DESIGNER / TEXTILE DESIGNER, Wrangler Western Men's Tops - Relocation Assistance Provided

*Relocation Assistance Provided* 

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is a global lifestyle apparel company with a portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic denim brands: Wrangler®, Lee® and Rock & Republic®. We design, manufacture and distribute superior high-quality products that look good, fit right, and are crafted with sensitivity to our planet to give people around the world the freedom and confidence to express themselves.

Our global community of more than 15,000 employees fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, performance and entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for inclusive, humble, creative and forward-looking employees with a passion for creating innovative apparel products, accessories, and solutions that are both meaningful and purposeful for consumers and employees.

Designer / Textile Designer, Wrangler Western Mens Tops: Become the Newest Member of Kontoor Brands

This position reports to the Western Mens Design Manager and is responsible for leading all design activities related to Wrangler Western Male lifestyle – Tops. This position also leads the design of product lines supporting all accounts targeted by the Western Lifestyle Brand Unit with product innovation that meets end result retail needs but stays true to Brand DNA. Lead design on cross functional work streams to drive new, trend right and innovative product consistent with the merchandising brief. Responsible for developing the team competencies and expertise needed to meet organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Creative Vision.  Responsible for translating the Category level Wrangler Brand creative vision to the Western Lifestyle Brand Unit - Mens Tops.
• Strong Individual Contributor:  Creative, skilled designer who develops and delivers innovative, brand right products which meet lifestyle category and consumer business unit needs in cross functional work streams. 
• Competitive Positioning: Owns creative aesthetic from concept to consumer for all product and assortment needs. Researches emerging trends and styles and key influencer markets to strengthen brand image and maintain competitive positioning against key brand consumer targets.
• Brand Consistency: Ensures all assortments deliver consistent color, trend, and creative direction across targeted lifestyle to ensure brand positioning and brand equity objectives are intact.
• Style Ownership: Review and critique prototypes presented by product development. Discuss and strategize style changes and line enhancements with Merchandising. 
• Issue Resolution: Review samples and resolve outstanding issues with design and costing. Troubleshoots product development related problems to maintain calendar deadlines.
• Market Ready Presentation: Manage the presentation of the collections to Sales and Merchandising. Provide seasonal direction to ensure vision is executed in the market.
• Visual Design: Lead the direction for styling and product cues, as well as seasonal guides for visual merchandising for all channels.
• Fabric and Fit:  Leverage Center of Excellence partners concerning all matters of construction and fit.
• Special Makeup: Respond to key account assortment needs beyond initial seasonal line to maximize account opportunity.

Skills for Success:

• The successful candidate MUST possess experience in building plaids and repeat allover patterns using NED graphics, Web Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.
• Skilled at managing teams with Design, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, CAD, flat sketching skills, and tech packs.
• Knowledge of fabric construction performance, and any specific processing and treatments relevant to the Western LBU.
• Understanding of global sourcing of fabrics.
• Knowledge of product costing and product cycles.
• Strong collaborator.
• Excellent presentation and story-telling skills.
• Proven ability to translate trends to specific targeted consumer needs.  

Experience/Education:

Years of Related Professional Experience: 3+ years experience in leading creative vision for a brand and product category.

• People management experience, including leading a design team

Educational/Position Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in fashion or apparel design

Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements:  

• Traveling required, including travel to Asia