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Design Director
J. Crew
New York, NY, United States
Job Details - this job has expired, please see similar jobs below
Title: Design Director - Cut and Sew Knits
Reports to: VP of Design
Overview: Manage seasonal product design execution to achieve overall creative and business objectives.
Responsibilities
• Interpret fashion vision and trends into successful product lines
• Create and present seasonal/monthly trend presentations to SVP of Design, internal and external partners
• Partner with creative and category teams to guarantee speed to service
• Develop special trend presentations and create direction as needed for key partners
• Work with SVP of Design to develop strong category, sales and Licensee partnerships with regard to design, vision and execution
• Advance and elevate the product ensuring quality and value
• Develop best practices, implement and share across all business segments
• Process construction knowledge of products and components in regards to design and development
• Oversee product negotiations and set team goals for continued improvement of deliveries
• Providing guidance, inspiration and motivation to the direct reports
• Influence others through education and collaboration
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external partners
• Partner with category team and strategize/determine overall needs of the business
• Create and maintain positive team environment
• Analyze team performance on a regular basis
• Travel/attend trade shows as needed
• Sets overall direction in the conceptual development of product lines.
• Fully responsible for managing staff in all aspects of entire product design process to include market research, mood board creation, designing, sketching, “specing” and fit.
• Collaborate seasonal design inspiration with Creative Director
• Implement design direction for Cut and Sew Knits Division per season, in liaison with seasonal inspiration and communicate and oversee proper execution with design team
• Trend research, trade shows with design team
• Oversee and review design inspiration boards, sketches, trend and materials research, style development and creation trend + market research
• Oversee and select artwork, prints, embroideries, beadwork design, custom hardware development, graphics, etc.
• Review with Merchandiser, sales needs and requests
• Approve all final materials for timely sample material ordering
• Oversee execution of sample development, technical data, quality control from prototype through to final approved sample
• Review all phases of sample line development with Creative Director
• Conduct handbag and accessory design team meetings, implementing adherence to design calendar
• Supervise communication overseas, problem solving with factories
• Seasonal line presentations (retail, sales, etc.), as per calendar
• Ensure timely line completion and corrected samples for market
• Track each employee’s progress, conduct regular performance reviews Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications
• Prior experience in design direction
• Experience in oversees factory development, trend research, trade show attendance
• Ability to supervise staff and effective communication on clear directives and adherence to calendars
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills Education and/or Experience
• Degree in Fashion Design
• 7+ years prior designer level experience – cut and sew knits background in design a must
• Proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop
J.Crew Group, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
We are committed to affirmatively providing equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, legally protected physical or mental disability or any other basis protected under applicable law.