Design Director

Director of Design

G-III Apparel Group - New York, New York, United States (On-site)

Position Title: Director of Design

Location (On-site): New York City, Midtown Manhattan – Fashion District

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Design. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing and directing the design process for the apparel line, ensuring each collection embodies the unique spirit and ethos of the brand. This senior-level role requires exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of fashion trends, and a strong design portfolio.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the design strategy for the apparel line, aligning with the overall brand vision and business goals.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative design environment.
• Design Oversight: Oversee the entire design process, from concept to final product, ensuring all designs are innovative, trend-right, and on-brand.
• Trend Research: Conduct extensive research on fashion trends, market competition, and consumer insights to inform design direction.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, merchandising, marketing, and sales, to ensure cohesive product execution.
• Product Development: Ensure the development of high-quality prototypes and samples that meet design specifications and brand standards.
• Brand Consistency: Maintain consistency in design and ensure all products align with the brand identity and standards.
• Budget Management: Manage the design budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets.
• Vendor Relations: Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to source materials and ensure timely production of apparel.
• Presentation: Present design concepts and collections to senior leadership and key stakeholders, incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments.
• Innovation: Continuously seek out new design techniques, materials, and technologies to keep the women’s apparel line at the forefront of the industry.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in apparel design, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial role, preferably within the women’s fashion industry.

Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent eye for color, trend, and detail.
• Creativity: Demonstrated ability to create innovative and commercially successful designs.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing design teams.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and articulate design concepts.
• Project Management: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners.

The pay range for this position is: $135,000 - $175,000 per year

Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.

About G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. | www.g-iii.com

G-III excels at bringing excitement and confidence to customers through the fashion we create. We are global experts in design, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing, which enables us to fuel the growth of a substantial portfolio of brands. With more than 30 licensed and owned brands, including some of the most sought-after names in global fashion, our success is driven by our team’s entrepreneurial spirit and our deep relationships across the industry.

G-III’s owned brands include DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Donna Karan, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, G.H. Bass, Bass Outdoor, Andrew Marc, Eliza J., GIII Sports and more. G-III has fashion licenses under the Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, Dockers, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, Vince Camuto, Margaritaville and more. G-III also operates retail stores for the DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Donna Karan brands.