VP of Design

Position Title VP, Design Summary The VP, Design leads a team of ready-to-wear (RTW) designers and oversees the end-to-end creative process across seasons. This leader is responsible for setting design direction, mentoring a team of designers, and acting as a key creative voice for assigned brands or categories. The VP, Design brings strong aesthetic judgment, high attention to detail, and a balanced focus on both product and people. This description outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the VP, Design role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Key Responsibilities Ideas and Trend Lead the team in setting overall seasonal and collection concept direction, including color, print, fabric, silhouette, trims, and design details. Develop and review trend reports and presentations to inform design direction. Guide designers in market research and competitive shopping to identify relevant trends. Review and interpret competitive analysis to inform product and line decisions. Travel as needed to key markets to stay current on global trends and inspiration. Sketching & Concept Development Actively participate in sketching and concept development with the design team. Provide direction on silhouette and fabric choices to ensure concepts are original, relevant, and aligned with brand and business goals. Review sketches with cross-functional partners (such as merchandising) for alignment with assortment strategy. Present concepts and sketches to internal and external partners as needed. Fabric & Materials Oversee the development of fabric and concept boards to support seasonal stories and product lines. Product Development Oversee communication with product development regarding sampled styles, materials, and design details. Partner with technical design to ensure style requirements are accurate and maintained through fittings and revisions. Collaborate with development teams to create proprietary product, trims, and washes. Provide guidance on development ratios for each season or collection to maintain a balanced assortment. Ensure samples, fabrics, and color approvals remain on schedule and within timelines. Presentations & Meetings Lead seasonal design and product presentations for internal stakeholders and relevant external partners. Merchandising & Business Partnership Use sales and performance data to inform design decisions and identify opportunities. Work closely with merchandising and other partners to ensure designs support line plans, cost targets, quality standards, and overall brand positioning. Leadership & Team Collaboration Act as a hands-on leader and advisor to the design team, providing support and direction as needed. Lead a team of designers, including oversight of workload allocation across senior and staff-level talent. Manage the team throughout the full design lifecycle, including research, mood board creation, design, and sketching. Mentor and empower team members, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, and accountability. Provide ongoing feedback and coaching; monitor and assess individual and team performance. Manage priorities and timelines for both self and team in a fast-paced environment. Promote strong collaboration within the design team and with cross-functional partners. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Model inclusive behavior and contribute to a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participate in relevant learning opportunities to continuously build awareness and inclusive leadership skills. Research & Innovation Maintain a continual research and development mindset to stay ahead of emerging trends, techniques, and consumer expectations. Supervisory Responsibilities Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for an RTW design team. Support the development of team members, including performance feedback and coaching. Address issues and remove obstacles to help the team deliver high-quality product. Experience, Talent & Education Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or equivalent professional experience. Extensive apparel design experience (typically 15+ years), including RTW. Proven experience leading and managing a design team. Background partnering with merchandising and external commercial partners. Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Experience leading teams through trend identification, research, and seasonal direction across multiple brands or categories. Strong sketching skills, from hand-drawn concepts to detailed digital CADs. Deep understanding of fabric, garment construction, and the product development cycle. Exceptional attention to detail and a strong sense of quality. Ability to collaborate with global teams, including periodic international travel. Demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and adhering to development calendars. Strong desire and ability to provide feedback, direction, and mentorship to designers. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, draw insights, and recommend actions. Ability to delegate effectively and manage multiple priorities. Strong planning skills, with the ability to anticipate future needs and challenges. Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. #J-18808-Ljbffr