Role SummaryFP Movement, a Philadelphia-based women's activewear brand, is seeking an Assistant Director of Color and Branding Development. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Print Pattern & Graphics and Chief Creative Concept Director to lead color strategy through palette development, category scheduling, color assorting, collection merchandising, and overseeing lab dip approvals. You will manage communication across Design, Buying, and Vendors to ensure color strategy and intent is executed flawlessly. Additionally, this role will drive the brand's labeling and execution strategy by managing CADs, wash legs, and comprehensive interior label development.
Role ResponsibilitiesPalette Development/Color Trends:
- Direct Seasonal Color strategy and oversee execution of seasonal palette direction, physical and digital palette creation, and color matching needs.
- Ensure focus on brand appropriateness and a true FP aesthetic that ties back to Concept team directives.
- Build monthly color direction and support with references to solids and category context from a seasonal transition and trend perspective.
- Pull physical swatch standards that represent chosen solids.
- Pantone match colors and pull physical Pantone chips to represent color match.
- Ensure all color palettes (physical and digital) are created and reviewed on time, ensuring that they match approved concepts.
- Stay up to date on color trends and provide insights on research that support the brand's identity through collaborative discussions.
Color Meetings & Assorting:
- Manage all preparedness for by-category color meetings (in-person and digital), including all color cards being created and master palettes accessible for viewing.
- Lead color meetings discussions to assess balance of color within style assortments and across the entire category assortment.
- Protect monthly color integrity, trend messages, and category perspectives.
- Partner with Design and Buying teams to propose, refine, and finalize color selections for seasonal collections, and ensure color choices align with seasonal trend direction and FP aesthetics.
- Identify, speak to, and manage color complexity across all classes, adjusting based on trends and business/sales.
- Develop and experiment with new colorways, ensuring they meet both quality standards and market demand.
Color Execution & Lab Dip Approvals:
- Closely collaborate with Color DC to complete all tasks and ensure efficiencies in the entire approval process and general communication with cross-functional partners.
- Comment on lab dips within a 24-hour period that are received.
- Review, approve, and provide feedback on all Lab-dips for all retail collection categories ensuring they meet established quality standards.
- Oversee wash leg color development and the subsequent approval process.
- Manage color CAD creation and maintain ongoing CAD management for the category.
- Handle all email correspondence for the retail categories for the brand.
- Work closely with the production team to troubleshoot any color-related issues in production runs.
- Document and communicate any color-related issues to cross-functional teams to ensure swift resolution.
Branding & Label Development: Lead interior label development for each specific expression of the FP Movement brand.
- Create and execute all label artwork.
- Communicate label development details and standards directly with vendors.
- Work collaboratively with design partners to ensure proper label allocations across the assortment.
Team Leadership:
- Provide guidance and support to junior colorists and team members, offering feedback and promoting skill development.
- Train in programs as needed.
- Troubleshoot and resolve any color-related issues that arise during the production or sampling stages.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks and manage workflows efficiently.
Role Qualifications- Bachelor Degree in Apparel Design, Textile Design, Fine Art, or a related field preferred.
- 10+ Years Design, Fashion, Concept, or Color Design Experience strongly preferred.
- Passionate about Color Concept & Strategy as well as knowledge about color theory, nuances, and technicalities.
- Strong understanding of the Free People Movement aesthetic and customer.
- Experience in Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
- Illustrator, NedGraphics, and Tradestone experience welcomed.
- Knowledge of BOM processes is a plus (Tradestone/PLM systems).
- Collaborative mentality with strong cross-department communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to follow complex processes.
- Positive, proactive, and strong team collaboration skills.
- Ability to work on-site at at World Headquarters in Philadelphia 3-5 days per week.
The PerksURBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits
