Design Director

Design Director (Contemporary) Main purpose of the Design Director role: This is a full-time role for a senior level candidate who has the ability to fully drive the overall design and trend strategy. This Design Director will work side by side with the Executives in guiding and overseeing the development, implementation, and execution of monthly design plans. Not only will he or she maintain a deep understanding of key productivity and sales metrics – this role will also ensure a clear communication process for such metrics. The Director will require to be an out-of-the-box thinker and leader who exudes passion and knowledge within their role. Major Responsibilities: Oversee the development, implementation, and execution of monthly design plans Lead on the overall mood board/sketch creation for multiple brands Manage the fabric selection process Oversee trend research for ideas in silhouette, trim, and fabrics Collaborate with cross-functional teams to clearly communicate monthly design plans from an aesthetic and productivity standpoint Facilitate deep integration to ensure alignment with the Buying team to craft a unique product mix Ensure the Designs are unique while also aligned with the company vision and direction Maintain a deep understanding of key productivity and sales metrics and ensure a clear communication process for such metrics (i.e., designer scorecards, key sales metrics) Maximize the Calendar and create ways team members can effectively hit deadlines Continue to evolve Design strategy and structure with the executive team while also communicating it thoroughly and effectively Provide leadership and direction to the entire design team, which includes creating and executing short and long-term developmental goals Cultivate, interview, and train junior members, which includes leading workshops Effectively conduct the line presentation to the Executives and Buyers Build quarterly trend decks and design plans Translate trend research/forecasting to sellable garments Travel overseas as needed Complete ad-hoc tasks and assignments as directed by executives Required Competencies: Excellent ability to understand all stages of the design development process Have a trend-focused, forward-thinking mindset Be a risk-taker but also data-driven Experience working closely with various cross-functional departments, including the Buying team Prior experience in effectively leading and managing others Exceptional problem-solving skills and an exceptional ability to identify and improve processes Strong ability to take risks with designs while also staying aligned with the customer Expert knowledge of the garment development process, fabrics, patterns, and construction Expert knowledge of target specs and POMs Expert sketching and CAD ability Expert ability to lead, manage, and train multiple levels of designers and multiple brand categories Expert communication skills Expert analytical and decision-making skills Proactive, self-motivated, advanced knowledge of how to delegate and still meet deadlines with a 'get it done' attitude Flexible personality willing to take direction and change as business needs change/grow Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and short lead calendar (5 months) Must be able and willing to lift and carry up to 10 lbs., perform frequent repetitive finger, hand and wrist motions, as well as bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling Must be able to sit for extended periods of time Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of 7+ years of senior leadership and planning experience with leading Design teams 10+ years of professional work experience in women’s apparel design Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development, or Apparel Design related field Expert knowledge of textiles, materials, construction, and fit Computer sketching using CAD skills including Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, hand sketching, flat sketching Expert developing tech packs Strong hand illustration skills Expert computer skills including experience using Microsoft suite, Adobe suite, and Google suite applications Preferred Qualifications: Experience with leading multiple brands Experience at luxury or contemporary brand Design experience with a large LA-based apparel company

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