Job Purpose and Scope
The CAD Design Manager leads the Men’s CAD Design Team in developing innovative prints, yarn dyes, jacquards, and embroideries for Dillard’s Exclusive Brands. This leadership role ensures the successful execution of production-ready artwork, manages textile development projects, and leverages market trends to enhance brand and customer offerings. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to achieve design objectives.
Essential Job Functions
• Lead the creation of original textile patterns such as yarn dyes, jacquards, and embroidery designs, ensuring alignment with design direction and market trends.
• Oversee the development and management of CAD work, ensuring all designs are production-ready and meet technical standards.
• Manage the CAD, print, and color libraries, maintaining accurate records of all textile designs and developments.
• Provide strategic insights on market trends in textiles, guiding the Design Team in applying relevant trends to customer needs and brand positioning.
• Serve as the primary CAD resource for the Design Team, offering expertise on print execution, color matching, and textile development.
• Ensure designs are optimized for production across various fabric types, including pattern scale, repeat, and layout adjustments.
• Oversee trend research efforts, keeping the team informed of innovations in textile design and patterns.
• Establish and maintain organized pattern libraries and digital file systems for the department.
• Ensure all designs adhere to brand guidelines and meet technical requirements for manufacturing.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of textile design fundamentals, including color theory, pattern repeat, and fabric construction.
• Strong awareness of market trends in textiles and the ability to strategically apply them to enhance brand offerings.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with NedGraphics is a plus.
• Expertise in print design, color matching, and creating production-ready colorways.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to create diverse print styles that align with brand aesthetics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience collaborating across teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving design and production challenges.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on quality and deadlines.
Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.
Position Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related field (BFA in Fashion or Textile Design preferred).
• 5-7 years of experience in textile design, including leadership or managerial roles.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or similar tools).
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple design projects and teams.
• Portfolio showcasing leadership in textile and pattern design, especially in plaids, geometrics, and trend-driven styles.
Salary & Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a generous merchandise discount, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Dillard’s is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.