DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (Socks and Legwear)

SBH Fashion; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Design and Merchandising to lead their legwear team. This pivotal role involves overseeing the entire merchandising process, from concept development to successful product launches, while collaborating with various teams to ensure alignment with market trends. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the fashion and retail industries and will drive business growth through strategic product planning. If you are passionate about fashion and have a proven track record in merchandising leadership, this opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule (4 days onsite; 1 day remote)

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Pet insurance and discounts

Discounted life insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in merchandising with leadership in fashion wholesale.
• Strong understanding of market trends and retail dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee merchandising from concept to production for timely launches.
• Conduct market research to identify fashion trends and customer preferences.

Skills

Fashion Merchandising

Market Trend Analysis

Product Development

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication

Microsoft Office Suite

PLM Software

ERP Software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PLM Software

ERP Software

Job description

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (Socks and Legwear)

Location

New York, New York

Country

United States

Region

NY Metro

Reference Number

9007

Position type

Permanent

Category

Accessories
Apparel

Job Function

Salary: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 Per Year

Level: Mid to Senior Level (Management)

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (Socks and Legwear)

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Design and Merchandising for legwear (socks, hosiery) to lead our team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the fashion and retail industries and the ability to drive business growth through strategic product planning and development. This role requires collaboration with design, production, sales, licensing, and marketing teams to ensure our product offerings are aligned with market trends and customer demand. The candidate will lead the Design Team on trend analysis and should be able to step in when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire merchandising process, from concept development to final production, ensuring timely and successful product launches.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging fashion trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities.
• Understand the competitive marketplace and pursue white space opportunities that align with company strategies.
• Develop and implement merchandising strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and brand positioning.
• Collaborate with the design, production, and sales teams to create trend-right and commercially viable product assortments within a T&A calendar.
• Manage product assortment planning and pricing strategies.
• Establish strong relationships with key retail partners to understand their needs and enhance product offerings within retail and budget constraints.
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to develop effective seasonal product launches.
• Coordinate with the licensing team to make informed decisions on existing brands and identify new brand opportunities.
• Manage product approvals with licensors while ensuring quality standards are met.
• Merchandise showrooms in preparation for important meetings and seasonal changeovers.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of designers and product developers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Evaluate and suggest processes and workflows to increase efficiency and productivity.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in merchandising, including at least 2 years in a leadership role within the fashion wholesale industry.
• Strong understanding of market trends, retail dynamics, and product development.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication, management, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PLM, ERP, or other merchandising-related software.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative mindset with the ability to adapt quickly and work efficiently in a dynamic environment.

Benefits and Perks:

• Hybrid work schedule (4 days onsite; 1 day remote) & early Fridays
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage with FSA or HSA options
• Pet insurance and discounts
• Discounted life insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance