Freelance Designer- Wrangler Women's

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Designer - Wrangler Women's

Company: Kontoor Brands, Inc.

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Part-Time Freelance

Category: Apparel Design / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a part-time freelance role focused on the design and creative development of Wrangler women's apparel, specifically tops and patterns.

• The position requires hands-on involvement in the entire design process, from initial concept sketching to detailed call-outs and color assortments.

• The role necessitates strong collaboration with technical design and cross-functional teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into production.

• This opportunity is ideal for a creative designer with a keen eye for color, prints, and silhouettes, looking to contribute to an iconic apparel brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Freelance Designer," the core responsibilities and required qualifications align with a Product Development Operations role focused on the creative execution of apparel lines. The "freelance" aspect indicates a part-time, project-based engagement rather than a permanent full-time position, with specific weekly hour commitments. The "Women's" focus highlights a specialization within the apparel sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design new top styles, including sketching original ideas, developing new silhouettes, and incorporating unique design details.

• Select and propose new fabrications and materials suitable for women's tops, considering aesthetic, performance, and cost factors.

• Develop and curate original pattern inspiration for plaids and other prints, and strategically assort these patterns into various shirt styles.

• Create color assortments for styles, ensuring cohesive and market-relevant color palettes.

• Produce detailed hand-off sketches and call-outs for technical design and product development teams, clearly communicating design specifications.

• Collaborate directly with the technical design team to walk them through design details and ensure accurate interpretation of sketches.

• Provide detailed comments on lab dips for color approval, and on hand-feel (h/l) and wash panel results, accurately entering feedback into designated charts.

• Develop and assemble PowerPoint presentations, including creating "line sheets" for milestone meetings to visually present the collection.

• Organize and curate mood boards and competitive review boards to inform design direction and market positioning.

• Lead trim development, including specifying and selecting buttons, labels, embroideries, and patches, utilizing Adobe Illustrator for design.

• Manage and organize physical samples, racks, and design assets to maintain an efficient workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly tactical and execution-focused, typical of a designer contributing to a product line's operational flow. The emphasis on detailed call-outs, color comments, and presentation building indicates a need for meticulousness and a strong understanding of the apparel production pipeline, which is a critical component of product development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related creative field. Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in fashion or apparel design, with a specific focus on women's tops and woven categories.

• Proven experience in building cohesive collections and understanding how individual pieces contribute to a larger line.

• Demonstrated ability to work with prints, plaids, and complex patterns, translating them effectively into apparel designs. Required Skills:

• Fashion Design: Strong conceptualization and design ideation skills for apparel.

• Apparel Design: Proficiency in designing garments, understanding construction, and silhouette development.

• Sketching: Excellent hand-sketching abilities for communicating design ideas and details.

• Adobe Illustrator: Proficiency in using Adobe Illustrator for creating detailed call-outs, trim designs, and print artwork.

• Color Theory & Assortment: A strong "eye for color" and the ability to create appealing color palettes and assortments.

• Pattern Development: Experience in pulling inspiration and developing patterns, particularly plaids.

• Trim Development: Knowledge of various trims (buttons, labels, etc.) and their application in apparel.

• Collection Building: Ability to curate and present a cohesive collection of styles.

• Technical Understanding: Basic understanding of technical design processes and how design translates to production.

• Presentation Skills: Proficiency in creating compelling visual presentations using PowerPoint.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CAD software beyond Illustrator for apparel design.

• Familiarity with textile properties and fabric selection.

• Understanding of the Wrangler brand aesthetic and target market.

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

• Trend forecasting and analysis skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards creative execution and technical drawing/software proficiency, common for design roles. However, the inclusion of "Collection Building," "Technical Understanding," and "Presentation Skills" points to the operational aspects of a design role within a larger product development framework, where the designer must contribute to the structured process of bringing a line to market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of women's tops design, including a range of silhouettes, details, and fabrications.

• Examples of original print and plaid designs, demonstrating creative range and ability to integrate patterns into styles.

• Detailed hand-sketches and technical flats (created in Adobe Illustrator) that clearly communicate design intent and construction details.

• Case studies or examples of how you have built cohesive collections, illustrating your ability to assort colors and patterns effectively.

• Visuals of trim development, showcasing an understanding of how different trims enhance a garment's design.

• Evidence of presentation materials (e.g., sample line sheets or mood boards) that demonstrate your ability to communicate design concepts to stakeholders. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "process documentation" role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, from initial inspiration to final hand-off.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how their design work fits into the broader product development lifecycle, including collaboration with technical design and production.

• Be ready to explain how they manage their design tasks, organize creative assets, and meet deadlines for milestone meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design-focused role within an operations context, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to execute the design tasks outlined. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just creative output, but also the clarity and detail required for seamless integration into the product development workflow, which is a key operational consideration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time freelance role (20 hours/week), the compensation will likely be structured as an hourly rate or a project-based fee.

• Based on industry standards for freelance fashion designers with 2-5 years of experience in the US, an estimated hourly rate would range from $30 to $50 USD. This can vary based on the depth of experience, specific skills, and the negotiation of the freelance agreement.

• Estimated Annualized Equivalent (for comparison): At 20 hours/week for 52 weeks, this would equate to an annual salary range of approximately $31,200 - $52,000 USD.

Benefits:

• Apparel Discounts: Employees typically receive discounts on Kontoor Brands' apparel.

• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive four weeks of Paid Parental Leave.

• Flexible Fridays: This benefit offers a more flexible work schedule on Fridays.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Health, Emotional, Social, and Financial Wellbeing Resources: Kontoor Brands emphasizes a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time freelance position requiring approximately 20 hours per week.

• The role is on-site at the Greensboro, NC headquarters.

• Specific daily schedules within the 20-hour limit may offer some flexibility, particularly with the "Flexible Fridays" benefit, but must align with team collaboration needs and milestone meeting requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical freelance rates for designers in the US apparel industry. The provided benefits are standard for Kontoor Brands employees, but for a freelance role, the extent to which these are applicable (especially paid leave and tuition reimbursement) would need to be clarified in the freelance contract. The "20 hours a week" is a key defining characteristic of this role's operational scope.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion Manufacturing and Retail. Kontoor Brands operates with a portfolio of well-established brands, indicating a blend of heritage and modern retail strategies.

Company Size: Kontoor Brands is a significant publicly traded company, employing thousands globally. This suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes and departments.

Founded: Kontoor Brands was established as an independent company in 2019, spun off from VF Corporation, but its core brands (Wrangler, Lee, Helly Hansen) have much longer histories, implying a culture that balances innovation with brand legacy.

Team Structure:

• The designer will likely be part of the Wrangler Women's design team, which in turn sits within the broader Wrangler brand product development or merchandising function.

• This team will collaborate closely with technical design, sourcing, merchandising, and marketing departments.

• The reporting structure will involve a Design Manager or Director, with this freelance role supporting their directives and the overall team's objectives. Methodology:

• Kontoor Brands likely employs a data-informed approach to design and product development, using market insights, trend analysis, and performance data to guide decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical in apparel manufacturing to ensure timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.

• Automation may be used in areas like CAD, PLM, and supply chain management, though the design process itself remains largely creative and iterative.

Company Website: https://www.kontoorbrands.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kontoor Brands as a portfolio company with strong legacy brands is crucial. For a designer role, this means respecting brand heritage while pushing for contemporary relevance. The size and structure suggest a need for clear communication and adherence to established operational processes within the design and development cycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Freelance Designer (2-5 years experience). It's a specialized, project-based contribution rather than a traditional career ladder role within the company.

Reporting Structure: The freelance designer will report to a Design Manager or Director within the Wrangler Women's division. They will work under direct supervision and guidance for specific projects and tasks.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the designer's output (designs, patterns, color assortments) directly influences the product line's appeal, marketability, and ultimately, sales performance. Effective design execution is critical for the operational success of bringing a desirable product to market on time and within budget.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in women's tops, specific fabrications, or print/pattern design.

• Brand Exposure: Gain experience working with a globally recognized brand like Wrangler.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Contribute to a commercially successful product line, adding valuable experience to the designer's portfolio.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within the apparel industry.

• Potential for Future Engagements: Successful freelance contributions could lead to further project opportunities with Kontoor Brands or its other brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth for a freelance role is typically measured by the expansion of responsibilities on projects, increased project frequency, or the ability to take on more complex design challenges. It's less about internal promotion and more about building a robust freelance career supported by strong client relationships and a compelling portfolio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires the individual to be on-site at Kontoor Brands' HQ in Greensboro, NC. This suggests a corporate office environment typical for apparel headquarters, which may include design studios, showrooms, and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s):

• Greensboro, North Carolina HQ: Specifically mentioned as "Greensboro Church Ct HQ - JWR." This is the primary location for this role. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Design studios in apparel companies are usually collaborative spaces where designers, pattern makers, and technical designers work closely together.

• Tools and Technology: Access to design software (Adobe Suite), potentially CAD systems, physical material libraries (fabrics, trims), and sample racks will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with the Wrangler Women's design team, technical designers, and potentially other cross-functional partners during meetings and reviews.

Work Schedule:

• Approximately 20 hours per week.

• On-site presence is mandatory.

• While specific daily hours may have some flexibility, they must align with business needs and collaboration requirements. "Flexible Fridays" may offer some latitude within the weekly hour commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a design role is common, as it facilitates hands-on work with materials, collaboration, and access to necessary studio resources. The "20 hours/week" is a key operational constraint that candidates must accommodate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the brand.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session (likely virtual or in-person) where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Emphasis will be on demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, and understanding of apparel development.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a discussion focused on specific skills like color assortment, pattern integration, or technical call-out creation.

• Manager/Team Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potentially key team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the Wrangler brand.

• Finalization: Offer extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role (women's tops, prints/plaids, technical detail, collection building).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief or inspiration, your design process, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your hand sketches, Illustrator flats, color palettes, and trim selections. Clearly articulate your design thinking.

• Demonstrate Technicality: Ensure your technical call-outs are clear, concise, and accurately convey construction details. If you have examples of how your designs were executed, include them.

• Showcase Brand Awareness: If possible, include a conceptual project for a brand like Wrangler or a similar lifestyle brand to demonstrate your understanding of their aesthetic.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs went into production and were commercially successful, mention it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise that might involve sketching a few top concepts based on a given theme or trend, or selecting and assorting colors/patterns for a pre-defined style.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a technical designer or a merchandising team.

• Understand the typical workflow for apparel design and how your role contributes to it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the cornerstone of the application for this role. Candidates must meticulously prepare it to showcase not only creativity but also the operational readiness to contribute to a structured design process. The interview process will likely probe into the candidate's ability to execute specific tasks within the apparel product development cycle.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating detailed sketches, technical flats, print artwork, and trim designs. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for mood boards, trend research, color palette creation, and potentially initial fabric print mock-ups.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for creating line sheets and milestone meeting presentations.

• Sketching Tools: Traditional sketching materials (pencils, markers) for ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, a designer should be aware of how market trends, sales data, and competitor analysis inform design decisions. Familiarity with trend forecasting resources is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g., Centric PLM, PTC FlexPLM) is highly advantageous, as designs are often managed within these platforms.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design tasks and deadlines could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design software. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is non-negotiable. Awareness of PLM systems is a strong plus, indicating an understanding of how design data flows into the broader operational systems of apparel companies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing original ideas and pushing design boundaries within brand guidelines.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with a team to achieve shared goals, sharing feedback constructively.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in sketches, color selection, and technical call-outs to ensure design accuracy.

• Efficiency: Ability to work within deadlines and manage time effectively to meet project milestones.

• Brand Integrity: Respecting and upholding the established aesthetic and values of the Wrangler brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with technical designers, merchandisers, and sourcing teams, requiring clear communication and responsiveness.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages open feedback on designs, colorways, and technical aspects, with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing inspiration, trend insights, and best practices within the design team to elevate the collective output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between creative freedom and operational rigor. Designers must be able to translate their creative vision into actionable specifications that can be efficiently processed by other departments, highlighting the operational aspect of creative roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: Designing unique styles that are also marketable and producible within cost constraints.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of the apparel industry requires designers to work efficiently under pressure.

• Translating Vision to Production: Ensuring design intent is accurately captured and executed by technical teams, especially with remote or outsourced manufacturing.

• Adapting to Brand Evolution: Staying true to the Wrangler brand heritage while incorporating contemporary trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting: Staying updated on emerging fashion trends, colors, and silhouettes through industry publications, trade shows, and digital platforms.

• Material Innovation: Exploring new fabric technologies and sustainable material options.

• Software Proficiency: Enhancing skills in design software and potentially exploring new tools.

• Brand Deep Dive: Gaining a thorough understanding of the Wrangler brand's history, target consumer, and competitive landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of the apparel industry, where creative output must be tightly integrated with business objectives and production realities. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and industry knowledge acquisition, crucial for any professional, including freelancers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new collection of women's tops." (Focus on ideation, research, sketching, fabric selection, color/pattern assortment, and hand-off.)

• "How do you ensure your design details are clearly communicated to a technical designer?" (Discuss sketches, call-outs, and collaboration.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to select new fabrics or trims for a collection. What was your process and criteria?" (Highlight material knowledge and decision-making.)

• "How do you stay on top of current fashion trends, especially for the women's apparel market?" (Mention research methods and sources.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the Wrangler brand, and how would you approach designing for it?" (Show research and brand appreciation.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like technical design or merchandising?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork.)

• "Describe your experience working on a part-time or freelance basis. How do you manage your time and priorities?" (Highlight organizational skills and self-management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by skill demonstrated (e.g., concept development, print design, technical execution).

• Highlight Key Skills: For each project, explicitly point out how it demonstrates your proficiency in sketching, Illustrator, color theory, pattern development, and collection building.

• Be Concise: Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Engage: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and process.

• Showcase Professionalism: Present with confidence and enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the ability to execute efficiently and collaboratively within an established operational framework. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://kbi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Kontoor/job/Greensboro-NC/Freelance-Designer--Wrangler-Women-s_R-20260810-0005

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest work in women's tops, prints, plaids, and detailed sketching. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to create cohesive color and pattern assortments.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant experience in apparel design, specifically mentioning women's wear, tops, and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and sketching. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, creative decisions, and how your work aligns with the Wrangler brand aesthetic. Be ready to discuss your freelance work ethic and time management skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kontoor Brands, the Wrangler brand's history and target market, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation in apparel.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.