Design Assistant - Men's - Rhone Apparel, Inc.

About the Company:

Founded in 2014, Rhone is a wellness brand dedicated to championing Mental Fitness and creating clothing that's not only engineered for optimal style, comfort, and performance, but designed to enhance every aspect of the active individual's life. Led by brothers Nate & Ben Checketts, Rhone is fueled by a clear vision: positively impacting lives through a commitment to physical and Mental Fitness, inspiring community, and crafting performance-driven products. Rhone's purpose is straightforward yet impactful: to inspire those who challenge themselves in their relentless pursuit of progress. In addition to a robust E-commerce business and a strong wholesale presence, Rhone currently has 15 retail stores across the U.S., all of which are used for building community through various initiatives such as the brand's signature Mind & Muscle events.

About the Role: 

The Design Assistant will work hand in hand with the Chief Product Officer (CPO), Design Director (DD), and the Merchandising, Design & Product Development Team to help facilitate the execution of products in all product categories for multiple seasons.  The ideal candidate has an eye for design, keen attention to detail, and is creatively talented.  The Design Assistant is organized and hardworking will have the ability to perform all functions of the job both quickly and efficiently. 

What you’ll do:

• Actively participate in the full product life cycle from design and development through handoff to sales and marketing  

• Provide both creative and practical support: Design Development, PLM, Sketching/CADS, Lab Dip Approvals, Tech Packaging as well as administrative duties relating to organization of all submits and materials

• Update, maintain, and develop carryover, seasonal technical packages, and garment details/ information; build the technical packages ensuring complete information for garment execution by the factory (including all needed layouts/ diagrams to illustrate garment information/clarity)

• With Design Director oversight, have the opportunity to design and oversee specific product categories

• Responsible for upholding the design/ brand integrity as stipulated in Brand Guidelines

• Assist in researching and monitoring the consumer and competitive marketplace to identify opportunities including inspiration trips and offsites, trend forecasting and creating mood boards  

• Lead communications between design, merchandising, and production teams with appropriate and timely responses

• Attend and participate in fit sessions with the Design Team;  in partnership with technical design, ensure accurate note taking for specific updates, making revisions to sketches and corresponding to design BOM’s

• Present design/ trim/ color concepts to the Design Director and cross-functional team members; prepare complete and accurate development packages for development and costing 

• Perform other related duties as assigned

What you’ll bring:

• You have a Bachelor’s degree with design major

• 2+ years of professional experience preferred

• You have impeccable attention to detail, time management and are extremely organized

• You are a self-starter capable of operating semi-autonomously but always collaboratively 

• You are a team player who is not afraid to take on additional assignments that appear above or beneath you

• You have strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate openly and easily

• You are efficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Docs and Excel; experience with PLM a plus

• Experience with men’s activewear product a plus

What you’ll get:

• 10 Company paid holidays per year

• Discretionary PTO plan

• Flexible work schedule/hours

• Medical/Vision/Dental 

• 401k enrollment and rollover opportunity

• Generous Clothing discount plus semi-annual issuance of Rhone gift card

• Monthly virtual company activities

Job Type: Full-Time/Hybrid

Reports to: Design Director

Location:  Stamford, CT