POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Designer is responsible for executing the strategic direction of the soft wovens product category by designing brand enhancing products that grow the business and meet customer needs. This individual will partner closely with Product Development, Production, R&D, and other design related divisions.

REQUIREMENTS:

o 7+ years experience in women’s apparel design
o Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in design concepts, practices, and procedures specifically in women’s apparel. High fashion aesthetics with modern aesthetic sense.
o Knowledge of garment construction, luxury fabrics, silhouette, finishing, embellishments and trim
o Strong color and print sense
o Must have experience in freehand and flat design sketching
o Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop
o Is a highly effective communicator, both verbal and written; can communicate information around a vision in clear and compelling manner
o Teambuilding and promoting teamwork; participates in setting clear goals, fosters innovation and collaboration
o Strong decision making and problem-solving abilities. Is viewed as a problem solver; can clearly identify obstacles and select effective solutions
o Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; proficient at organizing workload around multiple priorities and tight deadlines
o Ability to work on overlapping seasons and storylines.
o Highly attentive to detail
$110,000 - $135,000 base salary (This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this NJ - based position. The base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience and qualifications for the role, experience level, skillset, and balancing internal equity relative to other AO employees.)
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. Additionally, the job responsibilities may change at any time as necessitated by business demands.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. Additionally, the job responsibilities may change at any time as necessitated by business demands

• Interpret the seasonal mood and concept working with the VP of Design and Creative Director on the development of the season’s product.
• Research and develop seasonal trends from creating initial concepts and sketches to production, working closely with product development, tech and merchandising teams to ensure product needs are accomplished
• Actively participate in the design and launch of new lines from inception to completion
• Use trend analysis and thorough understanding of current and historical business to design and execute desired vision
• Develop design ideas into groups and create a story with one idea. Illustrate boards based on deliveries.
• Work on a comprehensible, neat, presentation; on boards, and fabric boards.
• Design concepts, illustrations/sketching by hand, drape and create designs based on original ideas.
• Create original hand sketches of style groups based on concept/direction from Creative Director
• Communicate chosen designs to in-house pattern maker and sewers to ensure a quality result.
• Ensure timely development of line by adhering to time and action calendar.
• Prepares design presentations for review meetings.
• Work closely with Product Development team to launch embroidered and embellished garments.
• Understand and take an active role in the production process. Take an active role in fit sessions and product line reviews; ensure original vision and fit expectations are maintained as well as the timely release of patterns
• Work on special projects such as magazine illustration requests, charity requests, and celebrity dress designs.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with overseas vendors
• Maintain a pulse on fashion, culture, art, lifestyle and competitive market trends.
• Manage assistant and associate level designers within the Soft Wovens Cateogry.