We are in search of a Sr. Designer for Women’s RTW. This role is a 6-month Contract trial with opportunity to become Permanent, Full-time.

This role entails:

• Design and Product Development for Women’s RTW Woven and Knit products.
• Conceptualizing new seasonal collections, driving newness, and effectively communicating and presenting concepts and strategies to customers and internal teams.
• Customers include Chicos, WHBM, Lane Bryant, Stitch Fix
• Collecting trend and market intel by analyzing trend service reports, relevant social media content, consumer attitudes & retail store assortments.
• Strong knowledge of construction and fitting.
• A strong knowledge of the complete product life cycle.
• Forecasting and identifying fashion evolution and probable upcoming trend directions.
• Reports to the Director of Design while supervising support design team, freelancers and interns.

Think of this role as a 3-pronged position:

#1) Present Concepts to Stores (40%)

• You are the Brand Face presenting concepts and ideas to retailers' design teams and/or buying team.
• Identifying white space and product opportunities,
• Presenting to and onboarding customers.

#2) Concept / Trend Direction / Market Shopping (30%)

• Would love someone from a better RTW retailer or luxury brand with a knack for translating the better 'aesthetic' for the Chicos, WHBM, Lane Bryant’s of the world

#3) Design (30%)

• This is a Hands-On role in design - from vision through basic tech pack/fits to approvals and PP.
• Lead and manage the design team to execute research, development and product approval process.

Responsibilities:

• Presents ideas/concepts to the customer that align with the customer’s brand and influences others to adopt a product strategy.
• Primary liaison between the customers and our Far East teams (region) regarding product development.
• Own and drive communication with brand cross-functional teams, including leaders in merchandising, buying, sourcing, and technical design.
• Manage the development schedule in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Attend the fabric shows and mills to remain updated and work with regional fabric teams to source fabrics that fit into customers' pricing guidelines.
• Conduct research on trends in color, fabric, print and design
• Shop the market for samples, market intelligence.
• Research and track the needs and selling patterns of our customers.
• Prepare and review forecast presentation boards, trend boards, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Sketch in illustrator & Rework Print or Emb Cads in illustrator or photoshop.
• Create quick tech packs to execute samples, including styling, product details, construction, color, fit, fabric, and trims.
• Keep up to date on new store openings, exhibits, and other points of interest.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts or Fashion Design or equivalent work experience
• 7 to 10 years experience with product development and the product life cycle
• Highly motivated, passionate, results-oriented
• Experience in all aspects of design, from development to production, is critical to this role
• Understanding of product creation within relevant price guidelines/requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of the supply/vendor base and manufacturing environment
• Ability to sketch and draw in both illustrative and technical styles
• Experience in plus-size design a bonus
• Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time-management and organizational ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills
• Limited domestic travel
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, PowerPoint
• Team player
• Customer facing
• Understanding of retail business operations a plus
• Experience working with factories to execute ideas a plus

Compensation:

6-month contract based on $110,000 - $125,000 Annual Salary

Hybrid Schedule:

2-days in NYC office / 3-days work from home