Ralph Lauren Design Assistant

About the Role

The Design Assistant, Polo Women's Sweaters provides administrative, technical, and creative support to the Sweater Design team throughout the seasonal product development process. This role supports line development, technical package maintenance, research, and design execution while ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely completion of deliverables. Working closely with Design, Product Development, and overseas partners, the Design Assistant helps facilitate day-to-day operations and contributes to bringing seasonal concepts to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Design team throughout the seasonal product development process, from concept through production.
• Assist with research on trends, silhouettes, yarns, construction techniques, patterns, textures, trims, and competitive market landscape.
• Maintain seasonal inspiration, research, and design archives.
• Create and update presentation boards, image layouts, and visual tools to support design reviews.
• Assist with sketching, detail sketches, and preparation of design documentation.
• Input and maintain accurate product information, images, and technical details within PLM and other design systems.
• Support technical package preparation and updates to ensure information is complete and accurate.
• Assist with grading layouts and organizing design assets.
• Build and maintain trim, yarn, and reference libraries.
• Communicate with cross-functional partners and overseas teams to support information sharing and project follow-up.
• Assist with sample tracking, line review preparation, and other seasonal milestones.
• Support general organization and administrative functions for the design team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign/XD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with AI-supported design tools and openness to leveraging emerging technologies within the product creation process.

Qualifications

• Internship or prior experience in apparel design preferred.
• Familiarity with sweater design, yarns, knitting techniques, and garment construction preferred.
• Experience working with PLM systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams.