Kenneth Cole Productions
Kenneth Cole Productions provided pay range
This range is provided by Kenneth Cole Productions. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $80,000.00/yr - $100,000.00/yr
ABOUT KENNETH COLE Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. His global company, Kenneth Cole Productions, creates modern, versatile, and functional clothing, shoes and accessories that make daily dressing effortless under the labels, Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted as well as footwear under the name Gentle Souls.
Kenneth Cole is a global fashion brand that directs design, markets, and distributes high quality apparel, footwear, and accessories. We work closely with 22 domestic and 12 international licensing partners to create modern, functional, and stylish products that inspire individuals to look good and make a positive impact in the world.
POSITION OVERVIEW This position reports to the Design Director, Design Services. The Design Services team are the product and brand experts who set the creative tone and visual direction for the Kenneth Cole brand. The ideal candidate is passionate about design, culturally curious, and deeply attuned to industry trends and insights with the ability to discern how and when these trends align with the Kenneth Cole aesthetic.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct ongoing product research, concept development, and content curation to drive innovation and elevate the brand’s product vision.
Identify, source, and compile a wide range of inspiring and noteworthy product references from diverse and unexpected sources.
Contribute both independently and collaboratively, bringing forward ideas that challenge convention while maintaining brand integrity.
Partner closely with cross functional teams to support the creation and presentation of comprehensive global product direction.
Participate in the approval process for all product concepts within Design Services.
SEASONAL CONCEPT + COLOR DIRECTION
Collaborate closely with the senior Director of Design Services to creatively and technically execute a cohesive seasonal brand vision across all product categories.
Research and develop macro and micro trends, including silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation relevant to each category.
Further define and create seasonal direction for the Kenneth Cole brand, leveraging AI tools to enhance creative exploration and visualization.
Brainstorm and ideate with cross functional partners, maintaining an open minded and solutions-driven approach to feedback and collaboration.
Consistently archive research and development by category or concept, ensuring organized and easily accessible visual references for the team.
Adhere to internal design and development calendars to ensure timely completion and successful in‑person hand‑offs twice per year.
SPECIFIC CATEGORY DIRECTION
Research and develop product direction for key categories, identifying opportunities that align with the Kenneth Cole brand aesthetic and market position.
Curate and refine findings to present relevant direction by silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation balancing creativity with commercial viability.
Leverage AI tools to further define and visualize the Kenneth Cole product look and feel within each category.
Collaborate with cross functional partners to ensure alignment with internal development calendars and timely execution of seasonal milestones.
PRODUCT PITCH DECKS
Create best‑in‑class, visually compelling presentations to support new business opportunities and showcase the Kenneth Cole brand vision.
Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Team (SPT) to develop a 360° approach in identifying whitespace opportunities and market potential within key categories.
Build go‑to‑market (GTM) product pitch decks post‑market to clearly articulate product hierarchy, enabling the Marketing team to plan budgets and develop cohesive seasonal campaign concepts.
Leverage AI tools to enhance creative efficiency, streamline deck production, and visualize product and concept narratives.
GLOBAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Participate in global product development meetings, contributing to discussions that align product direction with brand strategy.
Provide timely and comprehensive meeting recaps and action notes within 48 hours of each session to ensure alignment and accountability.
Organize and archive all product development imagery, tools, and notes for each development touchpoint, maintaining a clear and accessible reference library for the team.
Communicate with global partners clearly, professionally, and proactively to support seamless collaboration across time zones and functions.
PRODUCT BRAND STANDARDS
Create and establish clear visual distinction for the Kenneth Cole brand across all product categories.
Maintain and update brand standards to ensure consistency, clarity, and relevance across all touchpoints and seasons.
Continuously evolve and innovate brand marks, materials, and visual identifiers to keep the brand forward thinking and future ready.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Tech‑savvy with the ability to leverage digital and AI tools to enhance creative output and workflow efficiency.
Strong ability to curate content and craft compelling product stories that align with the Kenneth Cole brand vision.
Deep understanding of fashion macro and micro trends and how to translate them into brand relevant product direction.
Ability to source unique and inspiring content beyond traditional platforms such as WGSN or Trend Union.
Superior attention to detail, highly organized, process‑oriented, and proactive in approach.
Proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Flexible and resourceful with strong problem‑solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively cross‑functionally and as a team player.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
5–10 years of experience in concept design, trend research, or related creative fields within the fashion or lifestyle industry.
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative discipline required.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
Computer equipment and level of software requirements
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) with strong formatting and presentation skills.
Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline research, and support more strategic and directive design outcomes.
We’d love to see your work product. If you have a portfolio, please share a link or attach relevant samples along with your resume.
HOW WE WORK FOR YOU
Medical, Dental, and Vision packages
Hybrid - In Office Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Monday and Friday as needed.
401K and company match
Competitive time‑off package including Unlimited PTO and Company Paid Holidays.
Online Associate Discount
HOW OUR CULTURE WORKS Our goal is to be the global standard for New York style and social consciousness. At Kenneth Cole Productions, we bring together respectful, innovative people, in a culture of, collaboration, accountability, and passion for our brand and product. We hire those who are innovative, courageous, interesting, ambitious, and genuine. For over 40 years, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. has been one of the world’s most recognized fashion companies. This could not have happened without one key asset: our Associates. Designing, marketing, and selling a broad range of shoes, clothing and accessories. Kenneth Cole Associates are courageous thought‑leaders who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. As an entrepreneurial organization of energized and devoted individuals, we promote, inspire and embrace an atmosphere of mutual respect, creative thinking and results‑driven accountability. We foster an incredibly collaborative workplace, which we fill with people who work hard (and play hard) together.
Kenneth Cole Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, marital status, caregiver status, unemployment status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs.
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Base pay range $80,000.00/yr - $100,000.00/yr
ABOUT KENNETH COLE Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. His global company, Kenneth Cole Productions, creates modern, versatile, and functional clothing, shoes and accessories that make daily dressing effortless under the labels, Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted as well as footwear under the name Gentle Souls.
Kenneth Cole is a global fashion brand that directs design, markets, and distributes high quality apparel, footwear, and accessories. We work closely with 22 domestic and 12 international licensing partners to create modern, functional, and stylish products that inspire individuals to look good and make a positive impact in the world.
POSITION OVERVIEW This position reports to the Design Director, Design Services. The Design Services team are the product and brand experts who set the creative tone and visual direction for the Kenneth Cole brand. The ideal candidate is passionate about design, culturally curious, and deeply attuned to industry trends and insights with the ability to discern how and when these trends align with the Kenneth Cole aesthetic.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct ongoing product research, concept development, and content curation to drive innovation and elevate the brand’s product vision.
Identify, source, and compile a wide range of inspiring and noteworthy product references from diverse and unexpected sources.
Contribute both independently and collaboratively, bringing forward ideas that challenge convention while maintaining brand integrity.
Partner closely with cross functional teams to support the creation and presentation of comprehensive global product direction.
Participate in the approval process for all product concepts within Design Services.
SEASONAL CONCEPT + COLOR DIRECTION
Collaborate closely with the senior Director of Design Services to creatively and technically execute a cohesive seasonal brand vision across all product categories.
Research and develop macro and micro trends, including silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation relevant to each category.
Further define and create seasonal direction for the Kenneth Cole brand, leveraging AI tools to enhance creative exploration and visualization.
Brainstorm and ideate with cross functional partners, maintaining an open minded and solutions-driven approach to feedback and collaboration.
Consistently archive research and development by category or concept, ensuring organized and easily accessible visual references for the team.
Adhere to internal design and development calendars to ensure timely completion and successful in‑person hand‑offs twice per year.
SPECIFIC CATEGORY DIRECTION
Research and develop product direction for key categories, identifying opportunities that align with the Kenneth Cole brand aesthetic and market position.
Curate and refine findings to present relevant direction by silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation balancing creativity with commercial viability.
Leverage AI tools to further define and visualize the Kenneth Cole product look and feel within each category.
Collaborate with cross functional partners to ensure alignment with internal development calendars and timely execution of seasonal milestones.
PRODUCT PITCH DECKS
Create best‑in‑class, visually compelling presentations to support new business opportunities and showcase the Kenneth Cole brand vision.
Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Team (SPT) to develop a 360° approach in identifying whitespace opportunities and market potential within key categories.
Build go‑to‑market (GTM) product pitch decks post‑market to clearly articulate product hierarchy, enabling the Marketing team to plan budgets and develop cohesive seasonal campaign concepts.
Leverage AI tools to enhance creative efficiency, streamline deck production, and visualize product and concept narratives.
GLOBAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Participate in global product development meetings, contributing to discussions that align product direction with brand strategy.
Provide timely and comprehensive meeting recaps and action notes within 48 hours of each session to ensure alignment and accountability.
Organize and archive all product development imagery, tools, and notes for each development touchpoint, maintaining a clear and accessible reference library for the team.
Communicate with global partners clearly, professionally, and proactively to support seamless collaboration across time zones and functions.
PRODUCT BRAND STANDARDS
Create and establish clear visual distinction for the Kenneth Cole brand across all product categories.
Maintain and update brand standards to ensure consistency, clarity, and relevance across all touchpoints and seasons.
Continuously evolve and innovate brand marks, materials, and visual identifiers to keep the brand forward thinking and future ready.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Tech‑savvy with the ability to leverage digital and AI tools to enhance creative output and workflow efficiency.
Strong ability to curate content and craft compelling product stories that align with the Kenneth Cole brand vision.
Deep understanding of fashion macro and micro trends and how to translate them into brand relevant product direction.
Ability to source unique and inspiring content beyond traditional platforms such as WGSN or Trend Union.
Superior attention to detail, highly organized, process‑oriented, and proactive in approach.
Proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Flexible and resourceful with strong problem‑solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively cross‑functionally and as a team player.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
5–10 years of experience in concept design, trend research, or related creative fields within the fashion or lifestyle industry.
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative discipline required.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
Computer equipment and level of software requirements
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) with strong formatting and presentation skills.
Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline research, and support more strategic and directive design outcomes.
We’d love to see your work product. If you have a portfolio, please share a link or attach relevant samples along with your resume.
HOW WE WORK FOR YOU
Medical, Dental, and Vision packages
Hybrid - In Office Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Monday and Friday as needed.
401K and company match
Competitive time‑off package including Unlimited PTO and Company Paid Holidays.
Online Associate Discount
HOW OUR CULTURE WORKS Our goal is to be the global standard for New York style and social consciousness. At Kenneth Cole Productions, we bring together respectful, innovative people, in a culture of, collaboration, accountability, and passion for our brand and product. We hire those who are innovative, courageous, interesting, ambitious, and genuine. For over 40 years, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. has been one of the world’s most recognized fashion companies. This could not have happened without one key asset: our Associates. Designing, marketing, and selling a broad range of shoes, clothing and accessories. Kenneth Cole Associates are courageous thought‑leaders who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. As an entrepreneurial organization of energized and devoted individuals, we promote, inspire and embrace an atmosphere of mutual respect, creative thinking and results‑driven accountability. We foster an incredibly collaborative workplace, which we fill with people who work hard (and play hard) together.
Kenneth Cole Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, marital status, caregiver status, unemployment status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs.
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