Designer - Licensed Brands

At Renfro Brands, we’re innovators, collaborators, and sock lovers. From iconic licensed brands like Chaps & Ralph Lauren to major retailers like Target and Walmart, our NYC-based design team brings fashion-forward ideas to life. We’re looking for a passionate Women’s knitwear designer to help shape the future of legwear.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

SUMMARY:

Renfro Designers play a key role in developing the creative strategy, concepts, and product direction for assigned brands in collaboration with Senior Designers, the Design Director, and Brand Management leadership. They contribute forward-thinking ideas and conduct trend analysis tailored to their assigned brands and categories. Designers are responsible for seasonal product design and development from concept through final sample approval, including tech pack creation, factory communication, and prototype review.

In this role, Designers also support licensed fashion brands such as Chaps and Ralph Lauren, as well as private label lines for major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Belk. This work blends creative execution with strategic brand alignment to ensure each product reflects the unique identity and positioning of the brand.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend key milestone meetings for assigned brands and segments.
• Conduct market research on trending knit stitches, patterns, and colors.
• Analyze seasonal trends and market insights to inspire hosiery concepts and new product ideas.
• Translate brand concepts into segment-specific product lines based on seasonal strategy.
• Design licensed and private label products that align with brand identity.
• Collaborate with Senior Designers to develop compelling sock designs.
• Create and maintains CADs, pack charts, PLM assets, and presentation decks.
• Present final seasonal samples to Brand leadership for approval.
• Manage the product development lifecycle from concept through final sample approval.
• Generate technical specifications and construction details using PLM, Pointcarre, and Illustrator.
• Support Senior Designers and the Design Director to meet deadlines and company objectives.
• Adhere to the established Merchandising Planning Calendar.
• Identify and suggest improvements to design or development processes.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the design team.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong fashion design skills and keen aesthetic sense.
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with professionalism.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Design within fashion or textile design, or equivalent industry experience of 4 years or more.
• 3 -5 years of closely related design experience in legwear, apparel or knitwear.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Strong presentation skills to communicate and validate design concepts to internal sales teams and Brand Management leadership.
• Ability to visualize and develop a collection from CAD/graph to final product.
• Advanced CAD skills in color, print, and pattern design with a strong aesthetic sense for composition and color matching.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator required.
• Experience with PLM systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of Pointcarre is a plus.
• Solid understanding of sock and hosiery machinery and construction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to shifting demands.
• Self-starter with problem-solving skills and strong accountability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Generally, will work in climate controlled, smoke-free office environment.

*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.

AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without race, color, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected characteristics. *