Senior Women's Designer

About the Company:

Rebecca Taylor is seeking an experienced Senior Designer to join our growing team. The Senior Designer will work closely with our Creative Director and will play an integral part in our seasonal collections and vision for the future of our brand while providing guidance and motivating a team of designers to align with the shared goal. They will develop innovative and elevated designs and take ownership of the development process from concept to market while implementing innovative processes and streamlining cross-functional operations.

About the Role:

Assist the Creative Director and team in color, print, material, and visual research for seasonal collections. Initiate fashion-driven concepts that reflect the creative vision and Rebecca Taylor aesthetic. Initiate and take ownership over design development by conducting in-depth research, generating innovative ideas, and effectively communicating concepts to the team. Create sketches aligning with Rebecca Taylor's quality standards, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. Creating detailed and comprehensive tech packs, BOMs, and detail pages. Oversee and guide the development of fabric, trims, embroidery/embellishments, and print. Lead a team of designers by motivating and inspiring them to work effectively with a highly creative output. Tracked team progress and managed design calendar and deadlines. Coming up with creative solutions to roadblocks in process and time-sensitive issues. Supervise the development of prototypes, collaborating with the PD and tech team, patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers to uphold the design integrity and high-quality execution of designs. Ensure designs are both commercially viable and true to the conceptual vision throughout the entire development process. Monitor samples and lead prototype fittings. Work closely with internal and external teams, including sweater designers, production, merchandisers, and fabric R&D, to ensure seamless design execution and meeting of all deadlines. Stay informed of industry developments and emerging trends, as well as closely monitor the performance of products in the market and adjust accordingly.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Creative Director and team in color, print, material, and visual research for seasonal collections.
• Initiate fashion-driven concepts that reflect the creative vision and Rebecca Taylor aesthetic.
• Initiate and take ownership over design development by conducting in-depth research, generating innovative ideas, and effectively communicating concepts to the team.
• Create sketches aligning with Rebecca Taylor's quality standards, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail.
• Creating detailed and comprehensive tech packs, BOMs, and detail pages.
• Oversee and guide the development of fabric, trims, embroidery/embellishments, and print.
• Lead a team of designers by motivating and inspiring them to work effectively with a highly creative output.
• Tracked team progress and managed design calendar and deadlines.
• Coming up with creative solutions to roadblocks in process and time-sensitive issues.
• Supervise the development of prototypes, collaborating with the PD and tech team, patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers to uphold the design integrity and high-quality execution of designs.
• Ensure designs are both commercially viable and true to the conceptual vision throughout the entire development process.
• Monitor samples and lead prototype fittings.
• Work closely with internal and external teams, including sweater designers, production, merchandisers, and fabric R&D, to ensure seamless design execution and meeting of all deadlines.
• Stay informed of industry developments and emerging trends, as well as closely monitor the performance of products in the market and adjust accordingly.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design and at least 8 years of experience in design with a primary focus on wovens. Designer experience preferred. Experience managing a team of 3 designers, interns, and contractors. High taste level and deep understanding of the advanced contemporary/luxury market. Highly organized and able to pivot with shifting priorities. Works well in a fast-paced environment and can multitask while coming up with creative solutions. Must be proactive, able to take direction, and implement efficiently with a positive and motivating outlook. Deeply proficient at visual research, trend-aware, and passionate/excited about design and innovation. Comfortable wearing many hats and playing an integral role in a small but collaborative cross-functional team. Excellent sketching ability, comprehensive knowledge of raw materials, expertise in manufacturing techniques, understanding of garment fit, and attention to detail across the entire development process. Experience with multiple categories and materials is a plus. Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel. Experience with Airtable or Figma is a plus. Excellent communication skills, presentation skills, and leadership qualities. Understanding of the history and heritage of the Rebecca Taylor brand.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design
• At least 8 years of experience in design with a primary focus on wovens
• Experience managing a team of 3 designers, interns, and contractors
• High taste level and deep understanding of the advanced contemporary/luxury market
• Highly organized and able to pivot with shifting priorities
• Works well in a fast-paced environment and can multitask while coming up with creative solutions
• Must be proactive, able to take direction, and implement efficiently with a positive and motivating outlook
• Deeply proficient at visual research, trend-aware, and passionate/excited about design and innovation
• Comfortable wearing many hats and playing an integral role in a small but collaborative cross-functional team
• Excellent sketching ability, comprehensive knowledge of raw materials, expertise in manufacturing techniques, understanding of garment fit, and attention to detail across the entire development process
• Experience with multiple categories and materials is a plus
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel
• Experience with Airtable or Figma is a plus
• Excellent communication skills, presentation skills, and leadership qualities
• Understanding of the history and heritage of the Rebecca Taylor brand

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Airtable or Figma

EOE