Banana SVP Design, Banana

About Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a storyteller's brand, outfitting the modern explorer with high-quality, expertly crafted collections made to inspire and enrich life's journeys. Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, we continue to evolve our heritage of exploration through thoughtfully designed apparel and accessories that blend timeless style with exceptional craftsmanship.

Our SVP Design, Banana Republic will lead executive-level design strategy decisions related to product development, strategy, brand direction, and aesthetic for Banana Republic and Banana Republic Factory Stores (BRFS). This leader will inspire and develop the Women's, Men’s, Non‑Apparel and CAD/Color design teams to deliver exceptional products, both in quality and quantity, of aesthetically relevant creative outputs and to collaborate and productively partner with cross‑functional peers.

• Design, articulate and execute a multi‑year product priority roadmap, analyzing and defining market‑based strategy for Banana Republic. Developing customer specific performance indicators and evolving category offerings to capture customer needs and market share.
• Develop a high performing team; be responsible for inspiring and leading the team to achieve their personal and professional objectives.
• Consistently seek out global inspiration and innovation; research and identify opportunities for new designs or businesses that will enable Banana Republic to achieve its short and long‑term strategic, market share and revenue goals.
• Responsible for leading and providing creative direction to design team and partners.
• Accountable for achieving creative objectives while balancing financial goals for sales performance, margins, and average unit costs.
• Define, champion and protect the brand aesthetic. Communicate the design vision and strategy for Banana Republic to ensure organisational and cross‑functional alignment with your vision.
• Identify and research new product categories or growth businesses that will enable Banana Republic to achieve its short and long‑term strategic market share and revenue goal.
• Lead the Design and Color/CAD teams to guide the overall trend and aesthetic direction for the brand.
• Adjust product strategies to positively influence in‑season business performance.
• Lead a team of Vice Presidents, Sr. Directors, Directors and Designers to create compelling, brand‑enhancing product, delivering high quality work on time.
• Approve design direction to ensure product matches key themes and messages, big ideas and new businesses.
• Lead the team in all aspects of the product design process to include customer + market research, fabric selection, mood board creation, designing, sketching, spec’ing and fit for the entire area.
• Accountable for identifying and executing opportunities for process improvement through all levels of your team and their cross‑functional partner groups.
• Accountable for overall Design calendar and executing deliverables in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain strong internal and external cross‑functional relationships with vendors, Design, Merchandising and Sourcing/Production.
• Set, allocate and manage department budget.
• Recruit, train, motivate and evaluate staff on a regularly cadenced schedule.
• In conjunction with the leadership team, be responsible for visualising and determining strategic direction of business; accountable for process improvement, growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect division/company.

• College degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of product design/development experience with a proven track record of developing people.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in apparel design, techniques, processes and development. Deep experience in print, pattern and colour required.
• Experience managing large cross‑category and cross‑functional design teams.
• A reputation for excellent leadership and management skills.
• Proven ability to create and execute a multi‑year product roadmap, setting the overall creative tone and leading creative design process.
• Aesthetic/Taste level – has an elevated sense of style and knows how to translate…