Job Description

Performance Apparel Designer

Free People Movement is seeking a Performance Apparel Designer to provide temporary support to our Performance Apparel Design Team! The Temporary Performance Apparel Designer will be responsible for the ideation and development of design innovation initiatives in relation to the FP Movement collection through independent research as well as strong collaboration with design, merchant, and sourcing team partners. They identify new opportunities and support strategies to drive innovation in FP Movement product in alignment with our customer and brand vision. Their focus will be around concentrating on our Outdoor/Hike, Court Sport and Run activities as a part of the collection.

This is a 3-6 month temporary opportunity on-site at our Philadelphia, PA Home Office. Interested and qualified candidates who live outside of a commutable distance can be provided financial assistance to make themselves local for the duration of this opportunity.

Role Responsibilities

Creative:

• Collaborate with Design, Merchant, and Product Development partners to develop new concepts within the active apparel and accessory space that support business needs and future growth.
• Understanding the FP Movement Customer's needs to identify potential opportunities in our assortment and develop recommendations related to innovation in new technologies, fabrications, and details.
• Identify opportunities within garment constructions and other details that enhance product performance and address FP Movement Customer's needs.
• To validate, test, fail, test and define each concept by collaborating with the merchant and product development teams in our timelines.
• Research and present findings on new concepts, activities and potential for new product/category offerings that align with the FP Movement customer and brand vision.
• Key focus around "new-to-brand" design concepts through ideation around hike, run and court sports. Focus on bringing new direction into design concepts and to bring this through to commercialisation of a product.
• Respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions.
• Develop and present creative ideas that express Free People's point of view in the market without being too obscure.

Organizational:

• Support with partnership, the creation of an innovation calendar that works independently from overall design calendar. Manage to milestones as required.
• Work with cross channel Performance partners on presenting back developments to leadership and cross channel teams to incorporate and develop plans to execute within our business.

Skills:

• Demonstrate creativity and the vision to identify trends and advanced concepts in their early stages and understand their impact to fashion, so we can be one step ahead for the aspirational active customer.
• Ability to research industry innovations and trends to develop insights and recommendations that support innovation in design and the overall activewear business.
• Strong ability to influence, pitch new ideas and create buy-in with leadership, teams and cross functional partners.
• Have a background of concept creation through Research and Development with a clear understanding of future technologies and trends, performance foresight for the future of FP Movement.
• Skilled in creative collaboration within the brand, alongside external partners and athletes.
• Ability to visually convey ideas.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Suite
• Ai Visualization programs a plus

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Apparel Design or related field preferred.
• 5+ years Experience within Activewear Apparel Innovation, Design, Concept Design or related field preferred.
• Passion for Performance Design and aesthetic.
• Ability to demonstrate a deep understanding of the Free People Movement.
• Customer and the ability to identify the most meaningful and appropriate innovation initiatives for this specific customer.
• Strong knowledge of activewear materials, textiles and specialty manufacturing techniques and processes.
• Strong knowledge of knit, woven and seamless garment construction.
• Strong knowledge of trims and functional details within the activewear space.
• Understanding of design processes and how to leverage/influence key stakeholders.

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs