Director of Product Design

BRICK Executive Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BRICK Executive Search is seeking an Apparel & Accessories Design/Product Developer for a fast-paced, high-energy environment in Chicago. The role requires collaboration with Design, Product, Buyers and external manufacturers to move concepts to line samples on time and on margin.

The ideal candidate has 3-5 years in apparel development, strong construction knowledge, and excellent communication and negotiation skills to drive cost efficiencies and quality across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of apparel and accessory development experience.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, materials, trims, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong project management and organization in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage full product lifecycle from concept to final line sample under deadlines.
• Collaborate with Design, Product, Buyers/Sales and external manufacturers.
• Create and submit detailed tech packs to vendors for clear execution.
• Negotiate costs to hit target margins and ensure on-time delivery.
• Lead fit sessions and communicate changes to factories.

Tools

Adobe Suite

Google Suite

PLM systems

Job description

BRICK EXECUTIVE SEARCH has been exclusively retained to search or an UBER Creative Design/Product Development Executive in the Women's Contemporary Apparel and Accessories

About the job

You will be working with a brand that embraces empowerment and expression for all. It helps fashion lovers punctuate their style statements with an exclamation point with designs, colors, and sizes that suit every mood and every BODY.

In a few short years, this brand has entered into some of the most coveted retailers, exponentially growing its business, and it's only just the beginning. Its goal is to hire high-energy, diverse, bright, creative, and flexible individuals who thrive in a fast-paced work environment. They are disrupting the marketplace and are looking for dynamic industry shakers to join the movement.

The Role: Apparel & Accessories Design/Product Developer

Location: HQ - Chicago, IL (On-Site)

Position Overview

Apparel & Accessories Design/Product Developer who lives at the intersection of design, development, and execution. This role is critical to bringing bold apparel and accessories from concept to line sample, on time and on margin. You'll partner closely with Design, Product, Buyers/Sales, and external manufacturing partners to ensure product is executed with speed, accuracy, and quality in a true fast-fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept submission through final line sample delivery, following critical path deadlines and communicating closely with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.
• Collaborate with Footwear at concept stage to identify and source new materials, trims, and constructions.
• Create and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners to ensure clear execution aligned with design intent.
• Manage all design and development deliverables, ensuring internal deadlines are met to support on-time external execution.
• Own product, material, and trim cost negotiations to achieve target margins.
• Own the fit and development process,to identify and recommend improvements in aesthetics, fit, construction, and quality.
• Run fit sessions with the Product team, taking detailed notes and photos and clearly communicating required changes to vendors.
• Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles, new materials, and constructions, ensuring clear communication with factories.
• Ensure a clean and thorough handoff of all pending development to the Production team upon PO placement to streamline communication by function.
• Proactively identify and solve development bottlenecks, material issues, fit challenges, and costing concerns.
• Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in apparel and accessories product development.
• Deep understanding of apparel construction, garment fit, materials, trims, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with apparel and accessory materials, construction methods, and material performance standards.
• Strong project management and exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and cost targets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, both internally and with external partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.
• Experience working in PLM systems
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.
• Self-starter mentality with a collaborative, team-first attitude.