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Design Director
American Eagle Outfitters
New York, NY, United States
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This position brings the consumer into the process of developing marketing strategies for all brands and territories of AEO Inc. It identifies and empathizes with the target to unlock insights that create value between the consumer, the brand and the category. The thoughts and observations are construed into a value proposition, key messages, strategies and creative briefs that are used to create and inspire all marketing communications.
The VP of Marketing Strategy and Customer Insights is responsible for organizing information about the consumer and the marketplace from every possible source, including the data and secondary research. They will prepare the strategy and creative brief, the tool that the creative department uses to conceptualize campaigns and be involved in creative development. During creative conceptualization, it is their responsibility to represent the consumer. They may also interact with the creative department through the sharing of initial consumer responses to creative ideas.
They are the bridge between the business side and the creative side of a marketing campaign. On the business side, they work with the merchants and planners to understand what is needed and then relate that to what the consumer wants. On the creative side, they help to create an expressive snapshot or a single-minded directional creative brief to lead the way to the drawing board.
Understand product messaging – how and where to talk to the customer about the brand and new product introductions in the best and most effective way and developing a messaging plan that can be handed off to creative and media so they can execute against that objective.
POSITION SUMMARY:
• Manage and direct the design process for Women’s Sweaters & Fleece. Analyze and adapt key trends and concepts within the market to product categories to meet product goals, future business direction and further evolving the brand.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Identify current market and lifestyle trends and strategize the implementation of those trends for the AE customer.
• Direct design staff to evolve the product seasonally in an effort to achieve an innovative approach to the categories. Consistently driving for innovation within product categories is critical.
• Responsible for guiding and influencing cross-functional teams in creating brand-right, trend-right product assortments, in an effort to drive the business.
• Consistently align product with market trends and business strategies.
• Serve as a key, creative leader within the division, influencing cross-functional teams including Design, Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Stylists, Production and Sourcing, Technical Design, Marketing.
• Establish a comprehensive knowledge of all technical aspects involved in development and execution of the product categories.
• Develop strong cross-functional partnerships throughout the organization, and use those relationships to influence decision making or change.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand the business needs and departmental priorities.
• Play an active role in milestone meetings, providing perspective and insight to creative leadership on product assortments within department.
• Identify, develop and retain top talent.
• Effectively manage the T&A calendar, and travel and retail sample budgets for department. Continuous focus needed on process improvement.
• Manage to established company development targets and ratios.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, or a related subject matter
• 10+ years related experience, specifically Sweaters, 5+ years of management experience
• Possess a deep understanding of the design process, fit, and styling
• Sophisticated shopping knowledge of domestic and international markets
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Excellent communication, presentation, selling and influencing skills; strong ability to build consensus.
• Competency with relevant systems including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Demonstrated ability to train, develop, and effectively manage a team of people
• Ability to efficiently prioritize multiple tasks for department members
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.