Design and Development Director - Apparel

Ideal Candidate:

As our Apparel Design and Development Director you will have a passion for human centric design at the intersection of Apparel and Technology integration. You possess deep knowledge and expertise in technical/performance apparel design, design management and apparel product development. You will lead the apparel design team by establishing best design practices, processes and assets. You may also contribute directly to the product creation process with your own design work. As our Apparel Design and Development Director you will provide creative as well as technical leadership, and inspiring design direction that is aligned to strategic product and business goals. You will lead both scheduled and organic design collaboration and review sessions. You will collaborate constantly with teammates across our multidisciplinary organization. You possess a high personal taste level, a reverence for modern design, and are passionate about staying informed of contemporary apparel trends. You know state-of-the-art fabrication techniques and are proactive in learning what’s new across the entire landscape of design and production of advanced apparel. You are a self motivated, self starter, productive working independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team. This opportunity involves setting team and individual goals; coaching staff; and creating opportunities for staff development.  Team work-assignments and workflow tracking in collaboration with our project management team is also part of the role.

The Apparel Design and Development Director will report directly to the VP of Design and will collaborate with peers in Industrial Design, UX, Biomechanics, Engineering and User Testing.

What You Need for this Position:

• Degree in Fashion/Apparel Design, or Industrial Design, or equivalent

• 10 years (minimum) professional experience (3 management)

• Broad knowledge of textiles and technical construction techniques

• Knowledge of apparel industry development and manufacturing practices including: fit & sizing and pattern making

• Experience working directly with apparel production vendors as well as textile and trims vendors, including documentation and assets for production

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, works well as a part of a cross-functional team

• Strong time management and organization skills

• Ability to teach and transfer knowledge

• Strong people management skills

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

• Google docs/suite proficiency preferred

• Ability to draw and communicate visually: a plus

• Strong CAD skills: a plus

• Ability to travel domestically/internationally