Design Director - Men's Knits & Sweaters

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Men's Knits & Sweaters

Company: Madewell

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and innovation for Madewell's Men's Sweaters & Knits categories, influencing the overall product point of view for Madewell Men's.

• Drive innovation in knit construction techniques, yarn development, gauge engineering, and finishing processes to elevate product quality and differentiate the category.

• Partner closely with Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless execution and alignment on creative vision and business objectives.

• Oversee the end-to-end development process from concept through production, ensuring design integrity, exceptional fit standards, and adherence to Madewell's quality benchmarks.

• Cultivate strong vendor relationships and work with sourcing partners to support both creative ambitions and technical requirements for the category.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the broader operations of product development, focusing on the strategic and creative direction of a specific apparel category. While not a traditional "revenue operations" or "sales operations" role, it heavily influences revenue through product strategy, assortment planning, and market relevance, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration akin to operations roles. The emphasis on innovation, process oversight from concept to production, and vendor management aligns with operational efficiency and product lifecycle management principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal design strategies for Men's Sweaters & Knits that align with Madewell's authentic aesthetic, brand priorities, and market trends.

• Drive innovation in knit construction, yarn selection, gauge engineering, and finishing techniques to enhance product quality, performance, and visual appeal.

• Collaborate with Merchandising to build compelling and commercially viable assortments that integrate cohesively with the broader men's product line.

• Partner with Production and Technical Design teams to ensure design integrity, achieve exceptional fit standards, and maintain Madewell's stringent quality benchmarks throughout the development cycle.

• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with external sourcing partners and vendors, ensuring their capabilities align with creative vision and technical requirements.

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages technical excellence and professional growth.

• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform design direction within the knitwear and sweater categories.

• Oversee the development process from initial concept sketches and mood boards through to final product samples, ensuring timely execution and adherence to seasonal timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management from concept to production, strategic assortment planning, and cross-functional operational alignment. The emphasis on innovation in knitwear techniques and yarn development points to a deep understanding of the product lifecycle and supply chain intricacies, crucial for efficient operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in apparel design, with a specialized and deep expertise in the sweaters and knits categories.

• A minimum of 5+ years of proven leadership experience, specifically in building, managing, and mentoring design teams. Required Skills:

• Extensive technical knowledge of diverse knit construction methods, yarn properties, gauge development, and finishing techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a design team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and technical excellence.

• Proven track record of strong cross-functional collaboration, effectively partnering with merchandising, production, technical design, and marketing teams.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision, technical requirements, and strategic rationale clearly to diverse audiences.

• Deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes within the men's apparel and knitwear sectors.

• Proficiency in developing compelling product assortments that balance creativity with commercial viability.

• Experience in vendor management and building strong, productive relationships with sourcing partners. Preferred Skills:

• A Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a closely related field.

• Experience with advanced knitwear technologies or sustainable material innovations.

• Familiarity with design software and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "deep expertise in sweaters and knits" and "extensive technical knowledge" highlights a specialized operational skill set. The leadership experience and cross-functional collaboration are critical for managing the operational flow of design within a larger product development and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a comprehensive range of knitwear and sweater designs, demonstrating technical proficiency in various constructions, yarns, and finishes.

• Include detailed examples of how design concepts were translated into commercially successful products, highlighting innovation and market relevance.

• Present case studies of successful cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how design vision was aligned with merchandising, production, and technical requirements.

• Demonstrate experience in building and leading design teams, perhaps through project examples of team development or process improvement initiatives.

• Highlight a strong understanding of technical knitwear specifications, including gauge, yarn weight, stitch types, and finishing processes. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and managing design briefs and seasonal direction documents.

• Examples of workflow management for product development from concept ideation to production readiness.

• Documentation of how design feedback was incorporated and implemented throughout the development cycle.

• Case studies detailing the process of yarn selection, testing, and development for knitwear.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the "portfolio" is less about system implementation and more about demonstrating creative leadership, technical design expertise, and process management within the product development lifecycle. The emphasis is on showcasing the ability to translate creative vision into tangible, high-quality products through effective operational processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $136,000.00 - $175,500.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance.

• Family Support: Family planning support (fertility, adoption, surrogacy).

• Wellness: Fitness discounts and medical travel assistance.

• Associate Discount: Significant discount across Madewell, J.Crew, and J.Crew Factory brands.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Summer Fridays: Office closes at 1:00 PM on Fridays during summer months.
  • Winter Break: Additional time off at the end of December for eligible full-time home office associates.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package.

• Community Impact: Support through philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, with an expectation of 40 hours per week, though flexibility may be afforded given the role's leadership responsibilities and the company's emphasis on work-life balance (e.g., Summer Fridays).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the input data. The benefits listed are directly from the job description. For a leadership role in New York City, this salary range is competitive, reflecting the experience level and responsibilities. The inclusion of "Summer Fridays" and "Winter Break" indicates a company culture that values employee well-being, which can indirectly impact operational efficiency by fostering a more engaged workforce.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail, Apparel Manufacturing & Design. Madewell operates within a dynamic and trend-driven industry, requiring agility and keen market insight. The company is known for its authentic aesthetic, quality craftsmanship, and foundational wardrobe pieces.

Company Size: Madewell is part of the J.Crew Group, which is a significant player in the global apparel market. [Company Size data not directly provided for Madewell, but inferred from parent company J.Crew Group]. A larger company size suggests established processes, broader resources, and potentially more complex cross-functional operations.

Founded: Madewell was founded in 2006. Its relatively recent founding compared to some heritage brands means it has built its identity and operational framework around contemporary market needs and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director reports to the Head of Men's Design, indicating a clear hierarchy within the Men's Design department.

• This role will lead a team of designers focused specifically on Men's Sweaters & Knits, suggesting a specialized sub-team within the broader Men's Design function.

• Close collaboration is expected with Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, and Marketing, highlighting a matrixed operational structure where different departments must align for successful product launches. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes balancing "originality and commercial success," implying a data-informed approach to design, likely involving market trend analysis, sales data review, and customer feedback integration.

• Process Optimization: The focus on "seamless execution," "ensuring design integrity," and "adherence to quality benchmarks" points to a commitment to optimizing the product development process for efficiency and quality.

• Innovation & Development: Driving "innovation in knit construction techniques, yarn development, gauge engineering, and finishing processes" signifies a culture that encourages R&D and continuous improvement within the product creation workflow.

Company Website: [Madewell Careers URL: https://jcrew.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MadewellCareers]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability" is a key cultural pillar that influences operational practices, from sourcing to team management. Understanding this context is crucial for candidates seeking to align with the company's operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a "Director" level role, signifying significant responsibility in strategic decision-making, team management, and operational execution within the Men's Sweaters & Knits category. It sits at the intersection of creative direction and product operations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the Head of Men's Design. This indicates a clear line of authority and a direct channel for strategic alignment and operational oversight. This structure allows for focused direction within the knitwear category, contributing to the overall Men's Design strategy.

Operations Impact: The role's operations impact is profound. By leading the creative vision and innovation for a core category like sweaters and knits, the Design Director directly influences product line success, sales performance, and brand perception. Effective management of the design and development process ensures product quality, timely market entry, and efficient use of resources, all critical operational outcomes that drive revenue and profitability. The ability to innovate in yarn and construction can also lead to cost efficiencies or premium pricing opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into a higher-level design leadership role, such as Head of Men's Design or a broader VP of Design role, overseeing multiple categories or the entire men's division.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape broader product strategies, contribute to GTM planning, and influence brand direction through successful category leadership.

• Innovation Specialization: Deepen expertise in knitwear innovation, potentially leading R&D initiatives or sustainable material integration projects that have significant operational and brand impact.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Gain broader exposure and leadership opportunities by spearheading initiatives that require deep collaboration across design, merchandising, production, and marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight how specialized operational leadership in design can pave the way for broader strategic and operational influence within a retail organization, moving beyond product creation to impact overall business strategy and execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is located at "225 Liberty" in New York, NY, which is a prime Manhattan business district location. This suggests a modern, professional office environment. The mention of a "hybrid work model" (though not explicitly detailed for this role, it's mentioned as a company perk) indicates a blend of in-office and remote work.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the headquarters in New York, NY. This central location offers access to industry resources, talent, and a vibrant fashion ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close partnership with merchandising, production, and technical design teams, suggesting an open and collaborative workspace designed to facilitate frequent communication and idea exchange.

• Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a design director role in a company like Madewell would likely utilize industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), potentially PLM systems for product development, and digital tools for trend research and mood boarding.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers in other departments, and leadership (Head of Men's Design) is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (40 hours/week), the mention of "Summer Fridays" and a general company culture valuing work-life balance suggests flexibility. However, as a Director-level position, significant dedication and availability are expected, particularly during peak development cycles. The operational demands of seasonal product launches mean periods of intense focus are likely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, if applied, impacts how operational teams collaborate and manage workflows. Understanding the balance between in-office and remote work is crucial for candidates assessing their preferred working style and how it aligns with the company's operational setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio by HR and potentially the hiring manager. Focus will be on experience, leadership, and technical knitwear expertise.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into leadership style, design philosophy, technical knowledge, and strategic thinking regarding the knitwear category.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design to assess collaboration skills, understanding of operational processes, and ability to align on business objectives.

• Design Review / Presentation: A potential exercise where the candidate presents their portfolio, showcasing past work, design process, and strategic approach to knitwear, possibly including a case study on innovation or team leadership.

• Final Round: May involve discussions with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Men's Design, potentially VP of Design) to assess overall fit with company culture and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Knitwear Specialization: Clearly highlight your deep technical expertise in sweaters and knits. Include a variety of knit constructions, yarn types, and finishing techniques.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Process: Include examples of how you've led design teams, managed the product development lifecycle, and collaborated with cross-functional partners. Use case studies to illustrate problem-solving and process improvements.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the success of your designs. This could include sales performance, market share impact, or successful product launches.

• Articulate Vision: Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, how you interpret trends for the Madewell brand, and your vision for the future of Men's Sweaters & Knits.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates a strong understanding of gauge, yarn properties, and construction methods relevant to high-quality knitwear.

Challenge Preparation:

• Knitwear Innovation: Be ready to discuss potential innovations in yarn sourcing, sustainability, construction techniques, or finishing processes that could benefit Madewell.

• Market & Brand Alignment: Prepare to articulate how you would align your design strategy with Madewell's brand aesthetic, target customer, and overall business goals.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you build, mentor, and manage design teams, fostering creativity and ensuring operational efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and achieved goals through collaboration with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Director emphasizes not only creative talent but also operational leadership, process management, and cross-functional collaboration skills, mirroring the requirements of many GTM and Ops roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) is essential for sketching, mood boards, and technical flats.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM software (e.g., Centric PLM, Lectra, PTC) is highly probable for managing the product development process, from concept to production, including data tracking and collaboration.

• 3D Design Software (Potentially): Familiarity with 3D design tools (e.g., Browzwear, CLO3D) is increasingly common in apparel design for prototyping and visualization, which can streamline the operational development cycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of platforms like WGSN or Edited for market trend analysis, consumer insights, and competitive benchmarking.

• Internal Sales & Merchandising Data: Ability to interpret sales reports, inventory data, and customer feedback to inform design decisions and assortment planning.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM user, understanding how design and product data integrate with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is beneficial for holistic business operations.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack) to manage team workflows and cross-functional communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is creative-led, a strong understanding of the technology stack that supports product development operations is crucial. Proficiency in design software and familiarity with PLM systems are directly tied to the efficiency and accuracy of the design-to-production workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Quality Craftsmanship: Madewell values creating "foundational wardrobe pieces" that are "made well." This translates to a commitment to high standards in design, materials, and execution – key operational tenets.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The role's emphasis on driving innovation in knitwear techniques and processes reflects a company value of pushing boundaries and seeking better ways to create products.

• Collaboration & Partnership: The need to "partner closely" with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design highlights a culture that thrives on teamwork and shared objectives.

• Customer Centricity: The requirement to respond to "customer needs" and ensure "commercial success" underscores a focus on delivering value that resonates with the target audience.

• Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability: These are explicitly stated core values, influencing internal practices, sourcing, and brand messaging, creating an inclusive operational environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Workflow: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design is not siloed but deeply integrated with merchandising, production, and technical design from concept to final product.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages open feedback loops to refine designs, improve processes, and ensure alignment across departments.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While creative, decisions are likely informed by market data, sales performance, and customer insights, fostering a pragmatic approach to design.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Emphasis on clear communication and shared goals to ensure that creative visions are translated into executable production plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these values is critical for a candidate to assess cultural fit and how they can contribute to the operational success of the design team and the company as a whole.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Commercial Viability: A constant challenge is pushing creative boundaries while ensuring designs are commercially successful, manufacturable, and align with Madewell's brand aesthetic and price points.

• Supply Chain Complexity: Navigating global supply chains for knitwear, including yarn sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and quality control, presents ongoing operational challenges.

• Pace of Fashion Retail: Meeting seasonal deadlines and adapting quickly to evolving market trends requires efficient processes and agile decision-making.

• Team Development & Retention: Building and maintaining a high-performing, motivated design team in a competitive market requires strong leadership and a supportive environment.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Integrating sustainable practices into knitwear design and production, from material sourcing to waste reduction, is an increasingly complex operational requirement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Knitwear Techniques: Opportunities to explore cutting-edge knit technologies, sustainable material innovations, and advanced finishing processes.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Developing skills in broader product strategy, GTM planning, and influencing overall brand direction.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining deeper understanding and experience in merchandising, production, and technical design operations.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Honing leadership skills through developing and empowering a talented design team.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops focused on knitwear, design innovation, and retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing these challenges and opportunities is key for candidates to prepare for the realities of the role and to articulate how their skills can address these operational hurdles and contribute to growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a design team to develop a cohesive and innovative Men's Sweaters & Knits collection that aligns with Madewell's brand identity and market demands." (Focus on process, leadership, and strategic vision).

• "How do you balance creative innovation with the commercial realities of production, cost, and marketability in apparel design?" (Focus on operational constraints and problem-solving).

• "Walk us through a time you collaborated effectively with merchandising, production, and technical design to bring a complex knitwear product from concept to market. What were the key challenges and your role in overcoming them?" (Focus on cross-functional operations and project management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Madewell's brand aesthetic and target customer? How would you ensure your designs for Men's Sweaters & Knits not only innovate but also resonate deeply with our audience?" (Focus on brand alignment and market awareness).

• "How do you foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within a design team, and how do you integrate sustainability into your design processes?" (Focus on company values and operational execution).

• "What is your vision for the future of men's knitwear, and how would you translate that vision into actionable design strategies for Madewell?" (Focus on forward-thinking and strategic planning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story about your design journey, emphasizing your expertise in knitwear.

• Technical Depth: Clearly explain the technical aspects of your designs – yarn types, stitch patterns, construction methods, and how they contribute to quality and aesthetic.

• Process & Collaboration: Showcase how you manage the development process and collaborate with other functions. Use visual aids to demonstrate workflow and cross-functional interaction.

• Quantifiable Results: Highlight the commercial success of your designs with sales figures, market penetration, or positive customer feedback where possible.

• Madewell Alignment: Tailor your presentation to show how your skills and vision specifically benefit Madewell's Men's Sweaters & Knits category.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role requires demonstrating not just creative talent but also a strong operational mindset, the ability to manage processes, lead teams, and collaborate effectively across departments to achieve business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Madewell Careers site.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-7 of your strongest knitwear and sweater design projects that showcase technical expertise, innovation, and commercial success. Ensure clear documentation of your process, including sketches, technical flats, yarn/construction details, and (if possible) final product images or market data.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of apparel design experience, specifically emphasizing your deep knitwear expertise and 5+ years of leadership experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "knit construction," "yarn development," "gauge engineering," "team leadership," and "cross-functional collaboration."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic vision for Madewell's Men's Sweaters & Knits. Be ready to discuss specific examples of innovation, process improvement, and successful cross-functional collaboration.

• Research Madewell: Deeply understand Madewell's brand aesthetic, target customer, current offerings, and company values, particularly regarding sustainability and DEI. Consider how your design approach fits within this framework.

⚠️ 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.