Senior Designer, Knits & Activewear

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

About the role

 The Senior Designer will work with the Senior Director, Design initiate concepts each season that are reflective of the creative vision, Haven aesthetic & customer. You will be a part of a creative environment, collaborating with talented designers and cross-functional partners across the business. The primary function of this role is to innovate and develop new design ideas each season.

The impact you can have

• Lead design research for knitwear from initial concept stage.

• Research global and domestic markets to identify new trends, innovate fabrics and techniques

• Create and execute innovative design concepts to fill the needs of the line plan and accounting for departmental development and adoption ratios.

• Executes silhouette, fit and styling direction

• Drive seasonal framework to ensure creative ideas and business goals are aligned

• Set seasonal fabric direction; work with Fabric R&D on research and development of qualities

• Build and maintain good relationships, communication with Product Development, Merchandising and Sourcing teams

• Present collection at Sketch Presentation and Line Presentation

• Adhere to cross-functional calendar and attends all meetings as required

• Approve and oversee execution of tech packs

• Maintain awareness of overall merchandising vision as the line is designed

• Continue to develop and increase understanding of Haven Well Within customer

• Mentor, coach and counsel direct reports on performance expectations

• Foster a positive, challenging work environment

• Drive the seasonal framework to ensure creative ideas and business goals are aligned.

You’ll bring to the role

• Degree in Fashion Design

• 10+ years relevant experience

• Prior Knits/Active design experience

• Superior time and project management skills; able to pivot and multi-task across multiple seasons

• Effective communicator with an eye on successfully managing expectations

• Strong management skills

• Ability to sketch, CAD and execute flats and technical sketches.

• Knowledge and experience working with pattern makers, sample makers, technical designers

• Good written and verbal presentation skills.

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.

• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.  

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.*  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).* 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Time off – paid time off & holidays.*

• The target salary range for this role is: $115,000 - $130,000

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

• On-site:  This position works on-site at least 4 days per week consistent with the needs of the business at our Times Square office location in New York, NY. 

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

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Location:

New York Office

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.