Senior Design Manager, Women's Knitwear

Be part of an iconic story. At Calvin Klein, we believe in fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture by celebrating different perspectives, backgrounds and beliefs to truly connect with our associates and consumers. Join us and have a meaningful impact on the world – and – endless opportunities to design your future. Immerse yourself in Calvin Klein here! (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)

Position Summary As a Senior Design Manager for Women’s Knitwear, you will play a key role in leading the design process and creating essential, captivating and trendsetting knitwear collections for women. Your responsibilities will involve translating creative visions into practical designs, overseeing the development of knitwear, and ensuring that the products align with the brand’s aesthetic, quality standards, and customer preferences. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the brand’s success in the women’s knitwear market.

As a Senior Design Manager for Women’s Knitwear, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the brand’s knitwear collections and contribute to its success in the fashion market.

Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities Of The Job

• Creative Design:
• Conceptualize and develop creative and innovative designs for women’s knitwear, ranging from perfecting our essential wardrobe staples to innovative, trend driven seasonal collections.
• Stay updated with the latest fashion trends, colors, fabrications, silhouettes and innovation relevant to women’s knitwear.
• Seasonal Collections:
• Collaborate with the design team and the design director to create seasonal knitwear collections that align with the brand’s vision and market demands.
• Present design concepts and storyboards to internal stakeholders, including merchandisers and executives.
• Product Development:
• Work closely with product developers and technical designers to create detailed tech packs and design specifications for knitwear prototypes and production.
• Ensure that the fit and construction of all knitwear meet high-quality standards and customer expectations.
• Brand Alignment and Aesthetic:
• Understand and maintain the brand’s aesthetic and design language in all women’s knitwear products.
• Collaborate with the brand team to ensure consistent storytelling and branding across knitwear collections.
• Trend Research and Analysis:
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the women’s knitwear market.
• Explore new yarns, finishes, branding and design techniques to enhance knitwear designs.
• Presentation and Communication:
• Effectively communicate design concepts and ideas to team members and stakeholders, fostering a cohesive and creative work environment.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product developers, merchandisers, and suppliers, to ensure seamless execution of design concepts.
• Mentorship and Collaboration:
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior designers, nurturing their professional growth and creativity.
• Collaborate with the design team to ensure a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

Qualifications & Experience Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of related design experience

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field required

Skills

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or in an experienced design role within women’s knitwear
• Strong portfolio showcasing your creative and technical design skills in women’s knitwear.
• Proficiency in design software and tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
• In-depth knowledge of knitwear trends, yarns construction techniques, and patternmaking.
• Detail-oriented with a strong eye for aesthetics and quality.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate design concepts effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and meet project deadlines.

Internal & External Contacts Internal: Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Sales teams

External: Raw Materials, Trim, Sales, and Retailers as necessary to present the collection to better drive sales.

Supervisory Responsibilities Direct: Designer 1 & Assistant Designer

DECISION MAKING: The Senior Design Manager holds a vital role in the development of the Calvin Klein knitwear line for each season, giving direction to the desi…