American Exchange Group
Design Director, Soft Home
American Exchange Group, New York, New York, us, 10261
OverviewAmerican Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management. By facilitating distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brands-including footwear, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, and beauty-American Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends.Design Director, Soft HomeJob Summary:
As a Design Director, you will lead and inspire a team of design professionals to develop innovative and high-quality home textile collections, consisting of bedding, bath, curtains, rugs, and pet accessories. You will work closely with the Creative Director, production, and sales teams to drive brand and design initiatives. This role requires a strong understanding of the design and product development process, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Key Responsibilities:Design & Product Development:Oversee the product execution for each season, from concept through development and into production, ensuring compelling assortments with a balance of risk and innovation.Understand and interpret each brand's DNA, ensuring that all designs align with and enhance the brand's unique identity, values, and aesthetic.Collaborate with the Creative Director on seasonal color, concept, and key item decks quarterly.Capability to identify and deliver design trends and inspirations for collections, both domestically and internationallyWork closely with overseas manufacturers during the product development phase to ensure accurate and attractive sampling on a global scale.Create CAD and spec files using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, while ensuring consistency across all creative assets in line with brand standards.Oversee recurring meetings such as fit sessions, spec pass-off, sample development, and tear reviews.Maintain line plans for house labels and a variety of licensed and private label accounts, adhering to time and action calendars.Collaboration & Communication:Develop and present product presentations for sales appointments and communicate effectively with overseas offices and vendors.Stay informed on competitive landscape and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies for the brand.Regularly shop the marketplace and competitive set for inspiration and product opportunities.Required Skills & Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Design, preferably in Textile Design, Graphic Design, or Illustration, or equivalent years of experience.8+ years of related experience in design and/or product development, with home textile experience required.Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with the ability to create original artwork, repeat designs, and flat sketches.Strong sense of color, trend, and technical design, with the ability to create tech packs and train staff.Highly organized, able to multi-task, and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to Executive/CEO levels.Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required.Salary:
$150-$190k, depending on experienceLocation:
This role is on-site 5 days a week at our NYC HeadquartersOUR NYC DRIVEForged in the heart of New York City's fashion district, American Exchange Group is driven to blend fast fashion and current trends with classic styles. For more than a decade, American Exchange has been honing best-in-class fashion designs and business practices to become a market leader.This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.
As a Design Director, you will lead and inspire a team of design professionals to develop innovative and high-quality home textile collections, consisting of bedding, bath, curtains, rugs, and pet accessories. You will work closely with the Creative Director, production, and sales teams to drive brand and design initiatives. This role requires a strong understanding of the design and product development process, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Key Responsibilities:Design & Product Development:Oversee the product execution for each season, from concept through development and into production, ensuring compelling assortments with a balance of risk and innovation.Understand and interpret each brand's DNA, ensuring that all designs align with and enhance the brand's unique identity, values, and aesthetic.Collaborate with the Creative Director on seasonal color, concept, and key item decks quarterly.Capability to identify and deliver design trends and inspirations for collections, both domestically and internationallyWork closely with overseas manufacturers during the product development phase to ensure accurate and attractive sampling on a global scale.Create CAD and spec files using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, while ensuring consistency across all creative assets in line with brand standards.Oversee recurring meetings such as fit sessions, spec pass-off, sample development, and tear reviews.Maintain line plans for house labels and a variety of licensed and private label accounts, adhering to time and action calendars.Collaboration & Communication:Develop and present product presentations for sales appointments and communicate effectively with overseas offices and vendors.Stay informed on competitive landscape and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies for the brand.Regularly shop the marketplace and competitive set for inspiration and product opportunities.Required Skills & Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Design, preferably in Textile Design, Graphic Design, or Illustration, or equivalent years of experience.8+ years of related experience in design and/or product development, with home textile experience required.Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with the ability to create original artwork, repeat designs, and flat sketches.Strong sense of color, trend, and technical design, with the ability to create tech packs and train staff.Highly organized, able to multi-task, and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to Executive/CEO levels.Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required.Salary:
$150-$190k, depending on experienceLocation:
This role is on-site 5 days a week at our NYC HeadquartersOUR NYC DRIVEForged in the heart of New York City's fashion district, American Exchange Group is driven to blend fast fashion and current trends with classic styles. For more than a decade, American Exchange has been honing best-in-class fashion designs and business practices to become a market leader.This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.