiency in knitwear
History of contributing innovations within a collaborative environment
Knowledge of yarn and knitwear construction and finishes
Adept at understanding yarns; how to color top dyes and yarn dyes
Strong understanding of garment construction
Confident sense of style, silhouette and color
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer knowledge in PDM, Photoshop/Illustrator
Strong attention to detail, with powerful organizational, time management, and presentation skills
Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a fast paced environment
Well organized, problem solver with a positive can do attitude
Ability to motivate, lead and work well cross functionally
Potential for International and domestic travel