Design AI & Innovation Associate

About PHOENIX 
PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide.
 
About Express
Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style. Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app.
 
About Bonobos
Our Bonobos menswear brand is known for being a style instigator and offering perfect-fit risks through our innovative retail model and personalized experience. Launched online in 2007 with its signature line of chinos, Bonobos now offers a variety of styles available to order online and to try on at any one of our 50 Guideshop locations and at www.bonobos.com. Our Guideshops are in-real-life stores that deliver one-on-one service and expert fit advice. Don't think traditional retail, Bonobos is something you haven't seen before.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

Express is looking for a visually driven, technically curious individual with demonstrated AI experience to help menswear design teams strengthen their creative work and improve how they operate. This role combines menswear image creation, concept development, trend and business research, and practical workflow automation.

Working directly with design teams, this associate will analyze and understand design processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend the right AI tools for each problem. They will build and test solutions and proactively identify emerging opportunities that could benefit the business.

This role partners closely with design leadership, with priorities agreed around seasonal needs and measurable business value. It is open to emerging talent with a strong portfolio and evidence of practical capability, including substantial self-directed work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

AI tool selection and evaluation

• Evaluate and recommend AI platforms, models, and tools based on creative impact, cost, ease of adoption, and team needs
• Create and maintain an updated practical guide on tool capabilities, recommended use cases, and input requirements across design functions

Design process analysis and automation

• Map design workflows from research through presentation to identify bottlenecks, duplicated effort, and automation opportunities
• Build node-based AI workflows (e.g., FLORA, ComfyUI) to streamline repeatable tasks across menswear categories, partnering with technology teams for complex integrations

Creative concepts and market intelligence

• Conduct AI-assisted market research to gather trends, competitor intelligence, and cultural influences across fashion, art, and retail
• Synthesize findings into concise briefs distinguishing emerging signals from short-lived trends to inform seasonal direction
• Maintain a searchable reference library of curated research and source links

Imagery and color exploration

• Generate and refine menswear fashion imagery, mood boards, outfit visualizations, and garment variations using generative AI tools integrated with Photoshop and Illustrator
• Support palette development, garment recoloring, and visual explorations aligned with approved color standards
• Review imagery for garment construction, proportion, color consistency, and brand alignment prior to presentation

AI foresight and future opportunities

• Follow developments in generative models, node-based systems, creative tools, and automation, assessing their potential impact on fashion and team processes
• Run small experiments to assess promising capabilities and recommend what to adopt, monitor, or defer
• Help maintain an evolving AI roadmap that balances immediate improvements with longer-term opportunities and identifies skills the team should develop

Collaboration and implementation

• Translate technical ideas into accessible explanations, demonstrations, and practical training
• Track time saved, revision effort, output quality, tool costs, and team adoption. Share results and limitations with design leadership
• Follow company requirements for approved tools, confidential information, and image rights; involve relevant technology or business partners where needed

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in design-related field preferred
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in retail related field, design experience preferred
• Demonstrated history of using AI to produce creative work or improve processes, supported by professional, academic, freelance, or personal projects.
• Hands-on experience with several relevant AI platforms* and the ability to select, evaluate, and learn tools for different tasks.
• Practical experience building or adapting node-based creative workflows in FLORA, ComfyUI, or comparable environments, with an understanding of how connected steps affect results.
• Working knowledge of Photoshop and familiarity with Illustrator or comparable design tools.
• Microsoft and Google product experience.

CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Strong visual judgment and an understanding of fashion, styling, color, and brand identity, with the ability to refine outputs to a high standard.
• Strong research, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills; curiosity about new technologies and sound judgment about their practical value.
• Ability to explain the creative and business value of a solution and collaborate effectively across teams.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

PHOENIX offers a range of benefits to help protect full-time associate’s health and long-term financial security including: 

• Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage 
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match 
• Merchandise discount 
• Paid Time Off 
• Parental leave for new moms and dads 

For part-time associates, PHOENIX is partnering with LIG Solutions to help associates obtain individual insurance coverage that best fits their needs and budget, including major medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance, life Insurance and more.

Additionally, part-time associates may be eligible to receive paid sick leave, public health emergency leave and to participate in the 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match. 

Part-time associates are also eligible to receive an Express merchandise discount, participate in our Learn & Earn incentive program, and choose voluntary benefits through YouDecide.

Actual compensation offered is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, work location, education, relevant skills and experience of the candidate.

If you would like to know more about the California Consumer Privacy Act click here.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. PHOENIX does not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.

An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to AssociateRelations@Express.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Notification to Agencies: Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made.