Vans: Designer, Women's Apparel

FashionUnited; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 82,080 - 102,600; Full time

Job summary

Vans, the iconic action sports brand, seeks a Women's Apparel Designer in Costa Mesa. From concept to final product, you’ll collaborate across Merchandising and Development to craft apparel that resonates with women globally and reinforces the Off The Wall philosophy.

The role requires a design background, 3–5 years of experience, expertise in Adobe Suite, 3D and Generative AI, strong styling and color sense, and excellent communication. This is a hybrid position based in Costa Mesa, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent experience in accessories or apparel
• Expert knowledge of the Adobe Suite
• Experience in 3D and Generative AI
• Excellent sense of style and color
• Thorough knowledge of the global lifestyle/action sports market
• Strong presentation, listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask managing design work with business requests
• In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes
• Comprehension in manufacturing process — design, development, fit and production
• Capable of contributing to the design process with the team and partnering with product development
• Follows through with all tasks to meet product development calendar
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures and other business practices
• Demonstrates the ability to synthesize aesthetic inspiration from vintage, forward‑thinking design and mainstream consumer expectations

Responsibilities

• Translate culture into product design from concept to final product across Merchandising and Development
• Lead design from concept through final product, partnering with Merchandising and Development
• Create market research, seasonal inspiration boards, designs, tech packs, and fit
• Determine material selection, color details, and styling details
• Responsible for knowledge of cost components and ability to design products that hit margin targets
• Create computer design; sketches, graphics, print artwork, multiple colorways and storyboards
• Create visual presentations and follow up with all design details
• Deliver presentation of designs at line reviews and product launches
• Oversee the fitting of garments and review product details for quality and aesthetics
• Review details on prototypes with developer and merchandiser; share responsibility for development and final results
• Adhere to all calendar dates
• Collaborate across teams to meet design and production milestones

Skills

Adobe Suite

3D Design

Generative AI

Color Sense

Presentation Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in design

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

3D Software

Job description

\"Off The Wall\" since 1966, Vans ® is the original action sports brand. Vans promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the House of Vans

2. Your ROLE with us

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you. To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

At Vans, we believe great design doesn’t just follow culture—it helps shape it. As our Women's Apparel Designer, you'll bring the Off The Wall spirit to life through product that connects with women around the globe, blending trend-right relevance, creative storytelling, and authentic brand expression. From first sketch to final product, you'll partner across Merchandising and Development to create apparel that resonates with our consumer, pushes creative boundaries, and earns a place in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, Women's Apparel, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the Vans Women's business.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Responsible for market research, creating seasonal inspiration boards, designs, tech pack creation, and fit.


• Determine material selection, color details, and styling details.


• Responsible for knowledge of cost components and ability to design products that hit margin targets.


• Create computer design; sketches, graphics, print artwork, multiple colorways and storyboards.


• Create visual presentations and follow up with all design details.


• Deliver presentation of designs at line reviews and product launches.


• Oversee the fitting of garments and review product details to ensure product execution meets the design aesthetic as well as commercially acceptable quality standards.


• Review details on prototypes with developer and merchandiser. Share responsibility for development and merchandiser for final product results.


• Adhere to all calendar dates.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-5 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent experience in accessories or apparel


• Expert knowledge of the Adobe Suite


• Experience in 3D and Generative AI


• Excellent sense of style and color


• Thorough knowledge of the global lifestyle/action sports market


• Possess strong presentation, listening, verbal, and written communication skills


• Ability to multitask managing design work with business requests


• In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes


• Comprehension in manufacturing process — design, development, fit and production


• Capable of contributing to the design process with the team and partnering with product development


• Follows through with all tasks, assignments to meet product development calendar


• Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures and other business practices, guidelines and documents


• Demonstrates the ability to synthesize aesthetic inspiration from vintage, forward‑thinking design, and mainstream consumer expectations to create relevant, compelling product concepts

Hiring Range:

$82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annually

Location requirement: Hybrid schedule in-office in Costa Mesa, CA.

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, orcommissionpotential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.