Assistant Designer (New York)

lemlem is a women resortwear, ready-to-wear and swimwear brand made

responsibly in Africa, with a core mission of preserving the local art of weaving in

Ethiopia and inspiring economic growth on the continent. As a B Corp company, lemlem is committed to building a strong, fair and

sustainable fashion industry in Africa, taking a holistic approach to production

that values and upholds artisans, craftsmanship, the environment and communities.

We are seeking a NYC-based Assistant Designer with strong design and technical skills, a keen eye for detail and a growth mindset.

This position will be responsible to support the design team and will report directly into the Designer.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Concept: Create sketches, CAD Print / Design Development and presentation materials; research seasonal trends, fabrics, and prints; support e-commerce photoshoots on set.
• Technical & Product Development: Build and maintain tech packs, line sheets, BOMs, and garment data in Apparel Magic (PLM); support fit sessions across all categories.
• Sourcing & Sample Management: Source local trims, liaise with domestic sample rooms, and review samples, fabrics, and trims with cross-functional teams.
• Operations & Communication: Detail production feedback to overseas factories and coordinate international/domestic sample shipping.
• Office Organization: Maintains product development logs, line sheets, boards and design archives library 
• Ad hoc projects as needed in Design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design (or equivalent).
• 1–2 years of fashion design experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (AI rendering skills a plus) and MS Excel.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrications, and trims.
• Strong sketching and illustration ability
• Excellent attention to detail and follow through
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and cross-functional communication skills
• True team player, agility and can-do attitude
• Enthusiasm, & passion for mission based, purpose-driven, sustainable fashion
• Ability to work in a small, fast paced environment

Benefits available:

Generous PTO, holidays, sick time

401K with company match

Commuter benefits

Clothing allowance and generous discount

The salary range for this role is $45,000-$52,000.

lemlem is committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity in all its forms – race, gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, disability, and sexual orientation – is a source of creativity that enriches our business. We are dedicated to promoting a culture of belonging for our team, our partners, and our customers.