Design Director Womenswear Tommy Hilfiger

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Womenswear Tommy Hilfiger

Company: PVH Corp.

Location: Amsterdam, NL, Netherlands

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-28T00:00:00

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the aesthetic and commercial success of the Tommy Hilfiger womenswear apparel collection, requiring a blend of creative vision and operational execution.

• Responsible for translating strategic design vision into actionable operational processes, defining and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure alignment with business objectives.

• Oversees the end-to-end design and development process, ensuring high standards of quality, trend relevance, and commercial viability across all product categories.

• Leads and mentors a talented design team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration while ensuring adherence to deadlines and workflow optimization.

• Acts as a key liaison, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including Production, Sourcing Development, Buying Planning, Merchandising Sales, and global market representatives to ensure cohesive product strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Director," the description heavily emphasizes operational aspects like KPI management, process translation, and organizational design. This suggests a hybrid role that requires strong design leadership fused with robust operations management capabilities. The focus on translating design strategy into operational excellence indicates a need for someone who can bridge the creative and business execution sides of product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Set and execute seasonal fashion direction, including color palettes, graphics, prints, and patterns, in collaboration with the Color and Concept team, ensuring alignment with the VP of Womenswear and Chief Design Officer's vision.

• Support the VP with seasonal direction by providing in-depth input on current and emerging fashion trends, and partner with the Senior Director of Merchandising to develop a balanced product line that capitalizes on commercial opportunities and drives future business growth.

• Translate the overarching design strategy into tangible operational processes and deliverables, taking full ownership of the operational workflow, and establishing/monitoring KPIs to ensure strategic goal attainment.

• Ensure design synergy and aesthetic cohesion across all Tommy Hilfiger product categories by working closely with the EVP and Senior Design Director of Footwear and Accessories.

• Propose comprehensive range plans, including pricing, margins, and collection structure, for board approval, and prepare detailed collection briefs for the sales team; set seasonal revenue targets with global markets and monitor expenses to meet budget and operating income objectives.

• Oversee fabric selection and direction for the womenswear collection, ensuring it meets global assortment needs and upholds high-quality standards, in close coordination with the Production and Sourcing Director.

• Conduct thorough market research, including store checks and attendance at fashion fairs, to inform industry trend awareness and engage with European Sales Managers to translate market feedback into collection development.

• Manage the design team and its operational processes, optimizing workflow, structuring daily activities, and ensuring strict adherence to deadlines; lead and coach team members to unlock their full potential, embodying PVH Leadership Behaviors.

• Design and propose organizational structures for the business's budgeting cycle and lead projects focused on enhancing efficiency and quality, which involves analyzing existing processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams to foster synergies.

• Prioritize and manage tasks effectively to ensure the health and wellbeing of oneself and the team, and oversee the learning and development of the design team, providing guidance on operational activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational leadership within a design context. Phrases like "Translate Design Strategy into Operations," "Fully own the operational process, defining and measuring KPIs," and "Organizational Design and Efficiency Projects" clearly indicate that this role requires more than just creative direction; it demands a strategic operations mindset to drive efficiency and business results.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role at this level.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of Design Management experience within premium fashion brands, with extensive, specialized experience in premium womenswear apparel. A minimum of 5 years of managerial experience is also required.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding and extensive experience in high taste-level womenswear apparel design, with a strong, feminine design aesthetic.

• Proven track record of successfully designing elevated and commercially viable womenswear collections.

• Demonstrated ability to translate design strategy into operational processes and deliverables, with a strong focus on defining and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness, with a clear understanding of the financial implications of design decisions on pricing, margins, and revenue.

• Keen eye for detail across all aspects of design and product development, balanced with the ability to maintain focus on the overarching strategic vision.

• High-level knowledge of fabric sourcing, garment construction, fit optimization, print, and graphics design.

• High-level proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of leading and developing teams in alignment with established leadership behaviors (e.g., PVH Leadership Behaviors).

• Proven experience in effective priority management and setting boundaries to ensure personal and team wellbeing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in global fashion markets and understanding of diverse consumer preferences.

• Familiarity with trend forecasting tools and methodologies beyond basic market research.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for design and development workflow tracking.

• Cross-functional collaboration experience with Merchandising, Production, and Sourcing teams.

• Understanding of sustainability principles in fashion design and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a dual skillset: exceptional design acumen in womenswear and robust operational management capabilities. The explicit mention of translating design strategy into operational processes and KPI management is a critical differentiator, suggesting a need for candidates who can bridge the creative and business execution functions effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive womenswear collections designed for premium brands, demonstrating a strong feminine aesthetic and commercial success.

• Include case studies detailing the translation of design concepts into operational processes, highlighting how strategic vision was operationalized.

• Present evidence of KPI definition and management within design and development cycles, showcasing impact on commercial outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through examples of print, graphic, and textile design.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of seasonal mood boards, fabric concepts, and style-out presentations that illustrate the process of setting fashion direction.

• Documentation or visual representation of collaboration with merchandising teams for balanced product line development, including range planning and pricing strategies.

• Case studies or process maps detailing how market research and sales feedback were integrated into the design and development cycle.

• Examples of team management processes, workflow optimization strategies, and deadline adherence within a design context.

• Evidence of cross-functional collaboration, particularly with Production, Sourcing, Footwear, and Accessories teams, to ensure design synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on operationalizing design strategy and managing KPIs, a portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also the process behind it, including strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable results. Highlighting how design decisions translate into operational efficiency and commercial success will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 10+ years of experience in a major European fashion hub like Amsterdam, and considering the premium brand context of Tommy Hilfiger, the estimated annual salary range is €90,000 - €130,000. This range accounts for the significant leadership responsibilities, operational oversight, and the high level of expertise required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including an exclusive onsite gym, fitness classes, personal training, meditation studio, sports clubs, and in-house physiotherapy.

• Access to nutritional and wellbeing programs designed to support employee health.

• Vibrant campus environment with extensive food and beverage offerings, a top-notch restaurant, barista coffee bars, and a sky bar.

• Regular social events, weekly Thursday drinks, game nights, and campus-themed activities to foster community.

• Opportunities for career development through PVH University, offering curated training programs for professional and personal growth.

• Direct connection to iconic brands, including participation in seasonal market launches, sample sales, and employee discounts on Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein products.

• Professional development programs designed to enhance leadership and technical skills.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely based on a 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions in the Netherlands. However, given the senior leadership nature of the role, flexibility may be expected to meet seasonal demands and project deadlines, with an emphasis on managing priorities to ensure team wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for senior design leadership roles in Amsterdam within the fashion industry, considering the company's profile and the specified experience level. Benefits are detailed from the provided text, highlighting a strong focus on employee wellbeing and professional growth, which are attractive aspects for senior-level candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail & Apparel, specifically within the global lifestyle brand sector. Tommy Hilfiger is known for its accessible luxury positioning and its connection to Americana culture, driven by F.A.M.E.S. (Fashion, Art, Music, Entertainment, Sport). PVH Corp. operates as a major global fashion group, acting as a growth platform for its core brands.

Company Size: PVH Corp. is a large, publicly traded company, employing thousands of individuals globally. The specific design team in Amsterdam is likely a significant department within the European headquarters. This scale offers stability, resources, and broad career opportunities.

Founded: Tommy Hilfiger was founded in 1985. PVH Corp. has a longer history, with its origins tracing back to 1881. This historical depth suggests a company with established processes, a strong legacy, and a forward-looking strategy for brand evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Womenswear design team operates within the larger PVH campus in Amsterdam, serving as the global headquarters for Tommy Hilfiger.

• The Design Director reports to the VP Global Creative Director of Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear.

• The team structure involves close collaboration with Production, Sourcing Development, Buying Planning, and Merchandising Sales departments, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated operational model.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating design strategy into operational processes and measuring success through KPIs, suggesting a data-informed approach to decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong reliance on partnerships with Merchandising, Production, Sourcing, and Sales to ensure commercial viability and market responsiveness.

• Trend Integration: Continuous market research, trend analysis, and incorporation of fashion fair insights into seasonal collections.

• Process Optimization: Focus on improving efficiency, quality, and organizational design within the design and development lifecycle.

• Brand Alignment: Maintaining the core Tommy Hilfiger lifestyle and aesthetic across all product categories and collections.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a blend of iconic brand heritage (Tommy Hilfiger) and large-scale corporate operations (PVH). The Amsterdam office serves as a central hub for global brand strategy and product development, emphasizing a collaborative and performance-driven environment. The emphasis on "The Power of Us, the Power of PVH+" highlights a unified approach to achieving brand and business goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and operations framework of a major global fashion brand. It sits at the intersection of creative direction and operational execution, requiring extensive experience and strategic oversight. The scope includes managing a team, influencing product strategy, and driving operational efficiency within the womenswear apparel division.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the VP Global Creative Director of Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear. This structure places the role within the senior creative leadership of the brand, with direct influence on seasonal direction and product development strategy.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's role has a significant impact on revenue and business decisions by:

• Ensuring the commercial success of the womenswear collection through trend-relevant and market-aligned product development.

• Optimizing the design-to-market process, improving efficiency, reducing lead times, and managing costs effectively.

• Contributing to brand positioning and desirability through strong aesthetic direction and quality standards.

• Driving revenue targets and operating income through strategic range planning, pricing, and margin management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within the Global Creative or Design leadership at Tommy Hilfiger or PVH Corp., such as Chief Design Officer or VP of Design for broader categories.

• Specialization/Expansion: Opportunity to expand scope to oversee additional product categories or take on broader responsibilities within global creative strategy.

• Operational Excellence Focus: Potential to transition into roles with a stronger focus on operational strategy and efficiency across larger parts of the PVH organization, leveraging design insights.

• Mentorship and Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop design talent, shaping future leaders within the fashion industry.

• Global Exposure: Working within a global headquarters provides exposure to international markets, diverse consumer bases, and global brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for leadership growth within a major fashion conglomerate. The emphasis on operationalizing design suggests that candidates who excel in this hybrid capacity may find opportunities in broader operational leadership roles within PVH, beyond traditional design management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the PVH global headquarters in Amsterdam, which is described as a vibrant campus environment. This suggests a modern, well-equipped office space designed to foster collaboration and employee wellbeing.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Amsterdam, Netherlands. This central European location positions the role within a key fashion hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The campus is designed to encourage interaction with extensive food and beverage offerings, social events, and shared spaces like a sky bar, fostering a dynamic and connected work atmosphere.

• Integrated Operations: Proximity to other key departments such as Production, Sourcing, Merchandising, and Sales facilitates seamless cross-functional collaboration essential for the design-to-market process.

• Brand Immersion: Being at the global headquarters provides constant immersion in the Tommy Hilfiger brand, with opportunities to engage with new collections, market launches, and brand activations.

• Wellbeing Focus: The workspace includes dedicated areas for health and wellbeing, such as an onsite gym, meditation studio, and access to various wellness programs, supporting a balanced work-life integration.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of a Design Director role in the fashion industry often require flexibility to meet seasonal deadlines and project timelines. The company emphasizes managing priorities and setting boundaries to ensure team wellbeing, suggesting a culture that values both productivity and work-life balance where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Amsterdam campus environment is presented as a significant draw, offering not just a place to work but a holistic experience with strong emphasis on community, wellbeing, and brand connection, which is a key differentiator for attracting talent in the competitive fashion industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the experience, skills, and leadership requirements.

• Creative & Operational Assessment: Interviews focusing on your design philosophy, aesthetic vision for womenswear, and your approach to translating design strategy into operational processes and KPIs. Expect questions about trend analysis, product line development, and team management.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit: Discussions to evaluate your leadership style, experience managing and developing teams, and how you embody PVH's values and leadership behaviors. This stage will assess your ability to foster creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Scenarios: Case studies or discussions involving hypothetical scenarios where you need to collaborate with merchandising, production, or sales teams to resolve challenges or align strategies.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, focusing on key collections, process improvements, and measurable impact. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale, operational approach, and the commercial success of your projects.

• Final Rounds: Interviews with senior leadership, potentially including the Chief Design Officer or other key executives, to finalize assessment of strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful womenswear collections from premium brands. Ensure they showcase a strong feminine aesthetic and demonstrable commercial success.

• Highlight Operationalization: For each collection, clearly articulate how you translated design strategy into actionable operational plans, including process improvements and KPI management. Use visual aids or process maps where appropriate.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include detailed examples of your print, graphic, and textile design work, as well as your proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs, such as sales performance, margin improvements, or efficiency gains in the development process.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your design journey, leadership approach, and problem-solving capabilities. Emphasize your ability to lead teams and drive results.

• Address Brand Alignment: Explain how your design aesthetic and approach align with the Tommy Hilfiger brand ethos and target consumer.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Strategy Case Study: Be prepared for a case study that requires you to outline how you would operationalize a new design direction, define relevant KPIs, and manage cross-functional collaboration to bring it to market efficiently.

• Team Management Scenario: Anticipate questions or scenarios related to managing a design team, fostering creativity, addressing performance issues, and promoting wellbeing.

• Trend Analysis & Forecasting: Be ready to discuss your process for identifying and translating fashion trends into commercially viable product lines for a global brand.

• Cross-Functional Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would resolve conflicts or align strategies with merchandising, production, or sales teams to achieve shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will heavily weigh your ability to demonstrate both creative leadership and operational command. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just "what" they designed, but "how" they managed the process, led teams, and achieved measurable business results within a premium fashion context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: High-level proficiency required in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic design, print creation, and general design work.

• Design & Trend Forecasting Software: Familiarity with industry-standard tools for trend forecasting, mood board creation, and concept development (e.g., WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar platforms).

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Centric PLM, Lectra, Browzwear) for managing design, development, and production workflows is highly beneficial, though not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Analytics & Reporting:

• KPI Tracking & Reporting Tools: Experience with tools or methods for defining, tracking, and reporting on Key Performance Indicators related to design, development, and commercial success. This could involve Excel, BI tools, or integrated PLM reporting.

• Sales & Merchandising Data Platforms: Familiarity with accessing and interpreting sales data, market performance, and merchandising reports to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with internal communication and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, Trello) for team coordination and cross-functional collaboration.

• ERP/Merchandising Systems: Basic understanding of how design inputs integrate into broader Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or merchandising systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is crucial. While other tools are not explicitly listed, a senior role like this implies a need for familiarity with the broader technology ecosystem supporting fashion design and product development, especially PLM systems and data analytics tools for performance tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging the exploration of new ideas, trends, and design approaches within the brand's aesthetic framework.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively across departments (Design, Merchandising, Production, Sales) and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet global standards and uphold the brand's premium positioning.

• Efficiency & Agility: Driving operational excellence, optimizing workflows, and responding effectively to market trends and business needs.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep respect for the Tommy Hilfiger brand heritage and a dedication to its continued evolution and relevance.

• Wellbeing & Inclusivity: Promoting a healthy work-life balance and fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates a highly collaborative style, working closely with global creative directors, merchandising, production, sourcing, and sales teams to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Collaboration is expected to be informed by market data, sales performance, and strategic KPIs, ensuring that creative decisions are commercially sound.

• Feedback and Development Culture: Encouraging a culture of open feedback, mentorship, and continuous learning within the design team and across departments.

• Strategic Partnership: Acting as a strategic partner to other departments, providing design expertise and operational insights to achieve shared business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at PVH and Tommy Hilfiger emphasizes a blend of brand passion, operational rigor, and employee wellbeing. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where creative output is tightly linked to business performance and team development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Continuously ensuring that design direction is both trend-forward and commercially viable, meeting the diverse needs of global markets and profitability targets.

• Managing Global Brand Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive brand aesthetic and quality standard across all product categories and geographical regions.

• Navigating Fast-Paced Fashion Cycles: Adapting to rapid trend changes and seasonal demands while maintaining quality and operational efficiency.

• Leading and Developing a Diverse Team: Effectively managing and motivating a team of designers, fostering their individual growth while ensuring collective productivity and adherence to deadlines.

• Operationalizing Design Strategy: Translating creative concepts into efficient, scalable operational processes and effectively measuring their impact through KPIs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Brand Strategy Exposure: Deep involvement in shaping the global creative and commercial strategy for a major lifestyle brand.

• Operational Excellence Development: Opportunities to refine skills in process optimization, KPI management, and organizational design within a large corporate structure.

• Leadership Mentorship: Access to senior leadership within PVH and Tommy Hilfiger for mentorship and professional development.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Staying at the forefront of fashion trends through market research, fashion fairs, and internal trend analysis.

• Cross-Functional Skill Enhancement: Gaining deeper insights into merchandising, production, sourcing, and sales operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of creative design and global operations. Success will require a proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous learning, and strategic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a seasonal design vision into actionable operational plans and KPIs for a womenswear collection."

• "How do you ensure design synergy across different product categories (e.g., apparel, footwear, accessories) within a global brand like Tommy Hilfiger?"

• "Walk us through a time you successfully balanced a strong creative vision with commercial viability and profitability targets. What was your approach to managing the operational aspects?"

• "How do you approach market research and integrating consumer insights into the design and product development process, particularly for a global audience?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the Tommy Hilfiger brand, and how do you see your design aesthetic contributing to its future direction?"

• "How do you embody leadership behaviors that foster creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity within a design team?"

• "What is your understanding of PVH's values, and how would you contribute to creating a positive and productive work environment in Amsterdam?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Beyond showcasing beautiful designs, emphasize the operational steps you took, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results (commercial success, efficiency gains).

• Quantify Your Contributions: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your design and operational management.

• Tell a Narrative: Structure your presentation to tell a cohesive story about your design philosophy, leadership journey, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Demonstrate Brand Fit: Articulate how your aesthetic and approach align with the Tommy Hilfiger brand and its target consumer.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific fabric choices, construction techniques, fit issues, and the rationale behind your operational decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your strategic thinking, operational capabilities, and leadership style, in addition to your design expertise. Demonstrating how you integrate creative vision with business acumen and operational efficiency will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://pvh.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PVH_Careers/job/Amsterdam-NL/Design-Director-Womenswear-Tommy-Hilfiger_R58034

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of design management experience in premium womenswear, focusing on achievements related to translating design strategy into operational processes, KPI management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate a Strategic Portfolio: Select 3-5 key womenswear collections that best showcase your feminine aesthetic, commercial success, and operational process management. Be ready to present specific examples of how you defined and measured KPIs, collaborated cross-functionally, and contributed to revenue/margin goals.

• Prepare for Operational Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to operationalizing design strategy, managing cross-functional collaboration, and driving efficiency within a fashion context.

• Research PVH & Tommy Hilfiger: Understand the brand's current market position, recent campaigns, and core values. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style and design philosophy align with the company culture and PVH's "Power of Us" initiative.

⚠️ 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.