Senior Designer – Junior's (Sets + Bottoms)

Description We are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Apparel Designer to join our team and partner closely with the Design Director in developing trend-driven, commercially successful Juniors’ ready-to-wear collections with a focus on knit and woven sets, separates, and bottoms. This role will play a key part in driving the design process from concept through production, combining strong creative vision with technical expertise, organizational excellence, and a deep understanding of the young adult fashion market. The ideal candidate has a strong eye for trends, the ability to translate inspiration into brand-right product, and the confidence to collaborate with cross-functional teams and overseas vendors in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities Partner with the Design Director to develop seasonal Juniors’ ready-to-wear collections aligned with brand direction, customer needs, and market trends. Create trend-forward apparel designs, including sketches, colorways, concept presentations, mood boards, and product direction using Adobe Illustrator. Develop cohesive knit and woven assortments, including sets, separates, and bottoms, from concept through production. Conduct trend, competitive, and market research to identify opportunities and inform seasonal design direction. Create detailed technical packages and product specifications within PLM to clearly communicate design intent to vendors. Review and approve samples, providing feedback on fit, construction, quality, and execution while troubleshooting development challenges to maintain product integrity and timelines. Manage daily communication with overseas vendors to track development progress, communicate approvals, resolve issues, and ensure timely sample delivery. Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical Design, Production, Sales, Merchandising, and Graphic Design teams to ensure product aligns with customer expectations, account requirements, and business objectives. Incorporate customer feedback and market insights into product development while maintaining brand aesthetic. Manage multiple seasonal projects, deadlines, and development milestones while maintaining accurate design files, technical packages, sample tracking, and documentation. Provide guidance and support to junior design team members and contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced, solutions-oriented design environment. Stay current on fashion trends, competitive shopping, and industry developments to support innovative and commercially successful product. Application Requirements Please include a portfolio and/or website showcasing your design work, particularly within the Juniors’ or young adult apparel market. Submissions should demonstrate strong design aesthetic, technical execution, and ability to develop commercially successful product. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field 5+ years of professional apparel design experience, with a focus on knit and woven categories Experience designing for the Juniors’ / young adult market strongly preferred Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims, and manufacturing processes Proven ability to take product from concept through final production Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; experience with Photoshop preferred Experience creating technical packages and working within PLM systems Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and overseas vendors Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset Passion for fashion, trend research, and delivering commercially relevant product Hybrid Work Schedule 4 days a week in the office, Fridays at home New York Pay Rate $80,000 - $115,000 We strive to hire and nurture amazing talent. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment. Company Overview Golden Touch is a family owned and operated wholesale apparel manufacturer with a mission to deliver trend focused products for nearly 50 years. We produce private label brands for large mass market retailers across the globe specializing in children’s, junior, missy and women’s apparel. Diversity Vision Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. We are an equal employment opportunity for minorities, females, protected veterans, and the disabled. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.