Assistant Designer (Apparel)

Assistant Designer

Reports to: Designer

Who We Are

Weissman® is an American costume and dancewear design company celebrating over 60 years in business! For three generations, we’ve remained family-owned. All products are imagined, designed and developed at our St. Louis, Missouri headquarters with many products made here in our U.S. factory.

We are known for doing everything we can to ensure that our customers get the right product on time, every time. We employ great people, the newest automation and a drive for continuous improvement to wow our customers.

What You Will Do

Position Summary: The Assistant Designer is responsible for providing administrative assistance and organizational support to the Design Department, with a primary focus on data management and clerical duties and a secondary focus on design with mentoring. This position includes robust design training under the direction of a Design Mentor for future advancement to design positions. The Assistant Designer will be responsible for design based on skill level and department needs. This position requires close collaborative partnerships with Technical Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production.

Other Responsibilities:

• Design Team Assistance: Responsible for setting up, and maintaining product and fabric information in the Product Lifecycle Management System and other spreadsheets. Supports team members by running reports and tracking styles through the Design and Product Development departments. Assists Senior Designers and design team with special projects and daily tasks to meet design deadlines. Attends all design related meetings and assist with preparation, note taking, and organization.
• Trend and Market Knowledge: Under the direction of the Director of Design, selective research projects and trend/event recaps to identify new trends, fabrics, accessories, and techniques. Attends local dance recitals and competitions to analyze current dance trends. Training and learning about the Weissman customer, brands, and competitive landscape.
• Technical Skills: Creates technical flats for design team members. Fits prototypes with Design Mentor and Technical Design partners to maintain the intended design aesthetic. Fits photo samples for photo shoots after completing fit training with technical designers.
• Communication: Displays a high level of communication and presentation skills. Uses sound judgement; holds self and others accountable for their commitments and conduct.
• Business Analytics: Analyzes sales and assortment along with competitor’s assortments, pricing, and catalog/web presentations.
• Quality: Collaboratively works with Product Development team to ensure that all products meet or exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.
• Design: Based on skill set and department needs, works closely with a Design Mentor for training in illustration, flat sketching, fitting, and communicating designs that successfully translate relevant industry trends to the Weissman customer. Training on Weissman customer knowledge and competitive landscape. Beginning and learning to deliver creative concepts that have commercial appeal, meet sales and margin targets and have a satisfactory sketch selection rate, survey score, and adoption rate.

Expected Outcomes:

• Financial: Assists design team members to ensure planned sales and margin goals are met.
• Timelines: Meets all internal design, merchandising, purchasing and marketing deadlines as planned

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design (or relevant field) or equivalent experience
• 0 to 2+ years of professional experience in Apparel Design
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong illustration and CAD skills, strong fashion and color design aesthetic, and highly creative
• 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 multitask
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative team environment; flexible and adaptable to change
• Must align in value system professionally and personally with the culture of Weissman

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

Weissman offers competitive medical, dental and vision benefits; a 401(k) plan, vacation, and a friendly new facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

Equal Employee Opportunity Policy

Weissman’s Theatrical Supplies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.