VP, Design and Merchandising

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty.  Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box.  Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

The VP of Design  and Merchamndising for Soft Accessories will oversee all facets of the seasonal design strategy and development process, from concept to delivery, by managing a cross functional team of designers to create original, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales; partnering with production to ensure on-budget, on-time delivery of quality goods; collaborating with sales to create and execute an appropriate merchandise plan; and managing and motivating teams. This VP will oversee licensed brands such as Michael Kors, All Saints, Kurt Geiger, Coach, and Kate Spade, and more. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Innovation

• Shop for and source samples and inspiration; perform research to isolate key, relevant trends for each category or brand, where appropriate and new fabrications to be adapted for each merchandise category; review and provide perspective on competitive analysis, fabric and concept boards, mock-ups, color-ups and inspirational photos for presentations
• Oversee and review development of initial seasonal design concepts in context of larger assortment and cost structure; review and provide perspective on style plans; coordinate among design teams to ensure brand cohesiveness, where appropriate, across categories

Operations & Results

• Supervise creation of Illustrator sketches; approve specification sheets and line sheets; review product development logs, line sheets and boards for consistency; approve raw materials and trims
• Sign off on lab dips and ensure consistency with color standards and licensor directives, where appropriate; approve prints and graphics where appropriate; oversee fit process
• Oversee fit sessions; identify and resolve quality and technical issues

Customers & Relationships

• Maintain relationships with collaborators and competitors; attend trade shows and industry events
• Oversee creation of style plans and design to meet sales needs and emerging trends; partner with merchandising and sales to identify new product opportunities; ensure execution to time-and-action calendar; coordinate among design teams to ensure brand cohesiveness, where appropriate, across categories
• Collaborate with sales to merchandise and style showroom; present line to senior management and key accounts and buyers; partner with sales and brand management, where applicable, on collateral for in-store marketing needs
• Direct communication and follow-up with internal and external customers and partners, including suppliers, vendors and licensors, where applicable; maintain relationships with existing partners in production and tech to source new suppliers and vendors
• Manage communication with manufacturers and suppliers around the world

Leadership & Teams

• Lead, train and motivate team of full-time, part-time and freelance designers; strategize staffing needs across categories and brands, where appropriate
• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary
• Attract, develop and retain talent; create appropriate succession plans
• Monitor and evaluate performance of individuals and team(s)

• Experience with Soft Accessories, Cold Weather, Scarves, Hats and Gloves
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative
• Creativity, technical capability and sensibility for merchandising; strong ability to sketch
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim; familiarity with print design and manufacturing
• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design
• 10 - 12 years experience in apparel design; significant relevant experience in category
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, CAD and Mac computers

Salary Range: $195,000-230,000

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent.  Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment.  The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process.  Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs. 

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Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.