Concept Designer - A&F Co.

Job Description 

We are seeking a creative and experienced Concept Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating trend research, analysis, and forecasting documents to inspire and instruct the divisional design teams under the guidance of and in collaboration with the Women’s Concept Team. The Concept Designer will work closely with our brand marketing, merchandising, and design teams to ensure the design aligns with the brand's vision and business objectives. This person has a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach, and is dedicated to translating trends through the lens of the customer and brand filter.  

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

Concept Responsibilities:

• Research big idea/volume-driving trends that will positively impact the bottom line and enhance design integrity for Abercrombie & Fitch.
• Conduct research for trend direction by utilizing and analyzing the offerings of trend forecasting companies, fashion publications, fashion sites/blogs, and trade shows, and through street reports from trend-forward cities.
• Seek out global trends and under-the-radar cultural influences market/consumer research and in partnership with macro trend team.
• Support the investigation of category-specific research for detailed analysis on areas of concern.
• Track seasonal runway reports, analyze trends, and analyze how what’s happening in ready-to-wear that will impact the brand.
• Contribute to presentations for major meetings and milestones.

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• 4+ years of design or trend forecasting experience, or related experience.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Suites, Powerpoint, etc…
•  Excellent research skills with a finger on the pulse of emerging trends from runway, apparel brands, street style, art, design, and influencers.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment, with the ability to juggle multiple seasons at one time and track development deadlines with a positive attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with a team of diverse business partners.
• Creative thinker with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Energetic, positive, creative problem solving with a solution-based outlook.

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks  

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program 
• Annual companywide review process 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Associate assistance program 
• Paid parental and adoption leave 
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot 
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace 
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) 
• Seven associate wellness half days per year 
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands 
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups 
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER