Senior Designer Kids

Confidential; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Kellwood is seeking a senior apparel designer for the Toddler Boys category to lead collection development from concept through execution. You will drive seasonal concepts, supervise design development, and ensure color, prints, and trims meet brand standards while collaborating with Design Director and overseas vendors.

You will research markets, present cohesive seasonal capsules, translate trends into commercially viable products, and mentor junior designers in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in apparel design, with a focus on children's or toddler categories.
• Strong sketching and technical flat skills; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite — all designs done in Illustrator
• Proficient in Excel and Photoshop
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrication, knit fabrications, and fit model standards
• Strong color theory knowledge and trend awareness specific to the toddler/kids' market
• Exceptional art direction skills with an elevated aesthetic eye for graphics, print, and color; knowledge of specialty graphic and embroidery techniques specific to the toddlers category
• Understanding of price points as applied to fabrics and construction
• Ability to source and develop with China suppliers
• Ability to adapt to pricing structure to service private labels
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to give and receive creative feedback
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Leadership experience
• Knowledge of toddler-specific safety and compliance is a plus
• Generative AI skills also a plus

Responsibilities

• Design collection pieces that reflect the trends and aesthetic of the collection based on the Director's vision, maintaining a cohesive, on-brand point of view across the line
• Prepare spec packages for Product Development and Technical teams including construction details, front and back view sketches, fabrications, trim sheets, and critical measurements
• Illustrate collection using CAD and flat sketching in Illustrator
• Prepare and maintain presentation boards throughout the season
• Assist in coloring and pass color to Product Development team upon Design Director approval
• Pass specs to Product Development and Technical teams in line with the calendar
• Review samples and provide fit comments to Product Development and Technical teams
• Review qualities, construction, and/or trims to fit necessary price points
• Work with R&D, Product Development, and Production to improve quality
• Review merchandise plans and maintain calendar timing
• Liaise directly with the sales team and /or retail partners to ensure product is consistent with market trends and business strategy
• Collaborate with Art Room, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the development process
• Present collection to sales, merchandising, production, retail partners, and other team members for seasonal approval
• Follow up on color lab dips for final approval
• Communicate open issues with directors and work closely to resolve them
• Communicate updates and changes to all business partners (Merchants, Production, Tech)

Skills

Leadership

Art direction

Color theory

Trend forecasting

Collaboration

Tools

Illustrator

Adobe Creative Suite

Excel

Photoshop

Job description

Responsibilities

• Design collection from concept to completion, driving seasonal concept and design development for the Toddler Boys category from ideation through execution
• Responsible for product design process to include market research, conceptual presentations, and guidance through fabric, print, graphic, spec, and fit processes
• Create and present cohesive seasonal collections and capsules, including prints, graphics, color palettes, and trim details with knowledge of specialty graphic and embroidery techniques specific to the boys' category
• Shop domestic and international markets, bringing in new ideas through competitive shopping and vintage research; translate trend forecasts into commercially viable product for the Toddler customer
• Work closely with Design Director for sketch review; discuss production, fabric, and other daily issues; partner with senior leadership on brand strategy and special initiatives
• Research fabrics and trims; partner with Fabric R&D, Production, and mills to ensure accurate execution of design details, prints, and color standards across development
• Research key silhouettes and trends with strong color theory knowledge and trend awareness specific to the toddler/kids' market
• Work with both an in-house sample room and overseas design development; communicate with overseas vendors to ensure accurate execution of design intent
• Design collection pieces that reflect the trends and aesthetic of the collection based on the Director's vision, maintaining a cohesive, on-brand point of view across the line
• Prepare spec packages for Product Development and Technical teams including construction details, front and back view sketches, fabrications, trim sheets, and critical measurements
• Illustrate collection using CAD and flat sketching in Illustrator
• Prepare and maintain presentation boards throughout the season
• Assist in coloring and pass color to Product Development team upon Design Director approval
• Pass specs to Product Development and Technical teams in line with the calendar
• Review samples and provide fit comments to Product Development and Technical teams
• Review qualities, construction, and/or trims to fit necessary price points
• Work with R&D, Product Development, and Production to improve quality
• Review merchandise plans and maintain calendar timing
• Liaise directly with the sales team and /or retail partners to ensure product is consistent with market trends and business strategy
• Collaborate with Art Room, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the development process
• Present collection to sales, merchandising, production, retail partners, and other team members for seasonal approval
• Follow up on color lab dips for final approval
• Communicate open issues with directors and work closely to resolve them
• Communicate updates and changes to all business partners (Merchants, Production, Tech)

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in apparel design, with a focus on children's or toddler categories
• Strong sketching and technical flat skills; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite — all designs done in Illustrator
• Proficient in Excel and Photoshop
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrication, knit fabrications, and fit model standards
• Strong color theory knowledge and trend awareness specific to the toddler/kids' market
• Exceptional art direction skills with an elevated aesthetic eye for graphics, print, and color; knowledge of specialty graphic and embroidery techniques specific to the toddlers category
• Understanding of price points as applied to fabrics and construction
• Ability to source and develop with China suppliers
• Ability to adapt to pricing structure to service private labels
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to give and receive creative feedback
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Leadership experience
• Knowledge of toddler-specific safety and compliance is a plus
• Generative AI skills also a plus

What Sets You Apart

• Deep knowledge of the Toddler market and customer
• Passion for innovation in kids' apparel design
• Adaptability and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude

Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000

Kellwood is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.