Design Manager - Women's

Title:Design Manager – Women's RVCA

From boutique-brand culture to big-box retail, Liberated Brands thinks differently and has global scale servicing over 60+ countries. With over three decades of experience in brand-building, we are enhancing what a full-service license model can look like. We focus on the fundamentals of designing, producing, distributing, and marketing our brands and products, but always leave room for the x-factors to lead the way. Our expertise spans all sales channels, from direct-to-consumer to specialty wholesale and everything in between, both physical and digital. This Liberated approach creates a unique and powerful balance between brand-culture and sustainable growth. Join us and experience the benefits of being truly Liberated.

SUMMARY:

Located at the RVCA HQ in Costa Mesa and reporting directly into the Creative Director, this role will conceptualize & design seasonal products for RVCA women’s & women’s sport. The role requires concepting, identification and interpretation of key market trends and includes executing seasonal product strategies that drive the brand forward. As the most senior design role in the team, you will be the assist in the running of the design room and ensure that all key milestones are met from the design team. You will manage the Design Assistant and their workload.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Excellent ability to take direction from Creative Director and Merchandising leads on establishing key seasonal product stories.
• Manage finalization of product from concept to production.
• Ensure technical specification packs are completed accurately and on time.
• Manage and adhere to product development calendar.
• Collaborate with Merchandising Director and Creative Director in executing the line architecture & category strategies.
• Undertake market research and analysis using key accounts, media, shopping, internet, travel etc. to establish concept, key style, color & textile concepts for upcoming seasons.
• Undertake Innovation research and analysis using media, shopping, internet, travel etc. to establish key fabric, technique & innovation concepts for upcoming seasons.
• Present to internal and external parties at various different key points throughout each season.
• Complete approvals on color, fabric, trim, art, branding & finishing.
• Collaborate with garment techs to develop and approve the best fit and construction for seasonal products.
• Practice smart product engineering to achieve IGP targets.
• Develop strong knowledge of supplier base and sourcing
• Develop strong working relationships with crossfunctional partners in product development, sourcing, and graphic art team.
• Ensure samples are correct and on time.
• Conduct regular competitor analysis activities.
• Assist with seasonal photoshoots.
• Liaise regularly with Merchandising Director, sales, e-commerce, retail and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Work to achieve personal and department KPI’s.
• Assist in mentoring design team to achieve objectives.
• Lead fittings with PD and tech and review all proto fits and pre-production fit comments with Director.
• Active participant in key milestone meetings.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Qualifications in Fashion Design.
• Minimum of 4 years relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience in garment fit & construction.
• Experience in graphic art, color design, fabric, textile prints & trim development.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret the needs of the market, retailers and merchandisers & directors.
• Ability to recognize trends, conceptualize ideas and design products.
• Thorough knowledge of the product design & development process.
• Capability to independently manage workload, present and report to Creative Director regularly.
• Highly developed organization and time management skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with fellow team members.
• High level of problem solving and decision-making ability.
• Research skills.
• Display passion and motivation.
• Preferred: experience in sourcing and production.
• Preferred: experience in activewear and women’s cut & sew knits & wovens design and fittings
• Preferred: passion for style, womenswear, and an active coastal lifestyle

LIBERATED PERKS:

• Collaborative culture with amazing family vibe
• Discounts on Liberated Merch
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (majority employer paid)
• 401k, including employer contribution
• Surf and Snow Team Building Days
• Summer Half Day Fridays
• Paid Time Off
• Referral Program

Liberated Brands is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role in Costa Mesa, CA is $105,000 - $120,000. This position is hybrid and, as such, compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by several factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skill set, certifications, and specific work location.

WeareanEqualOpportunityEmployerandallqualifiedapplicantswillreceiveconsiderationforemploymentwithoutregardtorace, color, religion, sex, nationalorigin, disabilitystatus, veteranstatus, sexualorientation, gender