Product Design Director
Aquent - San Diego, California, United States, 92154![Aquent](/api/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fgeneral-board-default.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdesk-360x180.webp&w=640&q=75&f=webp)
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Overview
If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.The Product Design Director leads the entire strategic overview and design process from concept to production, emphasizing effective communication, innovation, and problem-solving. Ensuring projects meet quality standards, articulate the brand’s vision, supervise technical decisions, and maintain compliance with quality standards. Collaborate with Creative Director to integrate creative vision, determine seasonal themes and strategic insight. Develop marketable collections, manage timelines, budgets, and client relationships. Experts in communication, they foster team collaboration and resource access. This role demands a blend of creative flair, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to drive consumer resonance, brand differentiation, and business growth.Objectives of this roleOversee the entire product strategy and development process, from initial concept sketches to sample approval and production readiness.Define and maintain the brand’s visual identity, ensuring apparel designs align with the brand’s ethos, target audience, and market positioning.Lead the creation of seasonal design concepts and themes, introducing new categories, integrating market research, consumer insights, and brand strategy.Develop long-term design strategies and product roadmaps to support brand growth objectives and market expansion plans.Collaborate with the marketing, merchandising and sales teams to align design initiatives, achieving set goals and ensuring consistent brand storytelling across all channels.Roles and ResponsibilitiesManage relationships with licensing and product design team correspondence, merchandising and design direction process in entirety.Work closely with internal and external partners, such as suppliers and manufacturers, to ensure timely execution of design projects while maintaining quality and cost efficiencies.Translate trend insights into actionable design concepts that resonate with the target demographic and drive sales growth.Establish and enforce quality control processes to maintain product integrity and manufacturing standards across all product categories.Collaborate with various departments, including creative, merchandising, marketing, and supply chain management, to integrate design initiatives with broader business objectives.Participate in cross-departmental meetings and strategy sessions to provide design insights and support decision-making.Provide creative direction for all product lines, ensuring alignment with brand identity and current fashion trends.Day-to-day DutiesIdentify new trends, fabrics, trims, techniques and wash treatments. Create flat sketches, seasonal color stories and mood boards, applying them to succinct detailed, consistent, brand formatted design briefs.Establish seasonal themes, conduct thorough market comparison research, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking to identify emerging trends and opportunities.Order, approve, archive all samples and present during product design strategy briefings.Review all incoming samples, to ensure they are correct, this includes fit, details, color finishing, wash, graphic scale and placement.Lead brainstorming sessions with the design team to generate innovative ideas for new apparel collections.Set up and update tech-packs with sketches, construction details and measurement specs from concept through production.Oversee the design process from sketching to final product development, ensuring designs meet quality standards and production requirements.Stay updated on fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market dynamics to inform design decisions and maintain competitiveness.Collaborate with suppliers and sourcing teams to select materials considering factors like cost, quality, and sustainability.Coordinate product testing and sampling processes to evaluate design feasibility and ensure product excellence.Serve as a brand ambassador by presenting designs internally and externally, participating in industry events, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, partners, and vendors.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising, or related field.Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in apparel design, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), with a solid understanding of garment construction, textiles, and manufacturing processes.Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and motivating design teams in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.The target hiring compensation range for this role is $55 – $65/hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location. Additional benefits offered may include; medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in 401k plan with company match (if applicable).Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
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