Concept Designer (Freelance)

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities?

Here is what you need to know about the job:

This is a Temp to perm full-time Freelance hybrid role for a Concept Designer at Cobalt Knitwear. The Designer will be working directly with the Head of Design to assist them in concept development, brand strategy and line management, designing and creating knitwear products from start to finish, working with our teams across the globe, and staying updated on industry trends. This position is Hybrid and the candidate should be based within a commutable distance to the New York City Metropolitan Area. They will be partnering with our Sales team to gain market knowledge to create and execute enhanced seasonal strategies, from concept to delivery for major retailers and driving sales. Collaborating with our leadership, merchandising & design teams across the globe.

Strategy & Innovation

• Identify global emerging trends in stitch/pattern/yarn/silhouette and provide directional seasonally trend appropriate concepts for multiple brands and retailers.
• Attend trade shows and trend shows in New York City to work with established partner mills to develop yarn
• Shop the US market and global inspiration as well as partner with our Global team for newness to create data analytics.
• Perform competitive analysis and pull design concepts, presentation boards and decks for meetings, mock-ups, 3D CADs, AI mock-ups and inspirational photos, to Present to Senior management.
• Research and Development of seasonal yarn palettes providing direction to our Asia Counterparts to source and develop new yarns both core and novelty for all accounts.
• Partner with Design leads to provide design support for Account specific presentations.

Operations & Results

• Help Manage and maintain style plans, sales needs and emerging trends for design team.
• Ensure timely execution of product development calendar.
• Create Canva presentations, Ai imagery and style generation, illustrator sketches, review line sheets and ensure accuracy of product development.
• Select and create trend and seasonally appropriate color and pattern palettes for multiple brands.
• Work with Trend team Counterparts to assist in creation of runway reports, image libraries, monthly trend reports & MI

Customers and Relationships

• Co-ordinate follow-up with internal partners, including leadership, design, oversea design, sales and merchandising.
• Manage interoffice communication.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal customers.
• Collaborate with Sales and Senior Management in presenting, designing and following up for Accounts.
• Maintain strong relationships with yarn mills to source and develop new yarns for all Accounts.

Skills

• 3+ years of experience in concept design with an emphasis in knitwear
• Research Expert
• Strong illustration skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills
• Good yarn knowledge and familiar with the whole sweater development process
• Concept creation
• Familiar with design software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Ai platforms, Canva etc.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage the whole design process for multiple projects
• Good communication and presentation skills for handling internal and external clients
• Decision making
• Prioritizing
• Organizational skills
• Innovation

Compensation/Benefits:

• The approximate hourly rate range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00 per hour. The offered hourly rate for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set and years of experience.

#cobalt

If this sounds like you, Apply Now!

As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.