Vice President of Design

Overview

Vice President of Design

Location: New York, NY
Position Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
Schedule: Monday through Thursday (In-Person), Friday (Remote)
Salary: Based on Experience

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Vice President of Design to lead and elevate the creative and product development direction across our brands. This senior leadership role is ideal for a strategic, hands-on design executive with deep experience in women’s sportswear who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and understands how to balance creativity with commercial performance.

The Vice President of Design will oversee all aspects of product development, merchandising strategy, and brand execution, ensuring that each collection is delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with market trends and customer expectations. This role works closely with executive leadership, sales, sourcing, and design teams to drive growth, profitability, and brand consistency.

• Develop and administer the merchandising calendar for all brands, ensuring all product lines are sampled, priced, and delivered on time for each seasonal market

• Partner with the Division Head to understand topline sales and gross profit dollar goals and translate them into a comprehensive merchandising and product strategy

• Collaborate with leadership to establish product development budgets and closely monitor adherence to financial targets

• Identify opportunities to expand existing merchandise categories and develop new categories that resonate with customers and end consumers

• Partner cross-functionally with sales, design, and sourcing teams to conceive and develop best-in-class products that meet targeted cost, margin, and quality objectives

• Develop a deep understanding of each brand’s aesthetic, positioning, and customer base, and ensure consistent delivery of product aligned with that vision

• Lead and oversee the product development team across all phases of development, from concept through production

• Ensure the sales team is equipped with all necessary tools to meet their goals, including timely samples, line sheets, brand materials, and product information

• Participate in key customer meetings as needed to support sales, product storytelling, and strategic partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison with licensors, managing all product, artwork, and trim approvals

• Coordinate and oversee all photoshoots and the development of creative assets for customers, e-commerce platforms, and digital channels

• Oversee the aesthetic direction, content, and execution of brand books and seasonal presentations

• Manage showroom presentation and oversee showroom refreshes prior to each major market week

• Oversee seasonal sample organization and purging to ensure efficiency and clarity across teams

• Partner with sourcing teams to identify new, efficient, and cost-effective sources for salesman samples and production

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop members of the product development team, fostering growth, collaboration, accountability, and professional advancement

• Take a leadership role in ongoing competitive shopping and trend research to identify emerging opportunities and maintain a competitive edge

• Organize and lead seasonal best-seller reviews and strategy meetings with sales and design teams

• Continuously identify “white space” opportunities in the market for product expansion or innovation

• Model a collaborative, optimistic, and passionate leadership style that inspires teams and drives results

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in women’s sportswear design and product development

• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding business, margin, and sales targets

• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing creative and product teams

• Strong sense of urgency with the ability to react quickly in a dynamic environment

• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex timelines

• Proactive mindset with strong initiative and ownership of projects from start to finish