Designer (100% On-site)

Dillard's; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dillard’s in Little Rock is seeking a Men's Designer to create seasonal collections aligned with brand direction, developing trend-driven designs and managing the design process from concept to final product.

You will lead trend and color development, maintain material libraries, and build vendor relationships while collaborating with merchandising, technical design, and production to ensure timely execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or related field.
• 5+ years of apparel design experience, preferably in sportswear.
• Proven experience leading product development and managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Trend and color development for seasonal collections.
• Maintain and organize material library and development boards.
• Build and maintain vendor and mill relationships.
• Lead design documentation, CADs, sketches, and BOMs for TTI.
• Collaborate with merchandising, technical design, and production to align on vision and timelines.

Skills

Trend forecasting

CADs & technical sketches

Vendor & mill relations

Cross-functional collaboration

Color theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

The Men's Designer at Dillard’s is responsible for creating seasonal collections that align with brand direction and resonate with our customers. This role involves developing trend-driven designs, building strong vendor relationships, and overseeing all aspects of the design process from concept to final product. The Designer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution and alignment with company goals.

Essential Job Functions

Trend and Color Development:

• Develop seasonal trend decks and monthly color palettes for each brand in collaboration with the Sportswear Brand Direction team.
• Present comprehensive trend forecasts, including color, fabric, and style insights, to inform the design process.

Material Library Management:

• Maintain and organize a fabric, skin, and trim library, updating seasonally with innovative materials sourced from shows, mills, and vendors.
• Ensure materials are accessible and categorized for easy reference, using hanging racks, drawers, or other organizational systems.

Vendor and Mill Relations:

• Build and maintain direct relationships with mills and vendors to source appropriate fabrics and trims for development.
• Introduce innovative materials and collaborate on fabric development to meet brand-specific needs.
• Lead development meetings, presenting multiple design concepts based on sales data, trends, and historical performance.
• Prepare samples, photos, sketches, and fabrics to support design proposals and decision-making.

Design Documentation:

• Maintain seasonal and monthly binders for each style, including updated development sheets, fabric information, sketches, and photographs.
• Ensure artwork and CADs are completed and available before finalization meetings and Technical Turn-Ins (TTI).

Technical Turn-Ins (TTI):

• Provide accurate design information, including detailed sketches, measurements, and Bill of Materials (BOMs), during TTI.
• Act as the design authority in finalization meetings, ensuring all product details align with the original vision.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with merchandising, technical design, and production teams to align on product vision, timelines, and execution.
• Foster a collaborative environment within the design group, ensuring cohesive outcomes across all categories.

Project Management:

• Adhere to the Timing and Action (T&A) Calendar, ensuring all milestones are met and adjusting plans as necessary to address challenges or opportunities.
• Maintain flexibility to pivot based on shifting priorities or market trends.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of apparel design principles, including color theory, fabric selection, and construction techniques.
• Proficiency in creating trend decks, CADs, and technical sketches.
• Exceptional ability to manage libraries of materials and documentation for various projects.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Familiarity with technical design processes, including BOM creation and technical turn-ins.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead meetings and collaborate across teams.
• Effective relationship-building skills with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze sales data and market trends to inform design decisions.
• Strategic mindset to anticipate challenges and pivot when necessary.

Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.

Position Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in apparel design, preferably in sportswear or a related category.
• Demonstrated experience leading product development processes and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a generous merchandise discount, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Dillard’s is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.

*This is a full time, on-site position located at our Dillard's HQ.

Location: 1600 Cantrell Rd. Little Rock, AR 72201

A high level of attendance is required as an essential function of this position.

Rules of Arbitration

I state that the information contained in the foregoing statements is complete, true, and correct. I understand that if I am employed, any misrepresentation or omission of material facts on this application is sufficient cause for dismissal. I agree that my employment is for no definite period of time and can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either Dillard's or myself. I understand that neither the Associate Work Rules and General Policies, the Associate Benefits and Related Policies, nor any other written or oral statements by Dillard's or its representatives are contracts of employment. No employee of Dillard's other than the Chairman of the Board or the President has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing, and no such agreement has been made. If, at the time of termination, I am for any reason indebted to Dillard's, whether for merchandise, cash advances, withdrawals, or otherwise, I agree that Dillard's shall have the right to make the necessary deductions and withhold from any remuneration or from any reimbursement to which I may be entitled, an amount sufficient to fully cover and completely pay for all of my indebtedness to Dillard's. I also hereby agree that in no event shall Dillard's be liable for any loss or damage to my clothing or my personal property. In consideration of Dillard’s agreeing to consider my Application, I agree that effective on my submission of this Application, Dillard’s and I shall be entitled to the benefits of and mutually agree to become subject to Dillard’s RULES OF ARBITRATION (the “Rules”). The Rules will apply to any Legal Claim which may arise out of the application process or over Dillard’s failure or refusal to offer me employment. A free copy of the Rules is available A) by emailing a request for a copy to [e-mail] or B) by requesting a written copy of the Rules by dialing toll free 866-353-6787.