G-III Apparel Group is hiring: Vice President, Design - DKNY Sportswear & Suits
G-III Apparel Group, New York, NY, US
Job Title: Vice President of Design (Womenswear) – DKNY Sportswear & Suits
Location: On-Site, 5 Days a Week — Midtown Manhattan, New York City (Fashion District)
Department: Design – DKNY Sportswear
Reports To: Senior Vice President, Design
About G-III Apparel Group:
G-III excels at bringing excitement and confidence to customers through the fashion we create. We are global experts in design, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing, which enables us to fuel the growth of a substantial portfolio of brands. With more than 30 licensed and owned brands, including some of the most sought-after names in global fashion, our success is driven by our team’s entrepreneurial spirit and our deep relationships across the industry.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Vice President of Design to lead our DKNY Sportswear & Suits teams. This leader will set the creative vision for each season, driving the development of competitive fashion product lines that balance relevant commercial product with brand-right, emotional fashion. The Vice President of Design will oversee and mentor the design team, ensuring creative excellence while aligning with strategic and financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Line Development
- Establish the creative direction for seasonal collections, ensuring synergy and a cohesive brand vision.
- Generate fresh, innovative ideas and concepts through trend, fabric, and design research.
- Ensure seasonal collections reflect both brand identity and commercial relevance.
Retail & Competitive Landscape
- Maintain ongoing awareness of retail performance, brand positioning, and competitive landscape.
- Visit company-owned stores and key department store accounts regularly to assess product impact.
- Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the market and adjust design strategy accordingly.
Design Team Management
- Lead, manage, and inspire a diverse design team, cultivating creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Recruit, train, develop, and retain top design talent while managing performance and growth.
- Foster an environment that encourages creative thinking and high performance.
Fiscal Accountability
- Oversee and manage design budgets including samples, shipping, and related expenses.
- Ensure adherence to development and design calendars, delivering on time and within budget.
Who You Are:
- A visionary leader with the ability to inspire creative excellence.
- A strategic thinker who understands both design and commercial needs.
- An effective communicator who builds strong cross-functional relationships.
- A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or equivalent professional experience.
- 12+ years of progressive design leadership experience within global fashion lifestyle women’s apparel brands.
- Proven track record managing a design team and design room operations.
- Expertise in development processes and collaboration with overseas factories and vendors.
- Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
- Deep understanding of commercially viable trends and market relevance.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
Candidate Requirements:
- CV/Resume and Work Samples (Portfolio URL) required for initial consideration.
What We Offer:
- Competitive executive compensation package.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- PTO and company holidays.
- Employee discounts.
The pay range for this position is: $175,000 – $250,000 per year.
Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law.
G-III Apparel Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. |
- G-III’s owned brands include DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Donna Karan, Vilebrequin, Sonia Rykiel, G.H. Bass, Bass Outdoor, Andrew Marc, Eliza J., GIII Sports and more. G-III has fashion licenses under the Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, Dockers, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, Vince Camuto, Margaritaville and more. G-III also operates retail stores for the DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Donna Karan brands.