Design Director - Women's Sweaters at 525 America

Role Overview

NYC Alliance is looking for a seasoned Design Director with specialized expertise in sweaters to lead the creative direction and development of knitwear collections for the 525 America brand. This position entails driving innovation in yarns, stitches, and silhouettes while ensuring designs align with brand standards and customer preferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the creative vision and seasonal direction specifically for the Women's Sweaters segment.
• Design trend-focused knitwear collections emphasizing yarn innovation, stitch techniques, and evolving silhouettes.
• Lead and mentor a team of designers to foster creativity, collaboration, and excellence in execution.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to create cohesive assortments that support both brand identity and business objectives.
• Conduct thorough research on market trends, yarn technologies, and knitting methods to guide design strategies.
• Manage the production of detailed technical packs covering knit specifications, gauge, stitch constructions, and yarn characteristics.
• Participate actively in garment fittings to optimize fit, proportion, and knit construction for superior performance.
• Work directly with mills and vendors to develop exclusive yarn offerings and innovative knit structures.
• Oversee schedules and workflows to ensure punctual progress through development and production phases.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
• Minimum eight years of experience designing sweaters or knitwear.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing and developing design teams.
• Deep knowledge of knit construction, yarn development, and engineering techniques essential to sweater creation.
• Proven capacity to translate brand vision into commercially viable knitwear collections.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Comprehensive understanding of garment fit, construction, and manufacturing processes tailored to knitwear.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to perform well in a high-volume, deadline-sensitive environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary package with the base annual salary set at $175,000, variable based on role requirements, skills, and experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account options.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Summer Fridays for improved work-life balance.
• Employee discounts and additional perks.