Apparel Design Operations Lead- Corporate Headquarters, Secaucus, NJ

Position Summary:

The Apparel Design Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the operational processes within the design department. This role bridges creative design and production execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational leadership, cross-functional collaboration skills, and a deep understanding of product development workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the design team.
• Utilize the PLC dates and develop internal design touch points to achieve the PLC Milestone deadlines-(e.g. schedule your internal meetings for fabric, concept, sketch review)
• Help the design team with budget/tracking/internal design calendar meetings and making sure design is on track – they would collaborate closely with PLC Tania/Jamie/Julie to report back on design milestones
• Facilitate team meetings, workflow planning, and workload balancing.
• Collaborate closely with the Product Lifecycle to team to ensure all milestones (concept, tech packs, sampling, fittings, approvals) are met on schedule. Develop and manage internal design calendars and timelines to meet major milestones.
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce development time.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as liaison between design, merchandising, sourcing, production, and marketing teams.
• Collaborate closely with the fabric, trim, and color teams to ensure all standards are accurately documented, maintained, and fully approved.
• Work closely with the sourcing operations team to monitor sample development, fittings, and revisions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Support the development and maintenance of budget plans, monitor and track project expenditures, provide weekly cost‑versus‑budget status updates to the VP, and proactively identify and recommend cost‑saving opportunities.

Systems & Process Optimizations

• Implement workflow tools and dashboards to track progress.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for design and development processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising, Business, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in apparel design, product development, or operations.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, materials, and production timelines.
• Experience with PLM systems and Microsoft Office (Excel proficiency required).
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving mindset and detail-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a design operations team.
• Knowledge of domestic and overseas production processes.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in cost negotiation and vendor management.

Details:

• Full-time role located in Secaucus, New Jersey
• Hybrid work model includes in-office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance for full-time employees
• 401K with employer match program
• Generous employee discount