Design Director Mens Wovens

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Mens Wovens

Company: PVH Corp.

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development of Calvin Klein Menswear apparel lines with a specialized focus on Wovens, ensuring brand cohesion and identity across CK Jeans and CK Sportswear.

• Manage and mentor a design team, overseeing concept, color, fabric, print, graphics, and hardware development from research through to final prototype.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design, and Raw Materials teams to ensure timely and brand-appropriate product execution.

• Drive creative direction and present seasonal collections to senior leadership, influencing the overall design strategy for the menswear category.

• Maintain a deep understanding of global fashion trends, fabric innovations, and competitive market landscapes to inform design decisions and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on a design role, the "Director" title, cross-functional collaboration requirements, and emphasis on process adherence (adhering to time and action calendars, conveying information to pertinent parties) indicate a strong need for operations-minded leadership. This role requires managing complex workflows, multiple concurrent projects, and ensuring seamless integration between design and production, aligning with the core principles of GTM Operations. The emphasis on brand identity and cohesive execution also points towards a strategic GTM function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal design concepts for Mens Wovens, aligning with overarching brand strategies for CK Jeans and CK Sportswear.

• Oversee the research and development of color palettes, fabrics, prints, graphics, and hardware, ensuring they meet brand aesthetic and merchandising requirements.

• Lead and mentor a direct team of 3-4 designers, fostering a collaborative and productive design environment, and managing the workflow to support work-life balance.

• Partner closely with the Senior Director of Men’s Sweater and Cut & Sew to ensure cohesive execution across the entire menswear line.

• Collaborate with the print team (dotted line) to ensure alignment on print development and final selections for all CK Jeans and CK Sportswear collections.

• Attend fittings and review prototypes, empowering team members to lead fittings as strengths are established.

• Effectively communicate all design and development information to Sourcing, Merchandising, and Technical Design teams, ensuring accuracy in technical packages.

• Prepare and deliver compelling design presentations for review meetings with senior management and cross-functional partners.

• Maintain organized and accessible design archives, including mill cards, collection files, and other relevant documentation.

• Ensure adherence to the time and action calendar, managing multiple concurrent project deadlines to guarantee timely product development.

• Support the team in organizing and planning workflows to promote effective work-life balance and prevent burnout.

• Participate in the management, selection, and training of design staff in conjunction with the EVP of Global Design.

• Represent the Calvin Klein brand identity consistently when working with internal teams and external collaborators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management and process adherence, crucial for GTM operations. The emphasis on "adhering to time and action calendar" and "communicating all necessary information for the technical packages" points to the operational rigor required to bring designs to market efficiently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Fashion Design. Experience:

• 10-12 years of progressive design experience, with a strong specialization in Men's Wovens and Prints.

• Demonstrated experience in fabric development, balancing quality, price, and competitive product creation.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with Raw Materials (RM) teams for novelty fabric searches. Required Skills:

• Exceptional fashion aesthetic with a keen eye for current global trends and brand alignment.

• Proficient in fabric development, understanding material properties, sourcing, and cost implications.

• Strong understanding of print design principles and their application in apparel.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience in leading and mentoring a design team.

• Ability to convey technical information clearly for technical packages.

• Proficiency in preparing and delivering impactful design presentations. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with technical design processes and garment construction.

• Experience with CAD software for design visualization.

• Knowledge of supply chain and production processes within the apparel industry.

• Ability to interpret merchandising plans and translate them into design concepts.

• Experience working with lifestyle brands (e.g., sportswear, denim).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills" section emphasizes traditional design competencies. However, the explicit mention of "time management," "organizing relevant information," and "adhering to time and action calendar" suggests that operational efficiency and project management are critical success factors for this role, aligning with GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong design vision and aesthetic relevant to contemporary menswear, particularly in wovens and prints.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the design process from concept initiation to final product, highlighting research, fabric selection, and development.

• Examples of collaborative projects, illustrating the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., merchandising, technical design, sourcing).

• Evidence of managing multiple design projects concurrently, showcasing organizational skills and adherence to timelines.

• Visual documentation of print development, including original artwork and its application on fabric. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their systematic approach to design conceptualization, including trend research methodologies and mood board creation.

• Ability to articulate how they translate merchandising briefs into actionable design directions and product assortments.

• Experience in documenting design specifications, including fabric details, construction notes, and color standards, for technical packages.

• Understanding of workflow management to ensure timely delivery of design assets and prototypes according to the T&A calendar.

• Familiarity with organizing and maintaining design assets and project files for easy access and review.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional design portfolio is expected, the emphasis on process, project management, and documentation implies a need to showcase not just creative output but also the operational rigor behind it. This suggests a portfolio that demonstrates how a candidate manages their design process efficiently and effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $162,200 - $218,800 USD per year

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay

• Bonus Eligibility

• Equity Eligibility

• Best-in-class Medical Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Above-market 401(k) contribution with company match

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Company-Paid Holidays

• Hybrid Working Arrangements

• Headspace Membership

• Fitness Membership Reimbursement

• Discounted Digital Meditation Subscriptions

• Opportunity to earn rewards for participating in healthy activities

• Care.com Services (childcare, elder care, backup care)

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Associate Discount on company products Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and business needs. The role operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Director-level design role in New York City. The benefits package is comprehensive, highlighting PVH's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which can be attractive to operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion Retail

Company Size: PVH Corp. is a large global apparel company, employing thousands worldwide. This size offers stability, resources, and opportunities for scale in operations.

Founded: PVH has a long history, founded in 1881, indicating a well-established company with deep industry experience and a stable operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director reports to the EVP Global Design, indicating a senior leadership position within the design hierarchy.

• Manages a direct team of 3-4 designers, with dotted line oversight for freelancers and seasonal interns.

• Requires close collaboration with the Senior Director of Men’s Sweater and Cut & Sew, as well as other design teams (print, color, graphics) and functional departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential with Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and Sales teams. Methodology:

• Design development follows a structured process from concept research to final product presentation, adhering to strict time and action calendars.

• Emphasis on brand identity consistency across all product lines and touchpoints.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through collaboration with merchandising and sales to inform design direction.

• Focus on quality and price alignment in fabric development to create competitive products.

• Teamwork and communication are critical, both internally and with external vendors.

Company Website: https://www.pvh.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: PVH's established history and large size suggest a company with mature operational processes and a structured approach to product development. The emphasis on brand values and inclusive culture, as highlighted in the company description, indicates an environment where strategic alignment and operational execution are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director level, signifying significant responsibility in leading a specialized function (Mens Wovens Design) and contributing to broader GTM strategy. This role requires strategic oversight and team management.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the EVP Global Design, with dotted line reporting responsibilities for team members. This indicates a clear hierarchy and significant influence within the design department.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts product relevance, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue generation. Effective management of the design process ensures that products are developed on time, within budget, and meet market demand, which is critical for GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Global Design, such as Senior Director or VP, overseeing larger segments of the menswear or even broader apparel categories.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future design direction and product strategy for Calvin Klein Menswear, influencing global market positioning and brand evolution.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding and influence across the entire apparel lifecycle, from concept to consumer, by strengthening collaborations with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Sales operations.

• Brand Stewardship: Become a key custodian of the Calvin Klein brand identity, contributing to its ongoing relevance and desirability in the global fashion market.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is in design, the "Director" title and strategic responsibilities align with senior operational leadership. The growth path suggests opportunities to expand into broader GTM strategy, product management, or even operational leadership roles within a large fashion organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Calvin Klein Office in New York, NY, suggesting a professional corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): New York, NY, United States. This location offers access to a major fashion hub with extensive industry connections and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Working Arrangement: The role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. This requires strong self-management and communication skills.

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, indicating an open and interactive workspace designed for idea sharing and problem-solving.

• Fast-Paced & Deadline-Driven: The environment is characterized as fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring individuals who thrive under pressure and can maintain high productivity.

• Creative Hub: As part of a major fashion brand, the workspace likely fosters creativity and innovation, with access to inspiration and resources.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the "deadline-driven" nature of the role implies that flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours during peak seasons or critical project phases will be necessary. This requires efficient personal workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect for operations professionals, requiring adaptability and strong remote collaboration skills, alongside the ability to leverage in-office time for critical team interactions and strategic planning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the EVP Global Design to assess design vision, leadership potential, and strategic thinking.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key team members (designers, merchandising, technical design) to evaluate collaboration skills and functional expertise.

• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their design portfolio, showcasing their creative process, problem-solving abilities, and ability to articulate design rationale. This will likely include case studies of past projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your expertise in Mens Wovens and Prints. Ensure diversity in projects if possible (e.g., different types of wovens, print applications).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your approach, the solutions you developed, and the outcome. Use visual aids like mood boards, sketches, technical flats, fabric swatches, and final product images.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples of projects where you collaborated with merchandising, technical design, or sourcing, explaining your role and contribution.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how your designs align with the Calvin Klein brand identity and target market for CK Jeans and CK Sportswear.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to verbally walk through your portfolio, explaining your creative decisions, trend insights, and how you addressed design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to trend forecasting and how you translate global trends into commercial designs for a specific brand.

• Prepare to talk about fabric development challenges and how you have successfully sourced or developed new materials.

• Anticipate questions about managing design teams, fostering creativity, and ensuring adherence to deadlines and brand standards.

• Consider how you would approach integrating feedback from merchandising and sales teams into your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. For operations-minded candidates, framing the portfolio to emphasize process, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving alongside creative output will be key. Demonstrating how design decisions are informed by market data and operational constraints will set candidates apart.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) is standard for fashion design. Proficiency in CAD software for technical flats and potentially 3D design tools (e.g., Browzwear, CLO 3D) may be advantageous.

• PLM Systems: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software (e.g., Centric PLM, Lectra) is commonly used for managing product development data, tracking progress, and facilitating collaboration across teams. Familiarity with these systems is highly beneficial for operational efficiency.

• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly stated, tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or internal PVH systems may be used for workflow management and tracking project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and understanding of trend forecasting services (e.g., WGSN, Edited) is crucial for research.

• Internal Sales/Merchandising Data: Ability to interpret and utilize sales data, sell-through reports, and merchandising plans to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While primarily a design role, understanding how design inputs feed into broader CRM and marketing automation systems (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud) can be an advantage in understanding the full GTM lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is design-centric, proficiency with PLM systems and project management tools is critical for operational execution. Candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of how design integrates with these operational systems will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the Calvin Klein brand identity and ensuring all designs reflect its core values of modernism, sensuality, and authenticity.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Fostering a culture that encourages new ideas, exploration of trends, and pushing creative boundaries within brand guidelines.

• Efficiency & Execution: Commitment to meeting deadlines, managing workflows effectively, and delivering high-quality products on time.

• Inclusivity: Celebrating diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where all associates feel valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design teams work closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design, and Marketing to ensure cohesive product development and go-to-market strategies.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive criticism and feedback from peers, superiors, and cross-functional partners to refine designs and improve processes.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, consistent, and timely communication to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Addressing challenges collaboratively, leveraging the diverse expertise within the team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline. For candidates from a GTM operations background, highlighting how their structured approach supports creativity and efficient execution will resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Identity with Market Trends: Continuously innovating while staying true to the core Calvin Klein aesthetic and meeting the evolving demands of the fashion market.

• Managing Multiple Product Lines and Deadlines: Overseeing design development for both CK Jeans and CK Sportswear simultaneously, with overlapping seasonal calendars and strict delivery timelines.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and buy-in from diverse teams (Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design) with potentially differing priorities.

• Global Trend Interpretation: Accurately forecasting and adapting global fashion trends for the specific menswear wovens market and brand positioning.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Effectively leading, motivating, and developing a team of designers while maintaining high standards of creative output and operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting & Industry Insights: Access to leading trend forecasting services and industry events to stay ahead of market shifts.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities for professional development in management, strategic planning, and executive communication.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the operational aspects of merchandising, supply chain, and retail through close collaboration.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Contributing to the strategic direction of Calvin Klein Menswear and influencing the brand's future.

• Fabric & Technology Innovation: Staying abreast of advancements in textile technology and sustainable materials through partnerships with RM teams and vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are deeply intertwined with operational execution. Candidates who can articulate how they leverage operational strategies to overcome these design-specific challenges will demonstrate a strong understanding of the role's broader impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a cohesive menswear wovens collection that aligns with a brand's established identity while incorporating current trends. How do you ensure this process is efficient and meets strict deadlines?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance creative vision with commercial viability and merchandising requirements. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you manage and mentor a design team, ensuring both creative output and operational adherence (e.g., T&A calendar)? Provide an example of how you've fostered growth within your team." Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about the Calvin Klein brand, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our core values?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like Merchandising, Sourcing, and Technical Design? Describe a situation where strong collaboration was crucial for project success."

• "How do you measure the success of your design initiatives beyond aesthetic appeal? What metrics do you consider important?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and how it aligns with Calvin Klein. Then, present 2-3 key projects, detailing the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final results (including any commercial success metrics if available).

• Highlight Operational Rigor: For each project, explicitly mention how you managed timelines, collaborated with other departments, and ensured technical accuracy. Use terms like "workflow," "cross-functional alignment," and "adherence to calendar."

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals. For fabric development, show swatches and explain sourcing challenges. For prints, show the artwork and its application. For final products, show lifestyle imagery or product shots.

• Concise & Confident Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within the allotted time. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your creative and operational choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frame your interview responses and portfolio presentation to emphasize your understanding of the entire product lifecycle and your ability to manage complex projects efficiently, mirroring the strategic and operational demands of a GTM role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PVH Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in Mens Wovens, Print design, team leadership, and adherence to product development timelines. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and showcases projects relevant to Calvin Klein's aesthetic and market position.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, specific skills in fabric development and trend forecasting, and any experience managing design teams or complex projects. Use keywords from the job description like "Design Director," "Menswear," "Wovens," "Print Design," "Time Management," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process with a focus on operational efficiency and cross-functional teamwork. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage deadlines, lead teams, and contribute to brand strategy.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Calvin Klein's current collections, brand messaging, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand their target demographics for CK Jeans and CK Sportswear. Research PVH Corp.'s overall business strategy and values, paying attention to their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides detailed insights based on the provided information and industry standards. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, particularly regarding specific responsibilities and team dynamics, directly with PVH Corp. during the application and interview process.