Director, Design

About us

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style.

Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe.

About the role

The Director, Design oversees the seasonal design process from color concept to production fittings. The Design Director leads the design team in their execution of the original design direction set by Vice President of Design.

The impact you can have

• Develops each season’s direction and establishes the prints, graphics and novelties with Vice President

• Manages and communicates design direction to design team

• Responsible for all fabric selections, styles, trim and color themes, and ensures they are both client and time-appropriate

• In partnership with Design and Merchandising teams, provides general direction for silhouette

• Responsible for all prototypes put into work

• Inspires Design team to present new and innovative ideas

• Partners with Merchandising and Product Development to ensure product maintains brand identity and meets business strategy

• Provides direction for fit of garments

• Interprets global and domestic concepts and fashion trends as relates to market demands

• Manages staff in all aspects of product development, including market research, mood boards, designing, specing and fit

• Facilitates communication between Merchandising, Product Development, Production and Design teams

• Works in conjunction with Senior Vice President to seasonally prepare Spectrum concept

• Approves off standard colors for production with the tech color team

• Final sign off on line.

• Accountable for process improvement, growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect division and company

• People Management

• Responsible for the selection, development and retention of team members

  • Mentors and coaches direct reports on performance expectations

  • Provides a positive, challenging work environment

  • Recognize and reward talent and accomplishments

  • Drives global team collaboration

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in Design

• 10 years of experience in Design, of which some time spent as a Designer in a large corporate setting

• Exceptional sense of style, fabric, color and technical knowledge

• Creative and innovative design and conceptualization ability

• Exceptional leadership and managerial skills

• Strategic and analytical thinker

• Exceptional communication, presentation and persuasion skills

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and divisions

• Highly organized and has capacity to anticipate change based on events and adapt quickly

• Excellent decision making and time management skills

• Ability to travel internationally

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

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: $135,000 - $142,000

• 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.

• Hybrid: This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in the Times Square Tower corporate office location in New York, NY and two days per week worked remotely.

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.

#LI-AP1

Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

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 myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. 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.