Director of Design and Merchandising

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for fashion and an unrelenting drive for creativity? Do you possess the ability to lead and inspire a team of designers, artists, and creatives to create stunning apparel collections that captivate and resonate with our customers? If so, we invite you to join our team as our next Director of Design Merchandising.

In this role, you will be the visionary behind the products we create. You will be responsible for end to end production of our products, collaborating and leading designers, product developers, and marketers to align our product offering with brand vision. Your ability to create and predict fashion trends combined with your technical expertise, negotiating abilities, and undeniable attention to detail will drive the company's growth into the future. If you have a passion for fashion, an eye for detail, and a knack for transforming ideas into wearable masterpieces, this is the job for you!

Responsibilities

Creative Vision and Brand Consistency:

• Develop and communicate a clear and compelling creative vision for the SSCO's collections each season, aligning with our brand identity and target market.
• Lead a team of designers, artists, and creatives in translating the creative vision into innovative and trendsetting apparel designs. Provide guidance and feedback throughout the design process.
• Maintain and enforce brand consistency across all creative assets, including product design, packaging, and marketing materials.

Assortment Planning:

• Research and analyze market trends and identify opportunities for new product development.
• Utilize market research and historical/projected sales data to identify sales trends and inform decision-making.
• Leverage trend insights to create products that resonate with target audiences.

Design Collaboration:

• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of detailed product specifications, including technical drawings, measurements, and material requirements.
• Working with 3rd party design teams for the development of patterns and artwork.
• Develop and oversee product development timelines and calendars for all direct reports.
• Supports the growth of key categories by expanding upon styles that has been historically successful.

Sourcing and Material Selection:

• Identification and evaluation of suppliers by attending seasonal sourcing trade shows (TexWorld, MAGIC Sourcing, etc).
• Scout, evaluate, and select materials that align with design goals, performance requirements, and cost considerations.
• Communicating with suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and order MOQ’s, demonstrating an understanding of the manufacturing process and how various factors, such as material choice, construction techniques, and production volume, impact the overall cost.

Prototyping and Testing:

• Oversee the prototyping and sampling process, ensuring the accurate translation of designs into physical products.
• Conduct product fittings, collaborating with technical teams to evaluate product fit, construction, and quality.
• Conduct rigorous testing to validate product performance and quality.

Production Management:

• Manage the production process, coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective manufacturing.
• Monitor quality control and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain product excellence.
• Track and report on production progress, addressing any issues related to quality, production capacity, or lead times.
• Lead cross-functional teams to address and resolve production-related challenges, such as cost, quality, or timeline.
• Oversee the development of products through the development cycle to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting:

• Oversee the product development team to ensure all product lines are optimized for sales growth and profitability.
• Recommend order quantities based on MOQs/costs to meet demand while considering inventory and target margins.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to establish product MSRP, ensuring competitiveness, margins, and customer value.

Continuous Review

• Monitor product performance, sales trends, and customer feedback to evaluate success and make data-driven recommendations for future seasons.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to remain competitive and innovative.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Manufacturing, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of apparel design and product development experience, with 3 years of experience managing direct report(s)
• Deep understanding of the manufacturing process and factors that affect cost.
• Ability to analyze market trends and translate them into new product concepts.
• Excellent creativity, a high taste level and a strong understanding of the SSCO aesthetic
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with color forecasting, seasonal color palette creation, and trend analysis tools such as WGSN.
• Great collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with design, production, and sales/merchandising teams.
• Effective communicator and strong negotiator.
• Experience with sourcing and developing products with overseas manufacturers.
• Knowledge of market research methodologies and competitive analysis.
• Familiarity with pricing strategies, product costing, and profit margin calculations.
• Proficient with Excel, with the ability to create and interpret reports used for forecasting, planning, and costing analysis.
• Proficient with design software such as Adobe Creative Suites and CAD software.
• Experience with operating and managing product development in PLM software.
• Ability to motivate others with a focus on delivering results and meeting expectations.
• Great team leader with a positive attitude!

Why you are right for this position:

• Creative Maestro: You have a unique ability to transform ideas into tangible fashion products while ensuring every detail is perfect. You thrive in a team environment and excel in collaborating with designers, suppliers, and production teams.
• Global Perspective: Your experience in working with diverse markets and cultures enables you to create products that resonate with a wide range of consumers.
• Leadership Prowess: You excel at leading and mentoring product development teams, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment. You thrive in a fast-paced industry, adapting to changing trends and demands with ease.
• Passion for Fashion: Your dedication to staying current with industry trends align with our commitment to creating stylish and appealing clothing.
• Collaborative Guru: Your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams will contribute to a seamless design-to-production process.

Benefits

• Passionate Team: You'll be working with a group of like-minded trend-setters who share your love for what we do.
• Room to Grow: We're all about professional development and growth. Your creative ideas will be valued and nurtured.
• Creative Freedom: We encourage you to think outside the box and bring your innovative ideas to life.
• Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and perks to keep you happy and motivated.

• 401K Retirement with employer matching
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Professional Growth Plans
• Performance Bonus Opportunities
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Continued Education Allowances
• Company Sponsored Luncheons and Events
• Generous Employee Discounts on SSCO Product
• Fun, Collaborative Work Environment with Great People!