Assistant Designer, Wrangler Outdoor

Job description

Who We Are: Kontoor Brands is a portfolio of three of the world’s most iconic lifestyle, outdoor and workwear brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Helly Hansen®. Kontoor Brands is a purpose-led organization focused on leveraging its global platform, strategic sourcing model and best-in-class supply chain to drive brand growth and deliver long- term value for its stakeholders. Job Posting: Assistant Designer – Wrangler Outdoor Kontoor Brands is seeking an Assistant Designer to join the Wrangler Outdoor team. This position reports to the Designer and supports the design and development of seasonal product across Wrangler Outdoor, with additional exposure to Workwear, Non-Denim Outerwear, and Flame Resistant (FR) Workwear . The Assistant Designer will work closely with Design and cross-functional partners to help develop innovative, trend-right product that aligns with merchandising briefs while remaining true to Wrangler’s brand DNA. This role provides an opportunity to build a strong foundation in apparel design, product development, and the seasonal design process while supporting the team’s day-to-day activities and key milestones. The role will contribute to both creative design and development as well as the organization and execution required to move product through the development process, including color approvals, artwork development, CADs, fit and prototype reviews, and design presentations. Responsibilities Assist the Design team in the development and execution of seasonal product lines and special projects, including fabric, trims, artwork, color, and overall style details . Support the creation of design presentations, seasonal decks, and CAD sheets , ensuring information is accurate and up to date. Develop and maintain the Design Development Tracker and support organization of key seasonal deliverables. Partner with the Designer to review and approve color lab dips, strike-offs, handlooms, and other development submissions . Work with the Designer to create and maintain 3D CADs for seasonal line assortments. Create plaids, simple repeats, and other print/pattern artwork for seasonal collections. Support preparation for prototype and fit reviews , including organizing samples, documenting feedback, and tracking follow-up actions. Take clear and detailed notes during proto reviews, fit sessions, and other key milestone meetings and communicate action items to appropriate partners. Collaborate with cross-functional partners and development teams to help keep projects organized, on schedule, and aligned with the seasonal design direction. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Art, Graphic Design , or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered. Approximately 1 year of professional experience and/or training in apparel design preferred. Strong illustration and design skills , including hand sketching, Adobe Illustrator, and a strong sense of color. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required. Familiarity with V-Stitcher or other 3D apparel design software preferred but not required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office , including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to think creatively while maintaining a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality . Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and adapt as priorities and responsibilities evolve. Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn, contribute, and work effectively as part of a team. Leadership Competencies Expected for this Role: Foundational Leader Global Agility – Be open and adapt quickly when things change Purposeful Integrity – Do the right thing, even when no one is watching Strategic Foresight – Think ahead and plan for what’s coming Customer Centric Innovation – Find better ways to serve our customers Urgency for Impact – Act fast and get results that matter Bold Accountability – Take ownership of your work and results Empowered Collaboration – Work well with others to get things done Why Kontoor Brands? At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products. When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family’s needs – now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement. We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.