Designer - Swimwear and Cover ups
SWIM USA, New York, NY, United States
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Designer to help lead the product design and development of our swimwear collections, reporting directly to Design & Merchandising leadership. This role will own key categories and play a critical role in shaping seasonal creative direction while driving execution from concept through production.
The ideal candidate combines strong aesthetic leadership with technical swim expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to mentor junior designers.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities Creative Leadership
Partner with Design & Merchandising leadership to develop seasonal swimwear collections that align with overarching brand vision and business strategy.
Interpret creative direction from Design & Merchandising leadership, and translate into cohesive, commercially viable product.
Present seasonal concepts, trend research, and design direction to leadership.
Identify new opportunities in silhouette, fabrication, construction, and innovation.
Design & Development
Own key swim categories from initial concept through final production approval.
Create detailed sketches, CADs, tech packs, and construction call‑outs.
Lead fittings and provide clear direction to Technical Design to achieve brand fit standards.
Partner with Product Development on fabric sourcing, costing strategies, and margin targets.
Ensure brand consistency across all swim silhouettes and capsules.
Trend & Market Strategy
Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis.
Forecast seasonal color palettes, print direction, and silhouette evolution.
Drive innovation in sustainability, fabric technology, and construction methods.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales leadership to align product strategy with business objectives.
Collaborate with Product Management and overseas factories to ensure design integrity.
Support line reviews, sales meetings, and executive presentations.
Team Leadership
Mentor and guide Associate and Assistant Designers.
Review and elevate design work across the team.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance design culture.
Qualifications / Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Art & Design, Fashion Design
Experience: Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in designing swimwear or related fields
Skills
Strong technical expertise in swim construction, fit, and fabrication.
Deep understanding of stretch textiles, linings, elastics, trims, and specialty finishes.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Proven experience leading fittings and managing overseas production partners.
Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with margin goals.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience in contemporary, premium, or luxury swim markets.
Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
Familiarity with DTC and wholesale swim business models.
Key Competencies
Creative leadership
Strategic thinking
Technical mastery
Commercial acumen
Cross-functional influence
Decisive problem-solving
Team mentorship
Working Conditions: Office. Overtime is necessary during peak periods
Travel: Occasional travelling to PA office may be needed
Physical Demands
Must be able to stand, sit, and walk 8 hours/day
Vision requirements correctable to 20/20 vision
Dexterity required
Salary range based on experience - $85,000 to $105,000 per year
Note: Manager reserves the right to modify job description base on business need
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The ideal candidate combines strong aesthetic leadership with technical swim expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to mentor junior designers.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities Creative Leadership
Partner with Design & Merchandising leadership to develop seasonal swimwear collections that align with overarching brand vision and business strategy.
Interpret creative direction from Design & Merchandising leadership, and translate into cohesive, commercially viable product.
Present seasonal concepts, trend research, and design direction to leadership.
Identify new opportunities in silhouette, fabrication, construction, and innovation.
Design & Development
Own key swim categories from initial concept through final production approval.
Create detailed sketches, CADs, tech packs, and construction call‑outs.
Lead fittings and provide clear direction to Technical Design to achieve brand fit standards.
Partner with Product Development on fabric sourcing, costing strategies, and margin targets.
Ensure brand consistency across all swim silhouettes and capsules.
Trend & Market Strategy
Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis.
Forecast seasonal color palettes, print direction, and silhouette evolution.
Drive innovation in sustainability, fabric technology, and construction methods.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales leadership to align product strategy with business objectives.
Collaborate with Product Management and overseas factories to ensure design integrity.
Support line reviews, sales meetings, and executive presentations.
Team Leadership
Mentor and guide Associate and Assistant Designers.
Review and elevate design work across the team.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance design culture.
Qualifications / Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Art & Design, Fashion Design
Experience: Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in designing swimwear or related fields
Skills
Strong technical expertise in swim construction, fit, and fabrication.
Deep understanding of stretch textiles, linings, elastics, trims, and specialty finishes.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Proven experience leading fittings and managing overseas production partners.
Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with margin goals.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience in contemporary, premium, or luxury swim markets.
Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
Familiarity with DTC and wholesale swim business models.
Key Competencies
Creative leadership
Strategic thinking
Technical mastery
Commercial acumen
Cross-functional influence
Decisive problem-solving
Team mentorship
Working Conditions: Office. Overtime is necessary during peak periods
Travel: Occasional travelling to PA office may be needed
Physical Demands
Must be able to stand, sit, and walk 8 hours/day
Vision requirements correctable to 20/20 vision
Dexterity required
Salary range based on experience - $85,000 to $105,000 per year
Note: Manager reserves the right to modify job description base on business need
#J-18808-Ljbffr