SABA - Junior Designer

APG & Co

A leader in the Australian fashion industry, APG & Co designs and manages Sportscraft, SABA and JAG. For over 50 years, APG & Co. has curated, grown and evolved these brands to be at the forefront of Australian fashion. We celebrate our history while allowing our brands to express themselves in contemporary, relevant and authentic ways.

The working environment is dynamic, professional and passionate. The mission: Bringing Style to Life. APG & Co values working as a collective, thriving on change, and playing to win. We are built to last.

ABOUT SABA

Located at our Head Office in Alexandria, APG & Co has over 1,500 employees representing three iconic Australian fashion brands — SABA, Sportscraft and JAG — with over 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand.

We're for the doers, creators and the cities' makers. Established by Joseph Saba on Melbourne's iconic Flinders Street in 1965, we uphold our founder's vision by providing our customers a way to express their confidence through premium style.

ABOUT THE ROLE

SABA is looking for a talented and curious Junior Designer to join our womenswear team. In this role, you will contribute to the full design lifecycle — from seasonal concept development through to final execution — working collaboratively within a creative team that is passionate about thoughtful, considered design. You will play an active part in shaping collections that resonate with the SABA woman, balancing creative ambition with commercial awareness and a strong understanding of brand direction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative & Product Development

• Support the Head of Design with seasonal concepts, fabric and colour direction, print development, and collection storytelling.
• Research creative ideas and provide input into key design elements each season, in line with the Head of Design's vision and brand DNA.
• Design into soft dressing for wovens and knitwear (CNS) as required.
• Develop concepts and final artworks for print, embroidery, and trims to introduce new and relevant seasonal materials.
• Source and develop fabrics and trims in collaboration with the design and buying teams.
• Prepare technical illustrations — black and white and in colour — including AI-rendered outfitting visuals, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and AI image tools.
• Update and maintain digital and hardcopy design boards in collaboration with the design team.
• Attend design meetings across all stages of the seasonal process: concepting, fabric selection, colour and print development, collection structure, sketch sign-off, and product handover.

Technical & Fit

• Attend first-fit meetings and manage design changes through appropriate channels and systems.
• Prepare fabric and print specifications for development using DCT (Development Costing Tracker).
• Create and maintain Tech Packs for new designs and repeat styles, including Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Ensure trim updates are reflected on production BOMs and shared with the relevant factories.
• Work closely with Quality Control and the production team to ensure fit samples, sealers, and production meet SABA standards.
• Support the maintenance of a core block and pattern system to ensure consistency across all styles.

Administration & Communication

• Set up and enter all design information into AP21 Import Packs accurately and in line with Critical Path deadlines.
• Manage design and category boards, ensuring they are updated weekly and prepared for key meetings.
• Send BOMs, design sheets, and digital block references to factories via the online portal and hardcopy packs.
• Manage communication with offshore development teams and factories via email and the CLO-SET workroom portal, ensuring submissions are on schedule.
• Set up and distribute Fabric Information Sheets (FIS), including the master colour sheet.
• Administer and file approval submissions, fabric swatches, and trims.
• Articulate key selling points for product notes and prepare mock shop setups for internal presentations.

Brand & Market Awareness

• Regularly visit stores and competitor locations to stay current with the market and identify new opportunities.
• Apply learnings from SWOTs and trade performance into future design decisions.
• Ensure all design and development work aligns with SABA brand DNA and creative direction.
• Ensure all design and development activity meets calendar deadlines and development process principles.

SUCCESS PROFILE

Knowledge

– Minimum 2 years study — diploma or degree level fashion design

– Understanding of garment construction and technical design processes

– Awareness of womenswear market trends, both local and international

Experience

– 2–3 years of industry experience preferred

– Previous work experience or internship within a fashion brand

– Exposure to the full design-to-production process an advantage

Personality

– Highly organised with strong attention to detail

– Excellent communicator — verbal and written

– Collaborative and team-oriented

– Genuine passion for fashion and the SABA brand

Technical Skills

– Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

– CAD knowledge; experience with AI image tools an advantage

– Microsoft Office proficiency

– Experience with AP21 or NICHE preferred but not essential

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Accuracy and timeliness of all design-related files, tech packs, and system entries
• Adherence to Critical Path deadlines across design, development, and production stages
• Quality and consistency of design output in line with SABA brand standards
• Clarity and effectiveness of communication with internal teams and external suppliers
• Organisation and maintenance of design boards, swatches, and approval records

Perks & Benefits

As part of the APG family, you’ll enjoy:

• 50% off all our brands
• Flexible working options – hybrid WFH and beautiful studio/office space
• 4pm Friday finishes and true work/life balance
• Birthday leave + monthly social events, morning teas & more
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Paid Parental Leave