Anthropologie Design Director - Sweaters & Knits

Role Summary

Anthropologie is looking for a Design Director for Sweaters and Knits. The Director will set the overall trend and direction for designs each season for their respective category focusing on sweaters. They will also supervise designers and ensure that designs and resulting product are appropriate for the Anthropologie customer, specifically the Maeve brand.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal line planning to ensure product direction aligns with market trends, brand vision, and overall business strategy.
• Drive trend forecasting and market analysis to inform design direction and maintain the brand's competitive positioning.
• Establish and guide the conceptual vision for product categories, translating inspiration into cohesive design strategies.
• Provide leadership and oversight to Assistant and Associate Designers, prioritizing initiatives and delegating responsibilities to optimize team performance and workflow.
• Oversee global sourcing strategies for raw materials, partnering with Product Development to innovate within cost and margin targets.
• Direct cross-functional collaboration with Product Development and Technical Design to ensure design intent, specifications, and product integrity are maintained throughout development.
• Maintain alignment with Product Development on development milestones and execution to ensure on-time delivery and adherence to design standards.
• Lead and influence key design reviews, including fittings and cross-functional meetings, to ensure product quality and brand consistency.
• Partner with global vendors and factories to support product innovation, development, and successful program execution.
• Build, mentor, and develop design talent, fostering a high-performing team and strengthening the organization's creative capabilities.

Role Qualifications

• Highly creative design leader with a proven ability to anticipate and translate global fashion and cultural trends into product strategies that resonate with the Anthropologie customer.
• Deep technical expertise in knitwear and woven garment construction, yarn development, trims, washes, and fabrications, with the ability to guide teams in concept development, prototyping, and draping to achieve innovative design solutions.
• Advanced understanding of global knit and woven manufacturing processes, enabling strategic collaboration with development and production partners to deliver high-quality, commercially viable product.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives, customer insights, and market opportunities into compelling design direction that drives brand growth and category performance.
• Strong organizational and leadership capabilities with a track record of managing multiple initiatives, setting priorities, and guiding teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative and influential partner with exceptional communication skills, able to align cross-functional teams across Design, Buying, Product Development, and Production.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator; experience with WebPDM or similar PLM systems preferred.
• Excellent hand sketching and visual communication skills used to articulate design vision and mentor emerging design talent.
• Minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in knitwear design, including leadership experience within contemporary or lifestyle brands.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Business, or a related field preferred.

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