Free People Associate Designer - Denim

This position is located at 5000 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19112 United States

Free People is seeking an Associate Designer- Denim. At Free People our Associate Denim Designer plays a key role in supporting the design process from initial concept through final production. This role will work closely with the team to help bring our collections to life. It’s an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about Denim, pushing boundaries in design and is eager to contribute to the ongoing development of Free People’s denim business. 

• Design & Trend: Develop original designs in denim, researching current fashion trends and translating them into new designs for the Free People customer.
• Technical Design: Create detailed sketches and tech packs using Adobe Illustrator/Procreate for monthly design packages.
• Development: Collaborate on monthly collections, managing trim sourcing, BOM updates, and sample tracking.
• Fabric & Structure: Utilize knowledge of denim washes, treatments, details and construction to design innovative silhouettes, details and styles found Only At Free People.
• Communication: Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams (production, buying, tech design) to ensure accurate, timely product execution.
• Contributes to the design and development of denim wholesale and retail assortment in collaboration with Designer & Design Director
• Support seasonal development calendar in partnership with designer/buyers/technical designers/production
• Execute specific design development projects as assigned by the designer
• Prepare development packages and participate in all communication and follow up related to each package in partnership with the Design Coordinator. Responsible for updating category styles in web PDM.
• Manage development and execution of trim and artwork packages.
• Set up spec sheets for all bodies. Communicate fit and construction details to Technical Design department. Complete all technical sketches for domestic and overseas programs.
• Maintain an active role in the weekly Design Flow Meeting. Take notes and follow up on all outstanding issues.

• Bachelor Degree in Apparel Design and 4+ years professional design experience specific to denim, woven or related category.
• Ability to collaborate with our team in person 3-5 days per week at our World Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with partners in Merchandising, Production, and Free People Design.
• Ability to successfully work in a team environment, managing up when needed.
• Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions.
• Strong knowledge and professional experience in denim and woven apparel construction, fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of woven manufacturing techniques and processes.
• Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color direction, and fabric innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season.
• Ability to recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to the Free People target customer.
• Ability to sketch or to communicate design ideas via computer program, Ai knowlege/experience is a plus!
• Ability to clearly communicate to overseas vendors.

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

To view information related to various state-specific wage transparency laws, click here. Please also note, if a full-time role is eligible to participate in the Sales Bonus Program, this may result in bringing the total compensation to a higher range.

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.