Design Associate, Trim & R&D

Location:

Secaucus, New Jersey

Job Summary:

The Design Associate, Trim & R&D supports the day-to-day operational needs of the R&D team, ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely updates across all development tools. This role is responsible for maintaining fabric and trim (including marketing trims) development data, tracking testing, and updating seasonal charts. The Design Assistant plays a key role in facilitating cross-functional communication, managing development workflows, and ensuring all materials, systems, and documentation remain current, accurate, and aligned with seasonal timelines. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced product development environment.

Responsibilities:

Key Accountabilities:

• Support the day-to-day operational needs of the R&D team, ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely updates across all development tools
• Maintain fabric and trim (including marketing trims) development data, testing trackers, and seasonal charts
• Create and maintain seasonal order trackers in SharePoint
• Update seasonal master charts with newly landed fabrications and trims
• Upload newly landed trim images into PLM and ensure all associated data is accurately captured
• Create Seasonal Denim Wash, Non-SAP, S/D, and 3rd Party License Collaboration colors in PLM
• Update, create, and maintain Label & Packaging PLM codes, including uploading images
• Track test reports, ensuring results are entered into shared testing charts and flagged appropriately
• Maintain the Fabric Attribute Chart to ensure all fabric details remain current and accurate
• Monitor Miro boards daily during PSY ordering deadlines and update corresponding trackers
• Communicate with cross-functional teams including Design, Sourcing, and overseas partners on ongoing fabric and trim development
• Participate in Packaging & Label R&D emails and meetings to stay informed of developments and production issues
• Schedule mill and vendor appointments and manage all follow-up actions post-meeting
• Send replenishment color chiclets to HK or Pakistan Color Room when requested
• Maintain fabric and trim libraries and seasonal fabric binders, ensuring organization and accuracy of materials
• Maintain existing Design Label Guides and update them for new developments
• Support new developments and special project labels through approval and upload final images into PLM
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and tracking
• Manage and prioritize multiple tasks across fast-moving development calendars
• Maintain strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to follow-up and documentation
• Communicate effectively and collaborate across cross-functional teams
• Demonstrate proficiency in PLM systems, SharePoint, Miro, and Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced preferred)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Development, Product Development, Merchandising, or a related field preferred

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in apparel design, product development, or R&D support (internships included)

• Familiarity with fabric and trim development processes within the apparel industry strongly preferred

• Experience working with global teams or overseas vendors is a plus

Skills & Behaviors:

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on data integrity
• Highly organized and process-driven with the ability to multitask
• Adaptable and able to work under tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership

Hourly/Salary

$50,000.00 - $125,000.00 Salary

o Benefits include: Bonus eligible (depending on role), Paid Time Off, Employee Discount, 401(k) and company match, Wellness Reimbursement, Adoption Assistance, free backup care (for kids, pets & the elderly), choice of health insurance plans, company-paid life/AD&D, short and long term disability, a variety of voluntary benefits and an employee assistance program. Benefit offerings are subject to change and vary by role/level for each position. Respective waiting periods may apply to certain benefit offerings.

The Children's Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.