Senior Fashion Designer, Key Accounts

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly creative, organized, and experienced Senior Fashion Designer to lead the design execution and management of key accounts.

This role will be responsible for managing the design process for strategic retail and wholesale accounts, from concept development through final product execution. The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision with excellent communication and organizational skills, and is comfortable leading client-facing meetings, collaborating cross-functionally, and managing multiple seasonal calendars simultaneously.

The Senior Designer will work closely with sales, product development, and production teams to ensure collections align with customer needs, brand direction, margin targets, and delivery timelines.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Product Development

• Lead the design and development process for assigned key accounts and seasonal programs
• Research trends, color, fabrications, silhouettes, graphics, and market direction relevant to each customer
• Create seasonal concepts, CADs, presentation boards, and design packages
• Develop commercially strong product assortments aligned with customer and brand objectives
• Partner with product development and production teams to ensure designs are executed accurately and efficiently
• Review samples, fittings, fabrics, trims, washes, and construction details throughout development

Key Account Management

• Serve as the primary design contact for assigned key accounts
• Participate in and help lead customer meetings, presentations, and seasonal line reviews
• Interpret customer direction and translate feedback into commercially successful product
• Build strong working relationships with buyers and account teams
• Manage account-specific timelines, revisions, and approvals

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with sales, merchandising, production, and operations teams to align on priorities and delivery goals
• Ensure design calendars and milestones are maintained throughout the season
• Communicate clearly with overseas vendors and factories regarding design intent and execution details
• Support problem-solving related to fit, costing, sourcing, or production challenges

Leadership & Creative Contribution

• Help maintain consistency in brand identity and design standards across accounts
• Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior design team members when needed
• Contribute trend insight, market research, and competitive analysis to leadership
• Assist in improving design workflows and organizational processes as the company grows

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in apparel design, preferably within activewear, fashion, or private label
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, fabrics, and product development processes
• Experience managing key accounts or retailer-driven programs preferred
• Ability to balance creativity with commercial product development
• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple seasons, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft/Google Workspace
• Experience creating CADs, tech packs, line sheets, and presentation materials

Preferred Experience

• Experience in activewear, contemporary apparel, or private label development
• Familiarity with wholesale and retail account calendars
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and vendors
• Strong understanding of trend forecasting and market analysis

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $90,000 - $105,000/yr (negotiable based on experience)
• PTO and paid holidays
• Health benefits (if applicable)
• Opportunity for long-term growth within a fast-growing company

Ideal Traits

• Creative yet highly organized
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Excellent communicator and collaborator
• Commercially minded with strong trend awareness
• Calm under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Solutions-oriented with strong follow-through