Design Director & Merchandiser

We are seeking a talented, creative, and experienced Design Director & Merchandiser to lead our Design Department and drive the creative vision and development of our seasonal apparel collections.

The ideal candidate is a strong creative leader with an extensive understanding of the fashion industry, a keen eye for emerging trends, and the ability to translate creative concepts into commercially successful products. This individual will oversee the design process from initial concept through final execution while leading and developing a team of designers.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee the creative direction and design vision for seasonal collections.
• Research fashion trends, market developments, colors, fabrics, prints, and silhouettes.
• Lead and inspire the Design team, providing creative direction, guidance, and feedback.
• Oversee the development of cohesive, trend-right, and commercially relevant collections.
• Review and approve sketches, artwork, graphics, prints, colorways, fabrics, and design concepts.
• Ensure all designs align with the company's brand identity, customer expectations, and business objectives.
• Work closely with Merchandising to align creative direction with seasonal assortments and market opportunities.
• Collaborate with Product Development to ensure designs are executed accurately and meet quality and cost expectations.
• Partner with Sales to understand customer needs, market feedback, and new business opportunities.
• Manage departmental priorities, seasonal calendars, and design deadlines.
• Maintain high creative standards while ensuring collections are delivered on time.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in apparel design, with previous leadership or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of apparel categories, including knits, wovens, sweaters, prints, and graphics.
• Proven experience developing and overseeing seasonal apparel collections.
• Strong understanding of fashion trends, fabrics, colors, garment construction, and market direction.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a Design team.
• Strong creative, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance creative vision with commercial objectives and customer requirements.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on creative leader who can inspire a team, bring fresh ideas to the table, identify new market opportunities, and consistently deliver innovative and commercially successful collections.

The ideal candidate is organized, forward-thinking, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced apparel environment.