Sweater Design Director - Contemporary Market

Ralsey Group Ltd.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralsey Group Ltd. is seeking a Sweater Design Director in New York to lead the design and development of innovative sweater collections for the women’s contemporary market. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of sweater design experience and a strong portfolio.

You will manage a team, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and source materials to meet design objectives. This hybrid role entails traveling for in-person meetings and attending trade shows.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in fully shaped sweater design, ideally within the women’s contemporary market.
• Proven ability to interpret market trends and consumer insights into on-brand, saleable product concepts.
• Experience working with overseas counterparts, factories, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative sweater collections for the women’s contemporary market.
• Conduct monthly market research and trend analysis to identify emerging styles and silhouettes.
• Manage a team of designers and oversee sample development, ensuring design integrity.

Skills

Sweater design expertise

Team management

Market trend interpretation

Creative range

Proficiency in design software

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Canva

Miro

Job description

Overview

Brilliant Group is seeking a Sweater Design Director to lead the design and development of sweater collections for the Women’s Contemporary market in a hybrid role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative sweater collections for the women’s contemporary market, incorporating the latest trends, yarns, and stitch techniques.
• Collaborate with the Head of Design and cross‑functional teams to align on brand direction, seasonal concepts, and customer needs.
• Conduct monthly market research and trend analysis to identify emerging styles, colors, and silhouettes relevant to the target demographic.
• Create detailed design presentations, sketches, and tech packs that communicate construction details, fit, and sizing specifications.
• Source and select appropriate yarns, trims, and embellishments that meet quality, cost, and design objectives.
• Partner with Sales and Merchandising teams to translate customer feedback and retail insights into commercially successful designs.
• Manage a team of designers and oversee sample development, including fit sessions, revisions, and approvals, ensuring design integrity from concept through production.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with overseas vendors, factories, and suppliers to ensure timely development and execution.
• Attend trade shows and trend shows, and travel for in‑person meetings with customers each season.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in fully shaped sweater design, ideally within the women’s contemporary market.
• Experience managing a team of designers.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative range and technical expertise in sweater design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, Miro, and other relevant design software.
• Deep understanding of yarns, stitches, and sweater construction, along with tech pack proficiency, cost engineering, and a strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to interpret market trends and consumer insights into on‑brand, saleable product concepts.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and time‑management skills.
• Experience working with overseas counterparts, factories, and vendors.
• Passion for fashion, creativity, and innovation, with the ability to balance trend awareness and commercial appeal.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.