Design Lead, RRL Accessories & Footwear

BoF Careers; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Designer for Double RL Accessories and Footwear. This exciting role involves overseeing the design process, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and seasonal objectives. You will conduct market research, create design boards, and collaborate with teams to drive innovation. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills and a hands-on approach to design, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity and inclusion, and help shape the future of premium lifestyle products.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to create design offerings aligned with commercial strategy.
• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction and materials.
• Experience in managing overlapping projects in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Design compelling product assortments supporting brand aesthetic.
• Lead product design cycle while achieving milestone deadlines.
• Communicate brand goals to regional teams and factories.

Skills

Design Skills

Market Research

Communication Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

3D Design

Education

Bachelor's in Industrial Design

Bachelor's in Accessories Design

Bachelor's in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Company Description
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview
The Lead is responsible for the design and product oversight for the men's and women's Double RL Accessories and Footwear categories. This position will be accountable for the design process; while maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of the brand and seasonal business objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

* Design a compelling product assortment that supports the brand aesthetic and seasonal conceptual direction set by the Senior Brand Creative Director.
* Provide best in class research to develop new product ideas by compiling vintage garments, photos, tear sheets, sketches, fabric swatches and trim inspiration.
* Research market trends and runway shows to stay aware of new fabric/materials, models/silhouettes, trim, print/pattern, wash and finishing techniques.
* Create inspirational design boards and sketches/color-ups to convey design ideas to the Senior Brand Creative Director during the product design phase.
* Lead product design cycle while achieving all milestone calendar deadlines.
* Develop product in accordance with the line plan structure and seasonal business strategy.
* Ensure design hand-offs are detailed, and development goals are clear to ensure timely and accurate development of exceptional product. (sketch, specs, construction, material/trims, wash)
* When required drive selection of print/logo technique, color, size and placement
* Review and issue approvals/direction on all product development submits through to stock approval.
* Communicate brand aesthetic and seasonal goals to our regional teams, mills and factories so they can drive the innovation of new products/techniques that align with our brand.
* Travel may be required to support development and sourcing initiatives.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

* Proven ability to create a design offering that supports the creative direction and is aligned with the commercial merchandising strategy
* Hands-on approach to design that is grounded in storytelling and innovation
* Takes initiative and can manage overlapping projects in a dynamic environment
* Excellent communication skills and comfortable building relationships across teams
* Strong technical knowledge of bag and footwear construction, materials and elevated finishing techniques
* Ability to create a cohesive assortment between categories
* Comfortable with creating and leading in a digital culture.
* Extremely proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
* 3D design a plus
* Affinity for the brand and a strong knowledge of vintage
* Confidence in managing direct reports and fostering their growth
* Bachelor's degree in industrial design, accessories design or fashion design preferred #LI-ce1