About this opportunity
Fwrd lists this VP of Design opportunity in los angeles, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
VP of Design
Regular Full-Time Senior Management Los Angeles, CA, US
The Vice President of Fashion Design is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and direction of the fashion design team. The VP of Fashion Design leads the design department, working closely with other senior leadership roles such as marketing, merchandising, and production teams. This role is critical in developing innovative designs, maintaining the brand’s aesthetic, and ensuring collections meet market trends, customer demands, and business objectives.
Major Responsibilities
Oversee the development, implementation and execution of monthly design plans
Lead and inspire the design team to create innovative, trendsetting collections aligned with the company’s brand identity; manage the fabric selection process
Stay on top of global fashion trends, ensuring the company’s designs are competitive and relevant
Oversee the design process from initial concept to final production, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to deadlines
Oversee trend research for ideas in silhouette, trim and fabrics
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to clearly communicate monthly design plans from an aesthetic and productivity standpoint
Manage and mentor the fashion design team, including senior designers, associate designers, and design assistants
Facilitate deep integration to ensure alignment with the Buying team in order to craft a unique product mix
Ensure the designs are unique, while also aligned with the company vision and direction
Maintain a deep understanding of key productivity and sales metrics and ensure clear communication processes for such metrics (e.g. designer scorecards, key sales metrics)
Maximize the calendar and create ways team members can effectively hit deadlines
Continue to evolve design strategy and structure with the executive team while also communicating it thoroughly and effectively
Provide leadership and direction to the entire design team, including creating and executing short and long‑term developmental goals
Cultivate, interview and train junior members, including leading workshops
Effectively conduct the line presentation to the executives and buyers
Build quarterly trend decks and design plans
Translate trend research/forecasting to sellable garments
Travel overseas as needed
Collaborate with the executive team to align the design strategy with business goals, customer needs, and market positioning
Encourage experimentation and innovative design concepts that push the boundaries of fashion while staying on‑brand
Key Competencies
Excellent ability to understand all stages of the design development process
Trend‑focused, forward‑thinking mindset
Extensive experience with the full product development lifecycle from concept to final product
Strong portfolio showcasing innovative design work and leadership in fashion
Exceptional creativity, vision, and understanding of fabric, color, texture, and garment construction
In‑depth knowledge of the fashion industry, trends, and market dynamics
Excellent leadership and people‑management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a creative team
Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and other fashion design tools
Expert analytical and decision‑making skills
Proactive, self‑motivated, advanced knowledge of how to delegate and still meet deadlines with a “get it done” attitude
Flexible personality willing to take direction and change as business needs change/grow
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and short lead calendar (5 months)
Physical capability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs., perform frequent repetitive finger, hand and wrist motions, as well as bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
Capacity to sit for extended periods of time
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years of senior leadership and planning experience with leading design teams
10+ years of professional work experience in women’s apparel design
Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development or Apparel Design related field
Expert knowledge of textiles, materials, construction and fit
Computer sketching using CAD skills including Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, hand sketching, flat sketching
Expert developing tech packs
Strong hand illustration skills
Expert computer skills including Microsoft, Adobe and Google suite applications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with leading multiple brands
Experience at luxury or contemporary brand
Design experience with large LA‑based apparel company
Benefits
Hefty discounts on items (50% or more off retail prices)
Free weekly lunches
Company parties and events
Attention
After submitting your application, please check your spam folder for emails on your application status. Emails are sent from an ADP email address.
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Worksite address
los angeles, CA, 90079, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.