Director of Ladies Design
Fashion and Apparel - Confidential - New York, New York, United States,Work at Fashion and Apparel - Confidential
Overview
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Overview
Key Responsibilities:Lead the Design Team:
Manage and mentor a team of designers, ensuring alignment with business objectives and the specific needs of Off-Price retailers.Cost Engineering & Reverse Engineering:
Implement cost-effective design strategies, reverse engineering existing products to meet price points without sacrificing quality.Product Development:
Oversee the design process with a focus on cost-efficiency, ensuring products are developed within budget constraints while maintaining brand integrity.Licensed & Owned Brands:
Manage design processes for both licensed and owned brands, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and market expectations.Customer Focus:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key Off-Price customers like, ensuring designs meet their specific requirements and preferences.Trend & Market Analysis:
Conduct market research focused on the Off-Price sector to inform design decisions and ensure competitiveness.Collaboration:
Work closely with production, sourcing, and merchandising teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with overall business goals.Vendor Relations:
Collaborate with suppliers to source cost-effective materials and manage the timely delivery of samples and finished products.Operational Efficiency:
Continuously seek opportunities to improve the design and development process, focusing on cost reduction and efficiency.
Qualifications:Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.Experience:
Minimum of 10 years of experience in apparel design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on the Off-Price market.Portfolio:
A strong portfolio demonstrating experience in cost engineering and commercially successful designs for major Off-Price retailers.
Skills:Extensive PLM experience is a must (Centric, BlueCherry, NGC)Expertise in cost engineering and reverse engineering.Strong understanding of fabric and garment construction with a focus on cost efficiency.Experience with key Off-Price customers such as Target, Walmart, Marmaxx, and similar.Excellent leadership and team management skills.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.Strong communication and collaboration skills.Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).