Director, Design

Knitwell Group; New Albany (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merchandise discount

Career development opportunities

Volunteer and charitable giving

Health/dental/vision insurance & 401(K

Hybrid: 3 days in office

Job summary

KnitWell Group is seeking a Director of Design to oversee seasonal design from concept to production fittings and to lead the design team in implementing the direction set by senior leadership. You will ensure fabric selections, trims and color themes align with brand identity and market demand.

The role requires a strong leadership presence, international travel, and a track record of delivering innovative, market-ready designs in a large corporate setting. Hybrid work is supported.

Qualifications

• 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 leadership and managerial skills.
• Strategic and analytical thinker.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the seasonal design process from concept to production fittings.
• Leads the design team in the execution of the original design direction set by SVP or VP of Design.
• Develops each season’s direction and establishes prints, graphics and novelties.
• Manages and communicates design direction to the design team.
• Provides direction for fit, fabric selections, trims and color themes.

Skills

Leadership

Design leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Time management

Collaborations

Travel internationally

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.

#LI-LL1

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.