Assistant/Associate Designer, Girl's Footwear

About the Role

American Exchange Group is seeking an Assistant or Associate Footwear Designer to support the design and development of Girls footwear across licensed brands and private label programs for the off-price market. The role is onsite 5 days a week at the NYC HQ. Both Assistant and Associate level candidates are welcome.

Key Responsibilities

• Takes direction from the Design Team and expands on it, bringing their own vision.
• Translates trend and market research into innovative, brand-appropriate designs.
• Creates viable designs through CADs.
• Manages sample check-in and collaborates with relevant groups to resolve sample-related issues.
• Uses Illustrator and Photoshop to create artwork for development.
• Participates in seasonal trend presentations using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Prepares presentation decks and presents design ideas to leadership and customers.
• Prepares development packages for the Footwear Collection.
• Assists in sourcing materials, managing design libraries, and preparing samples.
• Creates tech packs including specs, technical information, and sample/proto design comments.
• Reviews development samples in a timely manner and updates tech packs with agreed-upon changes.
• Other related job functions as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Highly skilled in PhotoShop and proficient in Illustrator.
• Experience with Adobe InDesign preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Basic knowledge in footwear construction.

Qualifications

• Degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Accessories Design, or similar.
• Ability to research market trend information.
• Organized, dedicated, and process-driven with heavy attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workload, and execute projects with fast-turnaround, under budget, and ahead of deadlines.
• High energy level and a passion for work and the business.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to be flexible for business needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with China team, clients, and factories.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time.
• Able to quickly adapt and meet deadlines.
• Desire to learn, acquire new skills, and take on new challenges.