Women’s Denim Design Director

Level/Title Position

Position Overview: Partner with Director of Denim Design in all aspects of the design process; maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of the rag & bone brand, while balancing the needs of the business.
Responsibilities:
Work closely with the Director of Denim Design and CBO in developing best in class denim product
Design and provide inspiration for all Denim categories
Collaborate with the Director to identify trending seasonal big ideas, key trends, and silhouettes relevant to rag & bone and participate in initial concept meetings
Design inspirational protos for seasonal conceptual rigs
Conduct competitive market research
Flawless execution of product and design vision from concept, sketch/design creation, through PP approval
Prepare presentation boards (Sketches, washes, fabrics)
Adhere to and enforce all Design calendar deadlines
Manages entire process from design through development
Collaborates with internal partners (Design, Production, Development, Sales, etc) and external resources (agents, suppliers, laundries, mills, factories, etc)
Negotiates prices to achieve gross margin targets
Value engineers products to meet financial objectives in collaboration with design leads
Develops vendor relationships and monitors vendor KPI's (Key Performance Indicators)
Monitors product category trends. Recommends product piece types for development and inclusion in the line
Complete spec/tech packages including technical illustrations, construction details, trim sheets, etc.
Partner with Technical Design to insure Fit
Occasional travel to factories both domestic and overseas
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or equivalent
Minimum 7 years of denim specific design experience ideally with domestic made product
Knowledge in manufacturing (including construction and fit) and component sourcing/manufacturing (materials development, duties, etc)
Proven track record in developing strong vendor partnerships while achieving financial objectives
Experience traveling to factories
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to problem-solve when dealing with specifications, construction or material issues with vendors
Strong Photoshop & Illustrator skills
Strong sketching and design capability
Knowledge and understanding of fit
Presentation Skills and ability to influence at the senior management level
Resourceful, creative and efficient when faced with multiple projects or challenging deadlines
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.