Men's Design Manager - NYC
We are seeking a highly organized, creative, and proactive Design Manager to join our apparel design team. In this role, you will provide reliable and responsible support to the Design Director while managing collections from seasonal concept to final product. The ideal candidate brings a blend of contemporary sophistication and commercial viability, designing trend-right apparel that appeals directly to major off-price retailers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Concept & Trend Research
- Trend Identification: Research new fashion trends, innovations, colors, fabrics, and silhouettes to build seasonal design concepts.
- Market Shopping: Shop local markets for inspiration to inform future collections; prepare reports for buyer/factories.
- Collection Development: Develop complete, trend-right seasonal collections for men’s & boys’ apparel.
Technical Design & Execution:
- Technical Sketching: Create highly detailed flat sketches and comprehensive tech packs.
- CAD Design: Create CADs and execute design alterations quickly as needed.
- Fit & Construction: Participate actively in fit sessions, applying an excellent eye for specs, proportion, fit, and construction.
- Production Approvals: Review and issue production comments for lab dips and strike-offs.
Sourcing, Factory & Showroom Operations:
- Material Sourcing: Source new fabrics for each season to meet target costs and quality standards.
- Factory Communication: Communicate daily with overseas factories to ensure all samples, fabrics, and trims arrive on a timely basis.
- Showroom & Sales Support: Assist in preparing the physical showroom for buyer presentations and build presentation decks for virtual meetings.
- Commercial Collaboration: Work closely with sales, merchandising, and product development teams to deliver commercially successful collections.
- Administrative Upkeep: Manage day-to-day filing and organization of design assets.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design.
- Experience: At least 6+ years of design experience in Men’s & Boys’ apparel.
- Aesthetic: Modern, contemporary aesthetic
- Retail Familiarity: Proven versatility to design styles that appeal to off-price retailers including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington as well as Specialty and Department Stores Macy’s, Target, and Walmart
- Software Mastery: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Project Management: Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Work Style: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter who works well independently and as a team player.
- Attitude: Positive, professional demeanor with a strong work ethic and excellent presentation skills
Compensation & Benefits:
- $80K - $110K DOE
- Health insurance, 4/1 hybrid (Fridays WFH)