Design Assistant (Florence, AL.)
Position: Design Assistant
Reports to: Senior Designer
THE BRAND
Billy Reid began designing under his own name 20 years ago. He created clothes he would want to wear, pairing beautiful fabrics with impeccable construction. In 2005, he opened his flagship store in his new hometown of Florence, Alabama where he would soon move his headquarters. Whether you’re shopping in one of our 15 shops across the country or browsing our e-commerce site, we want you to feel at home. We are always looking for hard-working, talented people to work with us and help us grow. Come in and stay awhile.
THE CULTURE
- Creative
- Team-oriented
- Fast-paced, deadlines
- High fashion, strong work ethic
RESPONSIBILITIES
Concept
- Research inspirational imagery under the concept direction for the season. (color, garment details, fabric, etc.
- Select Pantone colors based on color direction from the design
- Order Pantone swatches and organize cuttings and copies of the seasonal palette for the design team
- Set up color palette library in adobe illustrator
- Manage the set up of concept folders in the drive (color, imagery, details, etc)
- Format inspiration boards into a seasonal PDF document and add all color information. Select “Billy Reid” color names
- Create seasonal inspiration boards with imagery and fabrics from the concept direction
- Organize the fabric room each season with the new collection
- Set up copies of fabric inspiration to pass off to PD and the factory by category
- Assist in setting up the collection/materials for internal and final line reviews
Design
- Create digital flat sketches from the design's direction
- Develop stripe repeats from the design's direction
- Develop sweater artwork PDF files from design's direction
- Research market styles, construction details, and style inspiration
- Create digital sketches for mock-up requests or specific design details (custom rib trim, quilt pattern, etc) - Work with design to select fabric subs and organize fabric handoff to PD to send to the factory - Assist design to approve lab and yarn dips
- Assist in setting up product or content for in-person design meetings
- Attend BOM reviews to shadow process & taking notes when needed
- Develop colored in CADs for seasonal merchandising use
Market Prep
- Manage design notes column of the change log
- Organize trim changes with our alterations seamstress or trim updates in house
- Create style CADs for NuOrder - list provided by merch and wholesale
Technical Design
- Measuring samples for fittings
- Attend fittings to take notes & learn our fit process
- Organize archive samples
- Send packages as needed
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and hand sketching
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Powerpoint, and excel
- Bachelor's degree in apparel design preferred
- Understanding of garment construction
- Strong sense of organization
- Strong sense of communication and multi-tasking
*Must submit examples of work with resume*
KEY COMPETENCIES
Business Acumen: Understands our business model and operations, trends, the fashion industry, and organizational policies and procedures. Understands key business drivers for Billy Reid. Can easily adapt to the ever-changing fashion and retail environment. Can establish organizational and peer relationships.
Effective Communication: Can convey information to others clearly and simply in a way that means things are understood and get done. Actively listens, demonstrates patience in hearing people out, and effectively communicates up.
Relationship Management: Can quickly find common ground through respectfully engaging in solution-focused conversations, problem-solving, and a shared understanding of our business goals/strategy. Ability to represent one's own interest yet embraces/appreciates diverse perspectives of other groups. Encourages collaboration, is cooperative, and is seen as a team player. Celebrates milestones, from big wins and promotions.
Strategic Agility: Is future focused and goal-oriented with a nimble and flexible work style. Can see ahead clearly and anticipate future consequences and trends accurately. Makes it a point to share learnings from successes and failures along the way.
Operations Effectiveness: Sets clear objectives, metrics, and efficiently manages time. Follows through from challenge to creative resolution or (project completion). Challenges process in need of improvement and behave as a leader by taking accountability for the outcomes of your work. Monitors process, progress, and results. Uses resources effectively and efficiently. Entrepreneurial spirit with the agility to thrive in a dynamic environment.
THE BENEFITS
- Generous product discounts
- Paid time off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Employer matched 401(k) plan
THE PLACE
Our Headquarters are located in Florence, Alabama, known for its thriving downtown and lush, natural beauty, located in the northwest corner of the state on the Tennessee River. A thriving art and music culture and public university contribute to a dynamic community geared toward growth. National and regional magazines annually rank Florence on best-of lists for small towns and education. Nashville and Birmingham are a two-hour drive from Florence.
THE PROCESS
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity, have a commitment to quality, and thrive off working with smart, creative people, send your resume to careers@billyreid.com or respond to this job posting here on Handshake.
Here at Billy Reid, we believe a diverse workplace fosters creativity, is critical to the success of our company, and benefits our communities. We seek to recruit, hire, and promote based on the candidate or employee’s qualifications and merit. No regard will be given to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer that provides a respectful workplace for all employees.