Creative Director, Concept & Design - Apparel Industry

About Our Client:

Our client is a well-established fashion retailer.

Position Scope:

As the Creative Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the creative aspect of product design from concept to completion. You will inspire the seasonal design strategy through the design process and articulate your vision to the creative design leads from research and development, design trends, fabric knowledge, colour sensibility, and product esthetic. In addition, you will manage a team of designers for soft accessories and specialty products and ensure the teams execute their ideas both physically and digitally. Finally, you will partner with the buying teams on licensed products (footwear, jewelry, sunglasses, handbags) to ensure the product assortment meets the brand's aesthetic and ties back to the apparel collection. From a leadership perspective you will help to define KPI’s, set goals, establish guidelines and timelines, collaborate with key external and internal partners, and address any issues and concerns, resolving them efficiently.

Responsibilities:

• Manage budget allocated to the design team for the purchase of inspiration samples
• Collaborate with buying team on all licenses product to ensure there is a cohesive message within the apparel assortment
• Utilize leadership skills that motivate, educate, and empower direct and indirect teams
• Design/develop a specific number of style ideas that correspond to the line development plan set each season with the retailer’s design sensibility in mind
• Must be able lead and manage a design team and inspire team unity and creativity
• Drive the department forward through process improvement and best practices
• Effectively communicate design direction to all creative leads each season
• Lead with the Corporate values and principles in mind / Buddy Values
• Manage, motivate, and grow direct reports
• Work very closely with cross functional partners both internally and externally to seamlessly lead the day-to-day function while supporting corporate objectives
• Understand how to build a great assortment that is Brand right and meets business needs
• Accountable for the creation and management of the product roadmap/timelines and resources in getting things done (working with all departments to execute)
• Participate in weekly Cross Functional Meetings, Detail Meetings, Milestone Meetings
• Understand market trends and interpret how those trends translate to meet customers’ needs

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Must be proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. CLO 3D software knowledge preferred and considered an asset
• A keen eye for identifying and evaluating new business opportunities
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• The ability to grasp and enrich the retailer’s lifestyle brand vision
• Proven leadership qualities that include both developing a team and individuals
• High attention to detail with a focus on multiple deliverable deadlines
• Must be able to perform efficiently within a fast-paced team environment
• Capable of evaluating and changing priorities on an as-needed basis
• Seasoned forward-thinking leadership with proven abilities to successfully execute and bring product to market
• Strong product sense, acute understanding of the marketplace, proven experience combined with an analytical, strategic mind
• Prominent level of organizational skills

Education and Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in apparel industry
• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design

Application Instructions:

To apply, please send a resume to Amanda Graham at [email protected]

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.