Sr. Designer Character Licensed Childrenswear

Sr. Designer - Licensed Childrenswear

A leading children's apparel supplier that partners with major U.S. retailers through licensed and private label programs is hiring a Senior Designer with character licensing experience. This onsite New York City role brings licensed children's apparel collections from concept through production, working across merchandising, sales, graphics, product development, and technical design.
Schedule: Full-time, onsite in New York, NY.
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 Per Year
What You'll Do: You will design and execute licensed children's apparel collections across multiple product categories, translating market trends, consumer insights, and retail opportunities into compelling product concepts. A central part of the role is driving seasonal design initiatives while ensuring products align with licensing requirements and retailer expectations, and presenting fresh concepts, color stories, and assortment ideas that support business growth.
You will partner with merchandising, sales, graphics, product development, and technical design teams throughout the development process, managing multiple projects simultaneously to keep deadlines and key milestones on track. You will participate in fittings and collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product fit and construction, and review samples, fabrics, trims, strike-offs, and color submissions to ensure design intent is maintained.
You will also work closely with costing and production partners to balance creativity with commercial viability, prepare and review technical documentation to support sample development and manufacturing, and obtain necessary approvals throughout the design and development lifecycle. The role includes mentoring junior design team members and providing creative direction throughout the process.
Required Qualifications

5+ years of apparel design experience
Direct experience designing character licensed products
Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Ability to sketch, communicate design concepts clearly, and build cohesive collections
Experience working within a retail or wholesale apparel environment
Strong knowledge of fashion trends, fabrications, garment construction, and consumer preferences
Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
Based in the New York City area or willing to relocate, as this position is fully onsite
Preferred Qualifications

Experience designing within children's apparel specifically
Experience mentoring or directing junior designers
Familiarity with private label programs alongside licensed work
Compensation and Benefits

Compensation to be confirmed with client
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
To apply, submit your resume along with a portfolio demonstrating relevant children's or licensed apparel design work.