INC Senior Cut & Sew Designer

Job Overview

The Senior Designer is a highly skilled designer and category expert who demonstrates strong leadership abilities.

• Collaborate with the Director of Design to conduct trend and category research, including analysis of the retail market relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Partner with the Director of Design to establish the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Research and interpret seasonal trends, fashion direction, and cultural influences, sourcing inspiration from various outlets such as runways, museums, and trade shows.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision that prioritizes customer needs while meeting sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.
• Take ownership of product design from concept to production, leading the design team in the development and execution of product designs.
• Collaborate with the Director/Senior Director on fabric and material selection, understanding the rationale behind decisions.
• Interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for the season, selecting and approving styles, materials, trims, and colors.
• Ensure designs align with overall product strategy and adhere to SKU plans and assortment strategies set by merchants.
• Partner closely with the Materials team to create seasonal palettes and support fabric optimization.
• Work with the Product Development team to ensure designs meet cost guidelines and collaborate with Strategic Sourcing for vendor allocation.
• Lead fit sessions with Tech Design and Product Development teams throughout the season, ensuring clear communication and alignment on fit standards.
• Create cohesive product presentations, including boards, tear sheets, and samples, to effectively communicate design concepts to merchants.
• React to current product selling performance based on customer feedback and sales results, incorporating learnings into future designs.
• Adhere to seasonal timelines and action calendars for the area of responsibility, ensuring timely execution of design tasks.
• Demonstrate comfort and effectiveness in leading through complexity, combining visionary thinking with a focus on speed.
• Maintain an industry presence to foster connections, explore new business opportunities, and represent the Macy’s brand.
• Cultivate relationships with technical designers, merchants, and sourcing divisions to exchange ideas and streamline processes.
• Serve as the primary contact with the Vendor Community (Overseas/Domestic) and communicate regularly with overseas offices to share line development direction.
• Collaborate closely with Omni partners to gather input and align online development direction, influencing decision-making.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and actively seek solutions while providing context and rationale for decision-making.
• Practice open and clear communication, keeping stakeholders informed and making decisions confidently and succinctly.
• Foster a collaborative environment, building trust and relationships across all levels of the organization to influence decision-making.
• Develop engaged and high-performing teams, coaching and motivating design staff while identifying and nurturing talent.
• Embrace risk-taking and encourage innovation, regardless of the outcome, while tracking and coaching team development and talent.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions, mentoring others outside direct reports to foster their growth.
• Demonstrate resilience, tenacity, and high energy, bouncing back rapidly from adversity.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.

Design Expertise
:
Possess advanced design skills and expertise within the designated category, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualizing and executing product designs.

Leadership Abilities
:
Exhibit strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with the Director of Design, lead design teams, and influence decision-making processes. Develop and motivate design teams, fostering engagement, and high performance while identifying and nurturing talent for future growth.

Trend Analysis
:
Ability to conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.

Creative Vision
:
Demonstrate a creative vision that aligns with the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.

Strategic Thinking
:
Develop and execute strategic visions that prioritize customer needs while achieving sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments.

Color and Print Sense
:
Possess a strong sense of color and print, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.

Technical Skills
:
Proficiency in design software such as…