Associate Designer

About this opportunity...

The Associate Designer supports the development and execution of seasonal Men’s apparel collections and private-label initiatives, working closely with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure products align with Ross brand standards, design vision, customer expectations, quality requirements, cost objectives, and development timelines.

This role combines creative design, trend and market intelligence, and strong product development execution. The Associate Designer helps translate customer needs, cultural influences, competitive insights, and emerging trends into commercially relevant product while supporting assigned styles from concept through sample approval. The role serves as a day-to-day Design contact for assigned vendors and product categories, ensuring clear communication, accurate execution of design intent, and timely progression through the development process.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, curious, and creative, with strong product instincts and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The successful Associate Designer will\:

• Deliver accurate, timely product development support throughout the design lifecycle.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned styles, projects, and milestones.
• Contribute creative, customer-relevant design ideas that support business objectives and private-label brand development.
• Build strong relationships with internal partners and external vendors.
• Balance creativity with cost, value, quality, commercial viability, and on-time execution.

The base salary range for this role is $67,600 – $76,000. The base salary range is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards vary by position and location.

What you will do and what you will learn…

Design & Product Development

• Support the development and execution of seasonal Men’s apparel collections, private-label brands, and collaborative product initiatives.
• Contribute to seasonal concepts, color palettes, fabrications, prints, washes, and silhouettes that align with brand positioning, customer needs, and commercial objectives.
• Create and maintain technical sketches, design specifications, and tech packs using Adobe Illustrator and PLM systems.
• Assist with fabric, trim, color, wash, and construction development in partnership with Designers and cross-functional teams.
• Participate in fit sessions and product reviews, documenting revisions and ensuring accurate execution of design changes.
• Develop mood boards, concept presentations, line reviews, and seasonal storytelling materials; clearly communicate design thinking to Design leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Conduct ongoing trend, market, competitive, and consumer research to identify emerging shifts and translate insights into actionable product opportunities.
• Participate in regular competitive shopping, market visits, trade shows, and vendor research to identify new product, materials, innovation, and relevant market direction.
• Support the development and evolution of Men’s private-label brand identities, helping maintain consistency of customer positioning, product aesthetic, and seasonal storytelling.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Ross Men’s customer and translate customer needs, cultural influences, and market trends into compelling, commercially relevant product.
• Explore and leverage emerging AI and digital design tools to accelerate research, ideation, visualization, and product development.

Vendor & Sample Management

• Serve as the day-to-day Design contact for assigned vendors and product categories.
• Communicate design intent, product details, fit comments, and development updates clearly to vendors and factories.
• Coordinate and track samples, lab dips, approvals, and development submissions to ensure adherence to deadlines.
• Maintain sample libraries, design archives, market research, and development records.
• Own assigned styles through the development process from initial concept and sketch through sample approval, escalating issues as needed to protect design intent, quality, and timing.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, and Sourcing teams to align product development with line plans, costing objectives, customer needs, and key milestones.
• Support seasonal calendars, adoption meetings, line reviews, and other cross-functional checkpoints.
• Ensure accurate and timely updates within PLM systems and internal tracking tools.

What you need to be successful...

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of apparel design or product development experience, including internships.
• Experience working with third-party vendors and overseas factories preferred.
• Apparel industry experience required.
• Portfolio required.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics, trims, and apparel manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical sketching and product specification skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly when partnering with external vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience leveraging AI and emerging digital design tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for research, ideation, concept development, and design visualization.
• Strong fashion awareness and product instinct, with the ability to interpret trend, market, and customer insights into commercially relevant apparel.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and sound judgment.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and receptive to feedback.

Perks and Benefits of joining our team...

Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits that reflect how much we value their contributions. Here's a peek into what you can expect as an eligible Ross Associate\:

• A broad range of affordable health insurance options & personal medical plan concierge
• 401(k) with employer match and Life insurance
• Ample PTO including accrued vacation, paid holidays, diversity day, summer Fridays and the ability to purchase additional vacation
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Access to health and wellness benefits such as BetterHelp and Headspace
• Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation
• And more....

*benefits vary by level and position and are subject to change

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