Director of Design, Women's Contemporary

Job Title: Director of Design, Women’s Contemporary

Location: New York City, Midtown Manhattan – Fashion District (On-Site)

Department: Design

Reports To: VP of Design

About the Company:

We are a global fashion leader known for creating innovative, trend-driven apparel that inspires confidence and self-expression. With a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, we combine creative excellence with deep industry expertise across design, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. Our success is driven by entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering exceptional product to consumers worldwide.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Women’s Contemporary Design to lead our design team in creating compelling, modern, and commercially successful collections. This role is responsible for defining the creative direction, overseeing the full design lifecycle, and ensuring that each collection embodies the brand’s aesthetic while meeting business goals. The Director will act as both a creative leader and strategic partner—mentoring design talent, collaborating across departments, and driving innovation that advances the women’s business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Leadership: Define and execute the design vision for the women’s contemporary division in alignment with brand identity and market positioning.
• Team Development: Lead, coach, and inspire a team of designers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence.
• Design Management: Oversee the end-to-end design process—from concept through final sample—ensuring product is trend-right, cohesive, and market-relevant.
• Market & Trend Analysis: Identify seasonal trends, fabric innovations, and consumer insights to inform design direction and ensure relevance in a competitive market.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Merchandising, Product Development, Sales, and Marketing to ensure alignment between creative vision and commercial strategy.
• Product Execution: Ensure designs translate into high-quality garments that meet fit, fabric, and brand standards.
• Brand Integrity: Uphold design consistency across all categories to strengthen overall brand identity.
• Budget Oversight: Manage design budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial objectives.
• Vendor Partnerships: Collaborate with mills, suppliers, and factories to source materials and develop innovative fabrications.
• Presentation & Communication: Present seasonal concepts and collections to senior leadership, incorporating feedback to refine final assortments.
• Innovation: Continuously explore new design techniques, materials, and sustainable practices to drive brand differentiation.

Who You Are:

• A visionary creative leader with a balance of artistry and business acumen.
• A mentor who empowers teams to deliver their best work through guidance and collaboration.
• A strategic thinker with a strong pulse on the women’s contemporary market.
• A confident communicator who can articulate design concepts to executive leadership.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in women’s fashion design, including 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven expertise in apparel design and development, with strong knowledge of fabrications, fit, and garment construction.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong eye for color, trend, silhouette, and detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience collaborating with global vendors and cross-functional teams.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Employee product discounts

Pay Range: $125,000 – $155,000 per year

Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith estimate specific to this role and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.