Senior Fashion Designer, Key Accounts

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly creative, organized, and experienced Senior Fashion Designer to lead the design execution and management of key accounts.
This role will be responsible for managing the design process for strategic retail and wholesale accounts, from concept development through final product execution. The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision with excellent communication and organizational skills, and is comfortable leading client-facing meetings, collaborating cross-functionally, and managing multiple seasonal calendars simultaneously.
The Senior Designer will work closely with sales, product development, and production teams to ensure collections align with customer needs, brand direction, margin targets, and delivery timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Product Development
Lead the design and development process for assigned key accounts and seasonal programs
Research trends, color, fabrications, silhouettes, graphics, and market direction relevant to each customer
Create seasonal concepts, CADs, presentation boards, and design packages
Develop commercially strong product assortments aligned with customer and brand objectives
Partner with product development and production teams to ensure designs are executed accurately and efficiently
Review samples, fittings, fabrics, trims, washes, and construction details throughout development
Key Account Management
Serve as the primary design contact for assigned key accounts
Participate in and help lead customer meetings, presentations, and seasonal line reviews
Interpret customer direction and translate feedback into commercially successful product
Build strong working relationships with buyers and account teams
Manage account-specific timelines, revisions, and approvals
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with sales, merchandising, production, and operations teams to align on priorities and delivery goals
Ensure design calendars and milestones are maintained throughout the season
Communicate clearly with overseas vendors and factories regarding design intent and execution details
Support problem-solving related to fit, costing, sourcing, or production challenges
Leadership & Creative Contribution
Help maintain consistency in brand identity and design standards across accounts
Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior design team members when needed
Contribute trend insight, market research, and competitive analysis to leadership
Assist in improving design workflows and organizational processes as the company grows
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in apparel design, preferably within activewear, fashion, or private label
Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, fabrics, and product development processes
Experience managing key accounts or retailer-driven programs preferred
Ability to balance creativity with commercial product development
Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple seasons, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft/Google Workspace
Experience creating CADs, tech packs, line sheets, and presentation materials
Preferred Experience
Experience in activewear, contemporary apparel, or private label development
Familiarity with wholesale and retail account calendars
Experience working directly with overseas factories and vendors
Strong understanding of trend forecasting and market analysis
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $90,000 - $105,000/yr (negotiable based on experience)
PTO and paid holidays
Health benefits (if applicable)
Opportunity for long-term growth within a fast-growing company
Ideal Traits
Creative yet highly organized
Strong sense of ownership and accountability
Excellent communicator and collaborator
Commercially minded with strong trend awareness
Calm under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Solutions-oriented with strong follow-through