DESIGNER - ACTIVE & SWIM (Innovative & Trend-Appropriate)

Create and execute innovative, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales.

Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive knowledge of the active and swim customer & competition through regular shopping of the retail floor
• Research and identify trend directions; perform and review competitive analysis; oversee and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, inspirational photos
• Create a trusted aesthetic that is brand aligned
• Create and send completed tech packs/PLM collaborations- Strong PLM skills
• Attend proto fittings/problem solve.  
• Partner with technical designers while building product.  Create patterns when needed.
• Adhere to the seasonal time and action calendar for area of responsibility
• Communicate regularly with product development manager to gather input and share line development direction
• Communicate on a daily basis with factories to share line development direction or product changes
• Provide leadership on styling, fabrication, and color development, as well as technical innovation.
• Design and execute development of initial seasonal category in context of larger assortment and cost structure.  Ensure timely execution of product development calendar.
• Incorporate knowledge of cost of goods, suggested retail pricing, and margin implications into the development of line.
• Develop and present product line to internal teams and management (explain and teach features and benefits).
• Understand and incorporate consumer preferences, retail customer needs, competitor activity, and other trends relating to product categories and segments.

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS degree in the field of design is a strong plus
• A minimum of 5+ years in apparel development and fashion design.
• Specific expertise in Active, a must.  Swim experience a plus.
• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary
• Ability to support Director
• Ability to focus, manage time, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a fast pace environment; work independently
• A hungry, meticulous go-getter who works with a sense of urgency and knows how to prioritize
• Problem solver skills
• Possess the capacity to absorb large amounts of information
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines
• Demonstrate creative ability and commercialize accordingly
• Excellent communication skills via phone and email
• Positive attitude / Team player
• Strong creative and innovative thinking. Knowledge of building garment specifications and expanded technical experience in functional garments.
• Experience communicating with domestic and off shore manufacturing facilities.
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
• Travel to vendors to work on development and execution of product.
• Advanced skills in Illustrator and PS, CAD