POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT (defines the major functions/purpose of the position)

The Design Assistant will support the Design team throughout the design process, be part of a creative environment collaborating with a dynamic design team and cross-functional partners in the business. Participate in the development of St. John collections within set timeframes and deadlines. Assist and manage special projects supporting Design department as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provides creative and tactical support to execute needs of the design studio- accurate flat sketching by hand and computer. Strong hand illustration skills preferred.
• Maintain updated record of all sketches and Design Detail Sheet (DDS).
• Assists in developing visual display boards of line development.
• Serve as a liaison between design and cross functional teams ie: design embellishment, technical, patternmaking, merchandising, and design purchasing.
• Trim research and style allocation-work with supervisors on researching new trims, responsible for trim selection for salesman samples, organization of trim design library, partner with trim purchasing on all aspects of the trim process.
• Seasonal mock up development with sample floor and in-house embellishment team..
• Communicates with technical team, pattern makers, and merchandising for undated design information.
• Participates in fittings as requested by designers to help with all required components.
• Assists with preparation of design meetings to ensure all necessary items are present and ready prior to the beginning of the scheduled meetings.
• Design into small projects given by supervisors.
• Execute pull up styles from previous seasons.
• Trend research- consistent online and in store research on the latest trends; compile monthly shopping report, actively participate and contribute in design discussion.
• Demonstrates aesthetic taste level in line with the St. John brand and artistic and creative understanding of St. John products.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management.
• Demonstrate impeccable follow up skills and creative solution solving skills.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Demonstrates aesthetic taste level aligned with luxury brand.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and engagement for fashion and aesthetics.
• Possess garment construction and fabric knowledge.
• Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance.
• Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations.
• Adheres to local, state and federal laws.
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position/department.
• Less than 20% travel may be required as necessary.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to work extended hours as needed to meet deadlines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
• Interacts with all levels throughout organization including employees and outside vendors
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are the minimum qualifications needed to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

COMPETENCIES:
• Creative
• Ability to multi-task
• Client Focus
• Business Acumen
• Innovation
• Embraces Change
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Optimistic
• Organization
• Planning
• Results Oriented
• Solutions Oriented
• Teamwork
• Time Management

Education/Experience:
• 1 – 3 years experience preferred
• A college level degree in Design; BFA strongly preferred
• Experience with a luxury women’s brand preferred
• Apparel technical, garment construction background
• Efficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, Photo Shop, Illustrator and InDesign

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands 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 allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must be able to see, hear and speak in order to communicate with employees and other customers
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Manual dexterity required using hands to finger; handle, feel and type; reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to lift, move and carry up to 20 lbs