Design Assistant Jobs in Montclair, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Aeropostale seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Design Assistant/ Coordinator to support our Design Team. This role acts as the key liaison between our head designers and third-party vendors, ensuring seamless communication, timely follow-ups, and accurate execution of design intent. The ideal candidate will combine strong communication skills with a foundation in garment knowledge, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the design team and third-party vendors.
• Communicate design intent, fit comments, and product details with clarity and accuracy.
• Coordinate the submission process for samples, lab dips, and other design-related approvals.
• Track and organize all incoming and outgoing submits to ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage email correspondence with vendors, maintaining a professional and timely response system.
• Support head designers by preparing and following up on fit comments, ensuring adjustments are communicated clearly.
• Maintain design libraries, records, and sample archives for quick reference.
• Assist in preparing design packages and presentations as needed.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to keep projects on schedule.
Position Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 1-2 years of experience
• Strong sketching skills with the ability to sketch quickly in Illustrator
• Must demonstrate proficiency in CAD, Photoshop, & Illustrator
• Must have ability to be flexible, multi-task and shift priorities
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Experience using PLM is a plus
• Understanding of the youth market and Aero customer
• Travel may be required, based on business needs.
• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.
• Must have authorization to work in the United States.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, Catalyst Brands offers a benefits package, including health care (medical, prescription, dental, vision), company paid life insurance and long term disability, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off programs starting with minimum 15-days based on role, overtime pay (if hourly), flexible work schedule, and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found here: https://sparcbenefits.com/Candidate-Benefits-Highlights
Reasonable Accommodation
The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to enable qualified employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Catalyst Brands is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law ("Protected Characteristics").
Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods
• Ability to reach at or below shoulder level
• Ability to carry equipment, move boxes/samples, etc.
• For Stores & Distribution Centers: Bend, lift, open and move product and fixtures up to 50 lbs., as needed.

Please note that the deadline for submitting your application for this position is three weeks from the date the job posting was published.
Send posting compliance concerns to WAcompliance-sm@jcp.com. This email is only for compliance concerns. Do not send compliance questions to the Company's retail locations or to the corporate office.