Product Designer Hosiery & Accessories

Essential Job Function:

TREND RESEARCH INNOVATION

• Conduct regular global market research (digital in-store and trend services) to evaluate competitive strengths/weaknesses and identify white-space opportunities.
• Synthesize macro fashion lifestyle and athletic trends into actionable sock and accessory strategies that align with both private label and branded DNA.
• Translate seasonal and long-range product strategies into creatve assortments targeting goals defined in the product roadmap.
• Review and analyze market performance data (sell-in and sell-out) to support future design ideation and optimize product styling.
• Conduct comprehensive market analyses to understand how competitve landscapes segment across different retial channels.

CAD AND CREATIVE DESIGN

• Create highly accurate high-quality CAD designs stitch structures artwork layouts and graphing using Adobe Illustrator and Creative Cloud programs.
• Translate 1D design concepts into clear visions for 3D execution ensuring visual flow color balance and spatial harmony.
• Build compelling highly visual design presentations mood boards and seasonal trend decks for internal milestone meetings and retailer presentations.
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail meticulously proofing and checking CAD work and design packages for format formulas and technical accuracy.
• Actively contribute to brainstorming sessions bringing a commercial fashion eye and a strong design point of view to guide product direction.

TECHNICAL DESIGN & MANUFACTURING

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of hosiery and knit constructions stitch structures needle counts and performance/lifestyle yarn characteristics.
• Partner closely with Product Development and global vendors to ensure physical samples match original CAD designs participating actively in prototype evaluations and critiques.
• Execute construction details while strictly designing to target retailer margin goals and cost structures.
• Prepare comprehensive product development packages and maintain active communication with PD and Merchandising to resolve production or costing challenges.

COLOR MATERIALS & WORKFLOW COORDINATION

• Oversee and manage the color process for assigned categories utilizing Pantone standardizations and digital color approvals to ensure brand and design consistency.
• Maintain and organize the core design resources including the digital design archives the Color and Yarn Standard Library and physical market/yarn samples.
• Maintain open proactive and transparent communication with key stakeholders regarding project priorities workload and GTM calendar deadlines.
• Actively participate in meetings taking detailed notes and following up on outstanding design or technical issues.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners (Merchandising PD Sales and Commercial) serving as an advocate for design excellence.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Highly Motivated & Detail-Oriented: Meticulous and passionate about product styling performance and commercial fashion trends.
• Time & Project Management: Proven ability to plan prioritize and meet tight deadlines within a fast-paced product development calendar while balancing multiple projects.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to respond to design and production challenges with innovative cost-effective and commercially viable solutions.
• Global Perspective: Holistic understanding of regional retail needs global market trends and hosiery production processes.
• Adaptability: Flexible attitude with the ability to pivot quickly based on shifting market needs; operates successfully and positively in a constructive feedback culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience: 4 years of professional experience in apparel knitwear activewear or accessories design with a proven track record in socks accessories and/or performance knits. Experience designing for mass-market retailers and/or developing private label programs is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced to expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator) with specific experience creating detailed technical CADs stitch structures artwork layouts and graphing.
• Trend Tools: Experience utilizing professional consumer trend-forecasting platforms (such as WGSN) and interpreting retail market analytics.
• Collaboration: Strong history of working closely with cross-functional partners and presenting creative concepts in team settings and retailer meetings.
• Portfolio Required: A professional portfolio demonstrating advanced technical CAD abilities cohesive color/trend ideation structural knitwear understanding and commercialized product collections.

Education & Experience:

A Bachelors degree in Apparel/Textile Design Industrial Design or a related field of study OR an equivalent combination of education and years of industry experience.

Relevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Observe/Identify: The ability to observe fine product details colors stitch structures and physical samples/color standards at close range.
• Communicate: Ability to effectively communicate design concepts technical instructions and feedback to co-workers vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Operate: Write type and utilize standard computer systems specifically including highly repetitive use of MAC systems keyboards and digital monitors.
• Stationary Position: Must be able to remain in a stationary design position 5075% of the time.
• Mobility: Frequently move about the office to access sample archives design boards collaborate with other departments and attend meetings.
• Move/Transport: Ability to occasionally move or transport boxes of product samples or trend materials weighing up to 25 lbs. across the office with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Environment: Standard climate-controlled office environment with occasional exposure to open-air or warehouse settings during sample reviews.
• Travel: May require occasional domestic or international travel for retailer meetings trend shopping or factory visits.
• Flexibility: Workplace model is hybrid with fluctuating in-office days based on GTM milestones retail meetings and business needs.
• Predictable attendance on site
• Work has deadlines multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times.