Job Description
Description:
The Director of Design is responsible for leading the execution of all product design across apparel and graphics. This role owns the front-end of the product creation process, translating merchandising strategy and product direction into compelling, market-relevant assortments that drive revenue and brand differentiation.
The Director of Design establishes and operationalizes seasonal design direction, oversees apparel and graphic design teams, and delivers complete, commercially viable product lines ready for development. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Product Development, to ensure alignment from concept through execution.
This role executes against the seasonal vision and product direction set by the VP of Product and Design and is accountable for delivering complete, market-ready assortments aligned to that direction.
Key Responsibilities
Creative Direction & Trend Execution
Execute and operationalize seasonal creative direction established by VP Product and Design, including color, fabric, silhouette, and graphic trends
Translate consumer insights, market trends, and competitive landscape into relevant product execution
Maintain a clear and consistent design language across all categories and channels
Drive innovation within established brand positioning and product direction
Product Design & Line Development
Lead the design and development of seasonal assortments across all business segments (Licensed B&M & Ecom, Golf, Corporate, E-commerce)
Translate merchandising strategies into cohesive, commercially viable product lines
Own silhouette creation, fabric direction (in partnership with Product Development), and styling details
Build assortments that align with merchandising strategy and VP Product direction; escalate and align on any proposed deviations
Ensure assortments align with price architecture, margin targets, and channel needs
Graphic Design Leadership
Oversee all graphic design execution, including licensed, branded, and custom artwork
Ensure graphics align with brand standards, customer requirements, and licensing guidelines
Drive innovation in graphic applications, embellishments, and decoration techniques
Partner with Sales and Licensing to deliver market-relevant graphic solutions
Team Leadership & Development
Lead and develop apparel and graphic design teams
Set clear expectations, priorities, and accountability for design deliverables
Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and solutions-oriented team environment
Build organizational capability to support future growth
Process & Calendar Ownership
Own all front-end design milestones within the product creation calendar
Ensure all designs are completed, vetted, and aligned prior to handoff to Product Development
Drive discipline in line readiness for milestone meetings and cross-functional reviews
Minimize late-stage changes through strong upfront alignment
Product Presentation & Market Engagement
Lead internal design reviews and milestone product presentations, ensuring product lines are clearly articulated, intentional, and commercially sound
Support and co-lead product presentations with VP Product and Sales leadership, translating design into clear, compelling product stories
Participate in customer and retailer meetings to gather feedback, refine assortments, and support business development opportunities
Represent the Design function in cross-functional presentations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Merchandising to align on assortment strategy, lifecycle, pricing, and channel segmentation
Partner with Product Development to ensure seamless transition from design to execution
Support Sales and Marketing with product storytelling, presentations, and key product callouts
Scope & Decision Rights
Responsible for execution of product design and line development; does not own company-level product strategy or financial targets
Operates within the product vision, assortment strategy, and guardrails established by VP Product and Merchandising
Accountable for delivering complete, aligned product lines; final decisions on product direction sit with VP Product
Partners cross-functionally but does not override Merchandising strategy or Product Development execution ownership
Skills & Competencies
Strong creative vision with the ability to translate ideas into commercially viable product
Excellent leadership and team development skills
High level of organization and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight timelines
Strong communication and presentation skills
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset
Ability to balance creativity with business and financial objectives
Key Performance Indicators
On-time delivery of complete and aligned product lines
Commercial performance of new product introductions
Reduction in design related delays or rework
Strength and consistency of brand and product identity
Effectiveness of cross-functional alignment
Work Environment / Travel
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed for market research, customer engagement, and vendor collaboration
Requirements:
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field
10+ years of experience in apparel design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Minimum 5+ years of experience in sports licensed apparel design (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA or similar licensing environments)
Direct experience working with major licensees and partners (e.g., Fanatics, leagues, collegiate licensing entities), including navigating approval processes and timelines
Strong experience across both apparel design and graphic design
Proven ability to build and execute commercially successful product lines
Deep understanding of licensing requirements, approvals, and brand guidelines within licensed product environments
Strong knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and product development processes
Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape
Experience working in a multi-channel business (wholesale, retail, e-commerce, licensed)
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making
Experience presenting product lines to internal leadership, sales teams, and external customers/retailers
Ability to operate effectively within a defined product strategy while elevating execution and creative output
Work Location: In person
