Job Description

The Design Director will work cross functionally with Production, Sales and Merchandising to create and develop seasonal apparel lines while supporting the overall brand’s objective.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for managing the design process while partnering with senior leadership to set seasonal direction of the conceptual development of the Women’s product category, including, Mood, Color, Trend Big Ideas, Key Items.
• Consistently shop and research the marketplace for inspirations and identify big/idea volume driving trends opportunities that will positively impact the bottom line.
• Provides illustrator sketches and line art to communicate full category design concepts.
• Facilitates and leads cross-category design team meetings to provide design & concept board direction to communicate seasonal concepts.
• Proactively develops and maintains open lines of communication with internal cross-functional teams.
• Leads the prototype process which includes initiating early concept styles to drive seasonal concepts, establishing initial block specs and construction details, and working closely with Product Developer(s), and directing revisions as needed throughout the development cycle.
• Lead, manage, and mentor design staff in all aspects of product design and provide support as needed.
• Manage line sheets and ensure accuracy
• Demonstrate excellent time-management and prioritization skills while working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptable personality that can thrive with ease in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem Solver who can operate independently and work effectively, while maintaining composure under pressure.
• Consistently meets deadlines with an understanding and commitment to company design calendar.
• Creates process optimization and seeks out efficiencies.
• Detail-oriented and possess organizational skills; ability to perform with a high degree of accuracy.
• Collaborative attitude that proactively engages with cross-functional teams to achieve best results.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with key stakeholders.
• Invested in growth through mentoring and managing junior team members with constructive and thoughtful feedback and direction.
• Responsible for building around the brand DNA and ensuring all product and development reflects the brand DNA and the target market.
• Oversee the product direction and execution across all classifications of the brand.
• Partner with sales and creative teams to ensure that assortment reflects concept direction, sku plan and styling needs.
• Responsible for all approvals, corrections, updates, and changes to the product line
• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly performance identifying key styles and categories that drive sales and build off of successes.
• Lead design meetings
• Meet with buyers and licensors on product development and approvals

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum of 10 years’ design experience in Woman’s Contemporary Apparel
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in the field of Design, Apparel Design, Technical Design, and full knowledge of total production timeline.
• Strong leadership experience and management skills
• Proven track record of growing businesses, identifying trends, and delivering results
• Understanding of the marketplace and competitive landscape in off price, mass market and department stores
• Excellent presentation skills, demonstrating effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong sense of style, color and trend forecasting ability
• Thorough understanding of embellishment processes, costs, and characteristics.
• Ability to generate graphics, illustrator sketches, initial specs and tech packs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop & PLM

Salary Range: 130-150K *Actual base salary for this role within the above range will be based upon experience, qualifications and/or assigned unit.

We are an EEO / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected eternal status

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