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Designer (Character Socks)
Company : Centric Brands Inc.
Location : New York, NY, 10118
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
About Us
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Design at Centric
What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include
The Sock Designer executes the seasonal design development process, from concept to delivery, by creating and executing original, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales, and ensuring the timely execution of each stage in the process.
Strategy & Innovation
• Research and identify trend directions; perform competitive analysis; pull and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, color-ups, inspirational photos.• Execute development of initial seasonal design category in context of larger assortment and cost structure.Operations & Results
• Design according to style plans, sales needs and emerging trends; ensure timely execution of product development calendar.• Create Illustrator sketches; review specification sheets and line sheets; ensure accuracy of product development logs, line sheets, boards and design archives library; ensure maintenance of designs in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or shared drives.• Select and review raw materials and trims; ensure maintenance of fabric/trim library.• Approve lab dips with Senior Designer(s) and ensure consistency with color standards and licensor directives, where appropriate; review prints and graphics where appropriate and advise revisions; manage fit process.Customers & Relationships
• Coordinate follow-up with internal and external customers and partners, including technical design, production and vendors; manager interoffice communication.• Build collaborative relationships with vendors and internal customers.Leadership & Teams
• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary.• Attract, develop and retain talent.
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design 4+ years experience in design, preferably sock
Character Design experience required
Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team orientedAbility to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creativeCreativity, technical capability and sensibility for merchandising; ability to sketchExtensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim; familiarity with print design and manufacturingHighly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, CAD and Mac computers
In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401 (k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.
Salary Range: $78,000 to $80,000
At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Frequently asked questions
Designing character socks requires a balance between imaginative character creation and understanding current fashion trends. This role challenges you to innovate while ensuring designs appeal to target customers, aligning with style plans and sales forecasts to deliver commercially viable products.
Proficiency in character design combined with deep knowledge of textile materials and pattern making is vital. A keen eye for color coordination, fabric selection, and the ability to create detailed sketches using Adobe Illustrator or CAD software enhances a designer’s capability to produce trend-forward socks.
Absolutely. Mastering character sock design cultivates a versatile skill set applicable to broader apparel and accessory design fields. It sharpens creativity, technical skills, and collaboration with vendors, which are highly transferable within the fashion industry.
Centric Brands fosters innovation by encouraging designers to think beyond conventional boundaries while aligning with brand strategy. Designers gain the opportunity to work on well-known lifestyle brands, blending artistic vision with commercial viability in a collaborative environment.
Yes, effective communication is critical. Designers coordinate closely with technical teams, production partners, and vendors to ensure smooth development cycles. Positive team dynamics and managing upward relationships are prioritized to maintain project efficiency.
The position offers an annual base salary between $78,000 and $80,000, reflecting the competitive New York market. Compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and education, complemented by benefits such as 401(k) matching, healthcare, and career development opportunities.
NYC’s vibrant fashion scene drives consistent demand for footwear and character designers, though competition is intense. Candidates with strong portfolios and technical proficiency in design software often stand out, leveraging the city's extensive network of vendors and fashion brands.
Designers must adapt to tight production schedules, high client expectations, and frequent trend shifts. Knowledge of New York’s sourcing resources and vendor relationships can optimize product development, while understanding living costs impacts salary negotiation and career planning.
Expertise in managing fabric and trim libraries ensures material choices align with design intent and cost parameters. Print design knowledge allows for more creative and precise character representations on socks, enhancing product uniqueness and market appeal.
Challenges include ensuring timely delivery, maintaining design integrity during production, and aligning on color standards or licensing requirements. Effective vendor relationships require clear communication and problem-solving to uphold quality and meet deadlines.