*This is a hybrid role based in Dodgeville, WI with three weeks per month onsite (Mon. - Thurs.). The fourth week is fully remote.
As a Senior Designer for Women's Knits, you will be responsible for overseeing your category from concept through production. As the Senior Designer you will develop seasonal product concepts and manage product design in support of department strategy and business objectives. The senior role adds the dimension of being a leader in the team. The Sr. Designer collaborates with other team leaders to assist with the decision making, and prioritization related to Design, while weighing the financial impact to the company. You will work closely with Merchant, Creative, Print/Pattern and Sourcing/Technical Design on product content of quality, fit of styles, and overall line assortment.
Responsibilities - Oversee the design and development of women's sweaters and cut and sew knits by interpreting ideas and concepts into finished product through collaboration with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Product Development.
- Lead the research and development of products. Have a clear point of view on design direction and be able to present and articulate ideas in the form of design decks, creative sketches, tears, etc.
- Partner with sourcing to manage raw material research and fabric/trim development.
- Partner with merchants to manage seasonal line plans.
- Manage direct reports to stay on track with product development calendar deadlines and be aware of team's responsibilities for key milestone meetings.
- Present development and design ideas to leadership. Manage the presentation materials (boards, samples, mock-ups, etc.) to articulate these ideas. Present in place of Designer Director when needed.
- Develop and maintain relationships with cross-divisional design partners, cross-functional partners (PD, Tech, Merch and Art Team) throughout development cycle.
- Demonstrate consistent leadership with team and business partners. Responsible for resolving issues in a professional manner.
- Responsible for onboarding of team members, ensuring team has been given the tools and on-the-job training needed to perform their job. Responsible for providing team members the experiences needed to continue to develop in their role.
- Represent Design team in Key initiatives (task force, projects etc.) as assigned.
- Travel required - Domestically and Internationally
Skills- Excellent understanding of sweaters and cut and sew knits construction, color, printing techniques and fabric/wash development
- Excellent sense of color and print sensibility through our brand filter
- Ability to take and translate direction from leadership
- Excellent presentation skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage high workload and daily emails
- Proactive, accountable and motivated
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
- Positive, can-do attitude with flexibility
- Lead fit sessions
Leadership Responsibilities - Lead and manager a team of 2-4 employees.
- Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
- Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Set performance expectations and goals for team members.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
- Identify and address performance issues through coaching and disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Participate and recruitment and onboarding of new team members, as needed.
- Identify training needs within the team and coordinate relevant development programs, encourage continuous learning and skill development among team members.
- Serve as liaison between upper management and team, conveying organizational goals and expectations.
- Address conflicts or issues within the team promptly and effectively.
- Manage team resources, including workload distribution and project assignments.
- Ensure optimal utilization of team member's skills and expertise.
- Collaborate with upper management to establish team goals aligned with organizational objectives.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of department strategies.
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Education & Experience Requirements- 7+ years of related design experience and/or a degree in Apparel or Fashion design.
- Experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
