Design Director - Accessories Direct Reports: Senior Designer(s), Designer(s), Associate Designer(s), Assistant Designer(s) Overview: The Design Director will define and oversee the strategy, vision, and execution for an independent business unit or department. This role will work across all brands and focus on accessories in the categories of bags, coldweather, and headwear. Responsibilities: Partner with cross functional management to drive company’s strategic initiatives

Direct the overall design process to ensure that the design team is successfully meeting business needs according to the design time-and-action calendar

Work closely with licensor to understand the brand aesthetic and seasonal strategy to effectively lead and present concept and strategy to the design team in developing accessories that are trend right, meet sales needs and are brand appropriate

Conduct market research and identify current trends and competitive data as it relates to their assigned brand to establish key objectives for the season

Partner with Sales and Merchandising teams to conceptualize and launch accessories lines for several levels of distribution

Partner with Materials, Product Approval and Sourcing to ensure execution of samples and production matches design intention as closely as possible while navigating costing and execution challenges

Partner with Creative Services team as needed to refresh the showrooms accordingly

Attend trade shows and industry events to remain current in the market

Supervise design staff and provide direction and management throughout the design process

Recruit top talent, train, develop and motivate team members

Travel to factories to oversee development of samples and production

Special projects as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities/Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design

10+ years of experience in the fashion industry plus knowledge of childrenswear a MUST

Ability to travel as needed

Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills

Must be a strategic thinker, persuasive and collaborative

Proven ability to lead and develop a team of designers

Brand appropriate aesthetic

Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000