Director, Design

Lane Bryant; New Albany (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discount

Career mobility

Volunteer opportunities

Health & retirement benefits

Job summary

Lane Bryant, a flagship plus-size brand, is seeking a Director of Design to oversee the seasonal design process from concept to production fittings. The Design Director leads the design team in their execution of the original design direction set by Senior Vice President or Vice President of Design.

The impact includes developing each season’s direction, selecting fabrics, trims and colors, and coordinating with Merchandising and Product Development to maintain brand identity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in Design.
• 10 years of design experience in a large corporate setting.
• Exceptional leadership and managerial skills.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to travel internationally and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Develops each season’s direction and establishes prints, graphics and novelties with Senior VP/VP of Design.
• Manages and communicates design direction to the design team.
• Oversees all fabric selections, styles, trims and color themes; ensures they meet brand and market needs.
• Provides direction for silhouette in collaboration with Merchandising and Product Development.
• Responsible for prototypes, fit, and final sign-off on product lines.

Skills

Design leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Fabric & color knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About us

Our founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what she did. 120 years later, Lane Bryant remains the iconic plus-size brand. Empowering women is kind of our thing. Our inclusive community of customers and associates champions the acceptance of all sizes, shapes, and people. If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression, you'll be at home here.

About the role

The Director, Design oversees the seasonal design process from color concept to production fittings. The Design Director leads the design team in their execution of the original design direction set by Senior Vice President or Vice President of Design.

The impact you can have

• Develops each season’s direction and establishes the prints, graphics and novelties with Senior Vice President
• Manages and communicates design direction to design team
• Responsible for all fabric selections, styles, trim and color themes, and ensures they are both client and time-appropriate
• In partnership with Design and Merchandising teams, provides general direction for silhouette
• Responsible for all prototypes put into work
• Inspires Design team to present new and innovative ideas
• Partners with Merchandising and Product Development to ensure product maintains brand identity and meets business strategy
• Provides direction for fit of garments
• Interprets global and domestic concepts and fashion trends as relates to market demands
• Manages staff in all aspects of product development, including market research, mood boards, designing, specing and fit
• Facilitates communication between Merchandising, Product Development, Production and Design teams
• Works in conjunction with Senior Vice President to seasonally prepare Spectrum concept
• Approves off standard colors for production with the tech color team
• Final sign off on line.
• Accountable for process improvement, growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect division and company

People Management

• Responsible for the selection, development and retention of team members
• Mentors and coaches direct reports on performance expectations
• Provides a positive, challenging work environment
• Recognize and reward talent and accomplishments
• Drives global team collaboration

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in Design
• 10 years of experience in Design, of which some time spent as a Designer in a large corporate setting
• Exceptional sense of style, fabric, color and technical knowledge
• Creative and innovative design and conceptualization ability
• Exceptional leadership and managerial skills
• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Exceptional communication, presentation and persuasion skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and divisions
• Highly organized and has capacity to anticipate change based on events and adapt quickly
• Excellent decision making and time management skills
• Ability to travel internationally
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

Benefits

You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.

Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.

A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.

Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).* Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Time off – paid time off & holidays.* Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Hybrid

This position works in a hybrid model, with 3 days per week worked in the office.

Location: LB OH Corp Office-LaneBryant-New Albany, OH 43054

Position Type: Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law.

The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

About KnitWell Group

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful. Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.