Design Director – Girls (Infant/Toddler 4–6)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director – Girls (Infant/Toddler 4–6)

Company: G&W Kids LLC

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-22

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day WFH)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and product strategy for the Girls' Infant/Toddler division, driving seasonal collection development from concept to completion.

• Oversee product execution, ensuring design excellence, commercial relevance, and alignment with brand DNA for sportswear, dresses, and layette categories.

• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with Sales, Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design teams to deliver compelling and brand-right assortments.

• Manage daily communication with overseas teams to ensure accurate and timely sample execution, adhering strictly to production calendars and deadlines.

• Leverage deep market knowledge, fabric construction expertise, and trend analysis to identify product opportunities and inform line planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of creative direction and operational execution within a wholesale apparel manufacturing environment. The Design Director is pivotal in translating market trends and brand strategy into commercially viable product lines, requiring a blend of aesthetic sensibility and robust product development acumen. The focus on "Girls - infant/toddler, 4-6" specifies the target demographic and product categories (sportswear, dresses, layette).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Design Leadership: Define and execute the creative vision for the Girls' Infant/Toddler division, ensuring collections are trend-forward, commercially viable, and consistent with the brand's identity.

• Product Development Oversight: Guide the entire product lifecycle from initial concept and line planning through to sample execution, production approvals, and final product delivery.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively partner with Merchandising, Sales, Technical Design, and Production teams to align product assortments with sales targets, customer requirements, and production capabilities.

• Global Team Management: Direct and communicate daily with overseas design and production teams to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality sample development and execution.

• Market & Trend Analysis: Continuously research and analyze the competitive landscape, market trends, and customer needs to identify new product opportunities and inform design direction.

• Technical Proficiency: Create detailed tech packs, provide precise construction comments, and produce accurate flat sketches for garment development.

• Quality Assurance: Inspect and approve samples, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and production timelines.

• Account-Specific Requirements: Manage and execute design requirements for specific retail accounts, ensuring brand and product alignment.

• Process Adherence: Strictly adhere to the production calendar, manage deadlines effectively, and ensure efficient workflow from costing through production stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring the candidate to not only direct but also actively participate in design and product development tasks, as indicated by "Experience in having a hands-on approach (designing actual product as well as directing)". This suggests a mid-to-senior level role within a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising, or a related field is typically expected, though extensive relevant experience can be considered equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in apparel design and/or product development, with a significant focus on the children's wear market.

• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching commercially successful product lines.

• Experience in a wholesale manufacturing environment, working with private label brands for large retailers. Required Skills:

• Creative Vision & Product Strategy: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and drive product strategies that align with market trends and business objectives.

• Adobe Illustrator Proficiency: Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating flat sketches, technical drawings, and design presentations.

• Tech Pack Creation: Expertise in developing detailed and accurate tech packs, including construction, measurements, and material specifications.

• Sample Execution & Management: Proven ability to oversee and manage the sample development process, ensuring accuracy and adherence to timelines.

• Trend Analysis & Market Research: Strong capability to identify emerging trends, analyze the competitive landscape, and translate insights into actionable design concepts.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment across departments.

• Fabric & Construction Knowledge: Deep understanding of various fabrics, garment construction techniques, and their impact on product quality and cost, particularly for woven and knit tops.

• Children's Market Expertise: Specific knowledge and experience in designing for the children's apparel market (infant/toddler, 4-6).

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to production calendars, and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with layette and dress categories within children's wear.

• Familiarity with overseas vendor communication and management.

• Ability to travel internationally for sourcing or production oversight.

• Experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders (CEO, etc.).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both "designing actual product" and "directing" implies a need for a candidate who is both a creative force and a capable manager of the product development pipeline. The requirement for "Extremely proficient using illustrator" is a critical technical skill for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Concept Presentation: Showcase a collection concept from ideation through to final product, illustrating market research, trend integration, and brand alignment.

• Technical Design Examples: Include examples of detailed tech packs, flat sketches, and construction comments for both knit and woven garments.

• Product Development Case Studies: Present 1-2 case studies detailing the process of bringing a product from initial sketch to approved sample or production, highlighting problem-solving and decision-making.

• Market Trend Integration: Demonstrate how market research and trend analysis were incorporated into the design process and product line planning.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Evidence: Examples of how you've collaborated with merchandising, sales, or production teams to refine product offerings.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you've structured or improved design and product development workflows, particularly in communication with overseas partners.

• Sample Management Processes: Showcase your approach to managing sample requests, approvals, and corrections to ensure timely execution and quality.

• Trend Integration Methodology: Outline your systematic approach to market research, trend forecasting, and translating these insights into line plans.

• Tech Pack Standardization: Demonstrate a structured approach to creating and managing tech packs for efficient handoff to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "overseeing the product and sample execution" and "communicating with overseas offices daily" suggests that a strong portfolio will demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex, multi-stage processes with remote teams and ensure consistent quality and adherence to timelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar plan with company matching.

• Employee Discount: Potential for discounts on company apparel.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and industry conferences.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: One day per week work from home, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and personal flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during peak production cycles. The hybrid schedule involves 4 days per week in the New York office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and is typical for a Design Director role in New York City with 7+ years of experience in the apparel industry. The "Hybrid Work Schedule" is clearly defined, indicating a structured approach to work-life balance. The statement "Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment" is standard for compensation disclosures.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale Apparel Manufacturing, specializing in private label brands for large mass-market retailers. The company has a nearly 50-year history, indicating stability and established market presence.

Company Size: Family-owned and operated, suggesting a potentially close-knit culture, though the scale of private label production for large retailers implies a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Nearly 50 years ago, providing a legacy of experience and market understanding in the apparel sector.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Design Director will lead the Girls' division design team, likely comprising designers, technical designers, and potentially sample coordinators.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration is expected with Sales, Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design departments, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure.

• Reporting: The Design Director will report to a higher-level executive, likely VP of Design or Chief Merchandising Officer, and will be responsible for communicating directly with executive/CEO level on product strategy and performance.

Methodology:

• Trend-Driven Product Development: A core methodology is the continuous integration of market trends and competitive analysis into product lines.

• Customer-Centric Design: Focus on meeting the evolving needs of customers and delivering brand-right assortments for mass-market retailers.

• Collaborative Execution: Emphasis on teamwork and close partnerships across departments to ensure seamless product development and execution.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the need for commercial relevance and alignment with sales implies a data-informed approach to line planning and product strategy.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided in input, assumed to be goldentouchgroup.com based on derived domain]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on private label for mass retailers suggest an operationally robust organization that prioritizes efficiency, scalability, and strong client relationships. The "family-owned" aspect may imply a culture that values loyalty and long-term commitment, while the scale of operations necessitates strong process management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, equivalent to a Director or Head of Design for a specific division. It requires significant experience in both creative product development and operational management of the design process. The scope includes strategic product planning and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a senior executive (e.g., VP of Design, Chief Merchandising Officer) and will manage a team of designers and potentially product development staff. They will also have significant interaction with Sales and Merchandising leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's decisions directly impact revenue by shaping the product lines that drive sales for major retail partners. Success in this role means delivering collections that meet sales targets, enhance brand perception, and contribute to the company's overall profitability and growth within the children's apparel market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to a VP of Design or Chief Creative Officer role, overseeing multiple divisions or the entire brand's creative direction.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape company-wide product strategy, influence market positioning, and contribute to business development initiatives.

• Broader Category Ownership: Potential to expand scope to include additional product categories or age groups within the company's portfolio.

• Industry Recognition: Building a strong portfolio and reputation can lead to industry accolades and leadership opportunities.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior design talent, contributing to the growth of the internal team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's strategic importance in a wholesale private label business means that success translates directly to business outcomes. Growth is likely tied to the company's ability to scale its private label partnerships and expand its product offerings, creating opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 4 days per week in the New York City office and offering 1 day of remote work. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming, and hands-on work with samples and materials.

Office Location(s): 500 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018. This central Manhattan location is accessible via public transportation and places the company within a major fashion and commerce hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: The office likely houses a creative studio environment with access to design tools, sample rooms, and collaborative workspaces for team meetings and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology Integration: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for managing product data.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model emphasizes in-office days for direct collaboration with design teams, technical designers, merchandisers, and sales representatives, fostering a dynamic workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the understanding that the fast-paced nature of apparel design and production may require occasional extended hours, particularly around key deadlines, line reviews, and production pushes. The hybrid schedule provides some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration in a creative industry with the desire for work-life flexibility. The New York City location is strategic for a fashion-focused company, offering access to talent, trends, and industry events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior executive) to delve deeper into design philosophy, leadership style, and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, showcasing design process, market analysis, technical skills, and collaboration examples. This will likely involve presenting specific projects or a curated collection of work.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from Sales, Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to assess collaboration capabilities and understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

• Executive/CEO Interview: For senior roles, a final interview with executive leadership (CEO level) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership presence, and alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, creative vision, market understanding, and technical proficiency relevant to children's wear (infant/toddler, 4-6).

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial concept and research to sample execution and production considerations. Highlight how you use Adobe Illustrator and create tech packs.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to illustrate the commercial success of your designs or the efficiency gains in your processes (e.g., increased sales, reduced sample iterations, faster turnaround times).

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives, explaining the challenge, your approach, and the successful outcome. Emphasize your role in driving decisions and collaborating with teams.

• Tailor to G&W Kids: Research G&W Kids' brand identity, target market, and retailer partnerships. Highlight experience that aligns with their specific needs and challenges in the private label children's wear space.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, which could involve analyzing a market trend, developing a mini-collection concept, or critiquing existing product lines.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific design or production challenges, manage cross-functional conflicts, or communicate with overseas partners.

• Presentation Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation thoroughly, ensuring concise delivery, clear articulation of your process, and confident responses to questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to be thorough, assessing not only design talent but also leadership, operational acumen, and the ability to integrate into a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a strategic approach to showcasing relevant experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating flat sketches, technical drawings, and design layouts. High proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for mood boards, color palette development, and presentation graphics.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, PLM software is common in apparel manufacturing for managing product data, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and tracking the development process. Familiarity is a plus.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (for tech pack details, communication), Excel (for line planning, data analysis), and PowerPoint (for presentations) is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Subscription-based services or internal tools used for market trend analysis and competitive intelligence.

• Retailer-Specific Reporting: Understanding and utilizing data provided by retail partners regarding sales performance, inventory, and customer feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for daily team communication and collaboration.

• Email & Project Management Software: Standard tools for managing communication, tasks, and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Extremely proficient using illustrator" highlights this as a core technical requirement. While other tools are inferred, proficiency with design software and strong organizational skills are paramount for managing the design and development pipeline effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creating high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and trend-relevant products.

• Commercial Viability: Emphasis on designing products that will sell well in the mass market and meet retailer expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in the power of cross-functional partnerships to achieve collective success.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Dedication to meeting production calendars and deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of products.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs and evolving preferences of the end consumer and retail partners.

• Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and continuous improvement in design and product development processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Workflow: The company fosters a collaborative environment where design, merchandising, sales, and production work closely together, sharing information and feedback throughout the product lifecycle.

• Direct Communication: Encouraging open and direct communication, especially with overseas partners, to ensure clarity and accuracy in execution.

• Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback to refine designs and improve processes.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A team-oriented approach to identifying and resolving challenges that arise during the design and development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given it's a family-owned business that has been operating for nearly 50 years, the culture likely balances established traditions with the need for continuous adaptation to market trends. The emphasis on collaboration is crucial for a wholesale private label model where multiple stakeholders are involved.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend & Brand Identity: Ensuring that trend-driven designs remain consistent with the established brand DNA and the specific requirements of private label retailers.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of working with overseas offices and manufacturers to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.

• Fast-Paced Market Demands: Keeping pace with rapidly changing fashion trends and retailer demands in the competitive children's wear market.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing expectations and priorities across various departments (Sales, Merchandising, Production) to achieve consensus on product direction.

• Maintaining Design Standards: Upholding high design and quality standards while operating within the cost constraints of private label manufacturing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Trend Forecasting: Deeper engagement with trend forecasting services and workshops to sharpen predictive abilities.

• Global Sourcing & Production: Gaining more in-depth knowledge of international manufacturing processes, ethical sourcing, and supply chain management.

• Strategic Merchandising: Developing a stronger understanding of merchandising strategies, inventory management, and retail performance analytics.

• Leadership & Management Training: Opportunities to enhance leadership skills, team development, and strategic planning capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending relevant fashion industry events and workshops to stay abreast of new technologies, materials, and design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the wholesale private label apparel industry, requiring adaptability, strong communication, and a keen understanding of market dynamics. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering these challenges and expanding one's strategic influence within the organization and the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal collection from initial trend research to final sample approval for a children's sportswear line. How do you ensure commercial viability?" (Focus on process, market analysis, and commercial acumen).

• "How do you balance creative vision with the specific sales targets and brand guidelines of private label retail partners? Provide an example." (Focus on strategic alignment and stakeholder management).

• "Walk me through a challenging product development situation you encountered with an overseas manufacturer. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, and operational execution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about G&W Kids LLC and our position in the private label children's wear market?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with cross-functional partners like Sales and Production?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

• "Describe a time you had to present a new product concept or strategy to executive leadership. What was your approach, and how did you gain buy-in?" (Focus on presentation skills and executive presence). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and approach. Then, present 2-3 key projects that showcase your range, leadership, and impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: For each project, explicitly point out how you utilized Adobe Illustrator, created tech packs, conducted market research, and collaborated with other teams.

• Emphasize Results: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "This collection resulted in a 15% increase in sales for the partner retailer," or "My streamlined tech pack process reduced sample revisions by 20%").

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: Detail your thought process, the decisions you made, and why. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your approach to G&W Kids' specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, operational understanding, and leadership capability. The ability to articulate a clear, data-informed, and collaborative design process will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the G&W Kids LLC careers portal (Paylocity).

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience in apparel design and product development, specifically mentioning children's wear, sportswear, and private label experience. Quantify achievements and list proficiency in Adobe Illustrator prominently.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that showcase your design vision, technical skills (tech packs, flat sketches), market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to manage product execution from concept to completion.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving, and the commercial success of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to leading a design team and collaborating with sales and production.

• Research G&W Kids LLC: Understand their business model (wholesale, private label), target retailers, and the children's apparel market they serve. Prepare thoughtful questions about their brand, team structure, and strategic goals for the Girls' division.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.