Position Overview: The Design Director is a key leadership role within our design team, responsible for setting the creative direction and overseeing the design process for all women's fashion collections. This role requires a deep understanding of fashion trends, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to inspire and lead a team of designers to create collections that resonate with our customers and reflect our brand values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the creative vision for the brand's seasonal collections, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.
- Oversee the design process from concept to final product, including sketching, pattern making, and sample development.
- Collaborate with the buying, merchandising, and marketing teams to ensure designs meet commercial objectives and brand positioning.
- Manage and mentor a team of designers, providing creative direction and feedback to enhance their skills and productivity.
- Conduct market research and analyze fashion trends to inform design decisions and maintain a competitive edge.
- Work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure quality standards are met and production timelines are adhered to.
- Present design concepts and collections to the executive team and stakeholders.
- Manage the design budget and ensure cost-effective design solutions.
- Maintain a strong presence in the fashion industry, attending trade shows, fashion weeks, and networking events.
- Uphold ethical and sustainable practices in design and production processes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in fashion design, with a proven track record of leading design teams.
- A deep understanding of women's fashion trends and the ability to predict and create trends.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Experience with garment construction and an understanding of textiles and materials.
- A portfolio that demonstrates a strong design aesthetic and technical expertise.
- A commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in fashion.
Physical Demands:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
- Office and studio environment with occasional travel for industry events and supplier visits.
