Associate Designer (CeCe) at BCI Brands

Our Company: Originally founded in 1975, BCI has continually evolved to become a leader in the women’s fashion industry. Launching initially with CHAUS and private label lines and then expanding into a multi-brand platform business, we have been at the forefront of market trends and the changing retail environment.

Our brands, including CeCe, Vince Camuto, Ted Baker, 1.State and Parker, each serve unique customer demographics but are united in their commitment to quality and style. As we expand our presence, BCI remains dedicated to innovation, excellence, and women’s empowerment through fashion.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a creative, highly organized, and motivated Associate Designer to join our Design team. This role will support the Head of Design and Designer throughout the product development process, from initial concept and trend research through development and final production.

The ideal candidate has a strong contemporary fashion sensibility, strong technical design skills, and the ability to balance creativity with commercial and merchandising needs. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and can pivot quickly as business needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Design and Designer throughout the seasonal design and development process, from initial inspiration and concept development through final production.
• Research seasonal and emerging fashion, color, fabric, print, and silhouette trends and contribute to inspiration boards, concept boards, sketches, and seasonal presentations that align with brand identity and business strategy.
• Support fast-turn and chase collection development, helping execute new product opportunities while balancing current production and seasonal development timelines.
• Update and reinterpret reorder and carryover bodies with fresh design ideas, fabrics, colors, prints, and details that reflect upcoming trends and established seasonal direction.
• Source and develop fabrics, trims, and novelty materials for seasonal and chase development, identifying appropriate options based on design intent, garment construction, cost, and production requirements.
• Partner closely with Production and Fabric teams on fabric and trim development, including reviewing counters, sourcing alternatives, supporting cost-driven material changes, and assisting with mill and material options based on production needs while maintaining design intent.
• Partner with the CAD/Print team on print development, recolors, scale, placement, and artwork updates based on creative direction from the Head of Design and Designer; coordinate revisions and prepare options for review.
• Create accurate flat sketches in Procreate or Adobe Illustrator and partner with the Technical Designer to create, maintain, and update tech packs throughout the development and production process.
• Assist with reviewing and commenting on lab dips, strike-offs, and development submits for assigned styles, partnering with the Designer and Head of Design on approvals as needed.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, Technical Design, and other cross-functional teams to keep development moving and ensure design intent is maintained throughout the process.
• Contribute to fabric, color, print, and style assortments with a strong merchandising and commercial perspective.
• Support the Design team with seasonal files, development materials, design sheets, and PLM updates as needed, particularly during peak development and production periods.

Requirements

• 3+ years of fashion design experience, preferably within the contemporary market.
• Strong understanding of contemporary fashion, market trends, and commercial product development.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabric qualities, and production processes, with the ability to evaluate fabric and trim alternatives while maintaining design intent.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with the ability to create accurate technical flat sketches; Procreate experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining detailed tech packs.
• Working knowledge of print development and placement prints, including scale, layout, and placement.
• Strong eye for color, print, fabric, proportion, and merchandising, with the ability to contribute to cohesive product assortments.
• Highly organized and able to pivot quickly, reprioritize, and manage multiple development timelines as new product opportunities arise outside of the normal seasonal calendar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; experience with Exenta and/or Centric PLM is a plus.
• Portfolio required.

The annual salary for this full-time role is $66,300.

Benefits

• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k Program
• Paid Time Off
• Robust Holiday Schedule
• Commuter Benefits
• Training & Development
• Growth Opportunities!

BCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Applicants are considered regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, family responsibility, national origin or ancestry citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, or as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic in accordance with applicable law.