The Design Director is a leadership role responsible for providing creative direction/strategy to the design team and delivering commercially viable product for the brand. This role sets the overall tone for the knit, sport and swim assortment, ensuring it ties back to the overall concept and business strategy. This role presents and delivers brand-right designs to senior leadership and teams; providing a compelling point of view and influencing key decisions on style, color/print, fit, and material selection. This role drives the interpretation and integration of fashion trends and consumer needs that uphold the integrity of the product line(s)/brand. This person demonstrates a passion for the brand, inspires individuals, and relies on leadership skills to plan and accomplish goals.
Lead the creation of brand-right, commercial designs according to the concept and business strategy.
Direct and deliver product designs according to line plans/development ratios
Strategize and improve processes to understand and anticipate the needs of the customer to exceed customer expectations and readily react to their needs.
Drive flawless execution of product ideas; provide clear objectives, aligning deliverables and resources, and integrate new practices to realize goals with speed and efficiency.
Assess and leverage resources in sourcing new ideas, both internally and externally, and synthesize relevant competitor research/trend analysis to designs.
Partner at all levels across the business including Merchandising, Marketing and Product Development; driving communication, conflict resolution, key decisions, and alignment.
Present designs/business initiatives to senior leadership and teams as well as key cross-functional partners.
Deliver a compelling point of view and influence decision making with key stakeholders.
Build/inspire talent, developing a strong pipeline, and managing performance/expectations.
Cultivate a highly engaged and collaborative culture built on passion and our values.
Strengthen and employ relations with key partners, building a diverse and effective support network.
Own team's budget and ensure commitments are met without compromising design excellence.
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Bachelor's degree is required.
10+ years of experience in a retail, fashion, or strategic patterning role.
Exceptional leader with a commercial fashion eye and detail in product styling/performance.
Excellent leadership presence and communication skills; the ability to present ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively.
Prior experience leading, developing, and inspiring a high-functioning team.
Demonstrated ability to create and execute highly successful product lines with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Ability to understand/see the forward trends but still have a "commercial" eye.
Capable of driving long-term/complex projects.
Customer service philosophy.
Collaborative partner with a team-oriented approach.
Highly motivated, passionate, and results oriented.
Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule in our New York City office.
Occasional domestic and international travel required.
