Design Manager, Hosiery

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Hosiery

Company: Implus

Location: Durham, North Carolina, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development / Operations Management

Date Posted: July 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of designers to conceptualize and develop innovative active and lifestyle hosiery and accessory products.

• Drive the end-to-end seasonal design process, from initial trend research and concept development through to commercialization and production.

• Manage both owned brand product lines and private label programs for major mass-market retailers, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and revenue objectives.

• Serve as a "player-coach" by directly executing design CADs, tech packs, and technical sketches to support team bandwidth and meet critical deadlines.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance design environment, encouraging creative risk-taking and continuous improvement in product innovation and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative product design with operational management. While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into managing the product development lifecycle, which is a critical component of GTM operations. The emphasis on private label programs and commercialization suggests a strong need for operational efficiency and stakeholder management within the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers and assistants, fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment that encourages creative risk-taking and professional growth.

• Seasonal Design Process Management: Drive seasonal trend research, color palette development, and material innovation specifically for performance, activewear, and lifestyle hosiery categories.

• Product Development Execution: Oversee the meticulous creation of tech packs, line sheets, and directly execute CADs and technical sketches in Adobe Illustrator as needed to support team bandwidth and meet critical deadlines.

• Technical Design & Innovation: Apply deep knowledge of circular knitting, advanced yarn technologies, and knit execution to push the boundaries of fit, comfort, and athletic performance in hosiery and accessories.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong, productive relationships with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales teams to ensure the design team's vision aligns with overarching brand strategy, market needs, and revenue goals.

• Private Label Program Management: Create and manage private label programs for major mass-market retailers, translating retailer requirements into commercially viable product offerings.

• Quality Assurance: Approve lab dips, trims, and final prototypes to ensure licensor and brand standards are met, and lead the identification and resolution of complex fit, construction, and manufacturing issues during the sampling and production process.

• Calendar Adherence: Oversee daily operations for the creative team, balancing workloads, removing roadblocks, and ensuring strict adherence to the seasonal product development calendar.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative vision and operational execution. The "player-coach" aspect and direct CAD execution indicate a hands-on approach, while managing private label programs and cross-functional teams points to significant GTM operations involvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Apparel/Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a related field of study, OR an equivalent combination of education and years of industry experience.

Experience: 5+ years in apparel or accessories design, with a mandatory and proven track record in socks, accessories, and/or performance knits. 2+ years of direct people management experience, demonstrating the ability to guide, evaluate, and scale creative teams effectively.

Required Skills:

• People Leadership: Proven ability to attract, retain, and evaluate talent, while actively managing the workflow and career development of design assistants and associates.

• Design Software Proficiency: Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for CAD execution and technical sketching.

• Technical Knitwear Knowledge: Deep understanding of circular knitting, advanced yarn technologies, and knit execution for performance and comfort.

• Tech Pack Development: Meticulous creation of detailed tech packs and line sheets for product development and manufacturing.

• Trend & Market Analysis: Drive seasonal trend research, color palette development, and material innovation, with experience utilizing professional consumer trend-forecasting platforms (e.g., WGSN) and interpreting retail market analytics.

• Time & Project Management: Ability to plan, prioritize, and meet tight deadlines within a fast-paced product development calendar while balancing team workloads and multiple projects.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Ability to bridge the gap between creative design, merchandising, and production to ensure commercial viability and adherence to the development calendar.

• Adaptability: Flexible attitude with the ability to pivot quickly based on shifting market needs; operates successfully and positively in a constructive feedback culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Private Label Management: Experience designing for mass-market retailers and/or developing private label programs is highly preferred.

• 3D Design Tools: Experience with 3D design tools (e.g., Clo3D) is a strong advantage.

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing product data and workflows.

• Color & Material Innovation: Expertise in identifying and applying innovative materials and color trends specific to performance and lifestyle categories.

• Knitwear Construction: Advanced knowledge of complex knitwear construction and its impact on fit, performance, and aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "mandatory and proven track record in socks, accessories, and/or performance knits" and "mass-market retailers and/or developing private label programs" are critical differentiators for candidates. The inclusion of PLM systems and 3D design tools suggests a modern design and development workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical CAD Abilities: Demonstrate advanced technical CAD execution skills, showcasing clear and precise product renderings and technical sketches suitable for manufacturing.

• Cohesive Ideation: Present cohesive color palettes, trend boards, and material selections that reflect a strong understanding of market trends and target consumer preferences.

• Structural Knitwear Understanding: Showcase an understanding of knitwear construction, including yarn types, stitch structures, and their impact on fit, performance, and aesthetics in hosiery.

• Commercialized Product Collections: Highlight examples of commercially successful product collections, ideally demonstrating experience with owned brands and/or private label programs for retail partners.

• Process Documentation: Include examples of how you document design processes, from initial concept to final specifications, demonstrating clarity and thoroughness.

Process Documentation:

• Concept to Commercialization: Illustrate your process for taking a product from initial concept through trend research, design, sample development, and final commercialization.

• Tech Pack & Specification Workflow: Provide examples of your workflow for creating and managing comprehensive tech packs and product specifications, ensuring accuracy and detail.

• Cross-Functional Handoffs: Demonstrate how you collaborate and communicate with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales teams, showcasing a clear process for information exchange and feedback integration.

• Problem-Solving & Iteration: Include case studies or examples of how you identify and resolve design or production challenges, illustrating your iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design management role with a GTM component, the portfolio needs to showcase not just creative output but also the operational rigor behind it. Evidence of managing processes, collaborating effectively, and driving products to market is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the apparel/accessories sector in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area, a competitive salary range is estimated between $85,000 - $120,000 annually. This range is influenced by the specific scope of responsibilities, including team leadership, private label management, and technical design expertise.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on Implus brands and products.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and industry conference attendance to support continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility with a hybrid work arrangement, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work capabilities.

Working Hours: Traditional (Monday-Friday: 8 am - 5 pm) with an expectation of 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on business needs, GTM milestones, and retail meeting schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on standard compensation data for similar roles in similar geographic locations and industries. The specific benefits package should always be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global consumer packaged goods (CPG) with a strong focus on footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness, and movement categories. Implus operates across numerous brands and serves both direct-to-consumer and extensive retail channels.

Company Size: Implus is a medium to large-sized global organization, employing over 1,000 individuals across its various international locations. This size offers the stability of a larger corporation while potentially retaining some of the agility of smaller entities.

Founded: Implus was founded in 1996. With over 25 years of history, the company has established a significant presence and expertise in its market segments, indicating a stable and experienced operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report to the Senior Director of Everyday Hosiery, indicating a clear reporting line within a specialized product category leadership structure.

• The role involves leading a team of designers and assistants, suggesting a direct management component within the design department.

• Close collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales teams is expected, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated GTM operational structure. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes trend research, market analytics, and commercial viability, suggesting a data-driven approach to design and product development.

• Process Optimization: The need to manage calendars, balance workloads, and resolve production issues points to a focus on optimizing the product development process for efficiency and speed.

• Collaborative Innovation: Fostering a culture of creative risk-taking and cross-functional collaboration indicates a methodology that values both innovation and teamwork.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Implus's diverse brand portfolio and global reach suggest a complex GTM ecosystem. The company's commitment to inclusivity indicates a culture that values diverse perspectives, which is increasingly important for product design and market penetration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Senior level management role, requiring substantial experience in product design and a proven track record in people leadership. It sits at a critical intersection of creative execution and operational oversight within the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Senior Director of Everyday Hosiery, providing a clear path for mentorship and strategic alignment. This structure allows for direct access to senior leadership and input into broader category strategies.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on Implus's revenue by leading the development of commercially viable products for both owned brands and key retail partners. Effective product design and efficient development processes are critical drivers of sales performance and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into senior leadership roles such as Senior Director of Design or Head of Product Development for broader categories, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Strategic Product Planning: Opportunities to influence long-term product strategy, brand positioning, and market expansion based on design insights and market trends.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in Merchandising, Sales, and Product Development through close collaboration, enhancing overall GTM strategy understanding and impact.

• Specialization & Innovation: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific product areas (e.g., performance knits, sustainable materials) or emerging design technologies (e.g., 3D design).

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is significant, moving from managing a specific product category's design to potentially overseeing larger product portfolios or even entire functional areas within GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Durham, NC, within Implus's headquarters located in Research Triangle Park. This is a hybrid role, meaning employees are expected to work from the office on a fluctuating basis, determined by business needs, GTM milestones, and retail meetings.

Office Location(s): Implus has a global presence, but this specific role is based at their HQ: 2001 TW Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709. This location is within the vibrant Research Triangle Park, known for its innovation and corporate presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The hybrid model suggests the office serves as a hub for critical in-person collaboration, team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on sample reviews.

• Design Studio Environment: The workspace likely includes dedicated design areas with access to necessary tools, sample archives, trend libraries, and collaborative spaces for team interaction.

• Cross-Functional Proximity: Being headquartered in RTP likely means proximity to other key departments (Merchandising, Product Development, Sales), facilitating efficient communication and workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, totaling 40 hours per week. However, the hybrid nature and the demands of product development cycles mean some flexibility and potential for extended hours during critical periods (e.g., seasonal deadlines, trade shows) are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-management and proactive communication from employees to ensure consistent engagement and productivity, especially when working remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills, particularly in hosiery design and team leadership.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Senior Director of Everyday Hosiery to delve into your design philosophy, leadership style, technical expertise, and understanding of the hosiery market. Expect questions about your approach to trend research, CAD execution, and team management.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: You may meet with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales. This stage assesses your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand the broader GTM objectives and constraints. Be prepared to discuss how your design decisions impact commercial outcomes.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial step where you will present your professional portfolio. This should showcase your best work, including technical CADs, trend ideation, knitwear examples, and commercialized products. Be ready to walk through your process for specific projects, highlighting problem-solving and design rationale.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a higher-level executive to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision for the design function.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in hosiery design, accessory development, and private label programs.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (trend research, concept development, material selection), your solutions (CADs, tech packs), and the outcome (commercial success, market impact).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Include examples of your CAD execution in Adobe Illustrator and demonstrate your understanding of knitwear construction and yarn technologies.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales figures, retailer adoption rates, positive feedback).

• Tailor to Implus: Research Implus's brands and target markets. If possible, include projects that align with their existing product lines or demonstrate an understanding of their competitive landscape.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a short design challenge (e.g., develop a concept for a new performance sock line) to assess your immediate creative thinking, trend interpretation, and ability to translate ideas into initial concepts or sketches within a limited timeframe.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to articulate your typical product development process from start to finish, including how you manage timelines, collaborate with teams, and ensure quality.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design or production issues, such as a supplier delay, a fit issue on a prototype, or a design concept that isn't resonating with the sales team. Focus on solutions that are innovative, commercially viable, and maintain quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It's not just about showcasing pretty designs but demonstrating the operational discipline, technical understanding, and commercial acumen behind the creative output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for hands-on CAD execution, technical sketching, and visual presentation. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a must.

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems is highly preferred for managing product data, workflows, and collaboration across the development cycle.

• 3D Design Software: Tools like Clo3D are a strong advantage for creating realistic 3D product visualizations, enabling better fit assessment and reducing physical sampling needs.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for general business operations, including Excel for data analysis and reporting, PowerPoint for presentations, and Word for documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Experience utilizing professional consumer trend-forecasting platforms like WGSN is highly preferred for informing design direction.

• Retail Market Analytics: Ability to interpret retail market data and performance analytics to inform design decisions and identify opportunities.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Familiarity with internal company dashboards or reporting mechanisms used to track product development progress and sales performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how design inputs feed into CRM data for sales and marketing teams (e.g., product attributes, launch dates) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management or workflow automation tools that facilitate collaboration between design, merchandising, and product development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design software is non-negotiable. The preferred skills in PLM and 3D design indicate the company is adopting modern product development technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Implus is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture, valuing different perspectives and encouraging collaboration among colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

• Innovation & Creativity: The role fosters a culture that encourages creative risk-taking and pushing boundaries in product design and material innovation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on building productive relationships and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Product Development, Sales) to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Accountability: A commitment to high performance, strict adherence to development calendars, and delivering commercially viable products that meet brand standards.

• Adaptability & Responsiveness: A flexible attitude is key to pivoting quickly based on shifting market needs and operating positively within a constructive feedback culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales to ensure design vision aligns with business objectives. This involves active participation in team meetings and proactive communication.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: A culture that embraces constructive feedback is essential for iterative design improvements and team development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging a collaborative environment where designers share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the entire team's output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated commitment to inclusivity and a constructive feedback culture are important indicators for potential employees seeking a supportive and dynamic work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Synthesizing trend insights and creative aspirations with the practical constraints of mass-market retail, cost targets, and production capabilities.

• Managing Diverse Product Categories: Overseeing design for multiple product types (hosiery, accessories, slippers, cold weather/outerwear, hair/beauty) requires broad knowledge and the ability to switch focus efficiently.

• Leading and Developing a Design Team: Effectively mentoring designers with varying experience levels, managing workloads, and fostering a cohesive, high-performing team in a hybrid environment.

• Navigating Private Label Programs: Meeting the specific and often demanding requirements of various mass-market retailers while maintaining brand integrity and profitability.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and interpreting emerging trends in performance, lifestyle, and fashion to ensure Implus's product offerings remain relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Technical Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in knitwear technology, sustainable materials, and emerging design tools (e.g., advanced 3D rendering).

• Leadership & Management Training: Access to internal or external programs focused on people management, strategic leadership, and operational efficiency.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for travel to trade shows, trend-scouting expeditions, and factory visits to gain global market insights and manufacturing knowledge.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a comprehensive understanding of the entire GTM process, from product inception through to retail execution, by working closely with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer to grow into a strategic operational leader within the GTM function, by tackling complex product development challenges and managing diverse teams.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating market trends into commercially viable hosiery designs for a mass-market retailer. How do you balance creativity with cost and production constraints?" (Focus on your trend research, ideation, CAD execution, and cross-functional collaboration steps.)

• "How do you approach leading and mentoring a team of designers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member develop their skills or overcome a design challenge." (Highlight your leadership style, feedback methods, and commitment to talent development.)

• "Walk us through a successful private label program you managed. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure the product met the retailer's expectations while aligning with Implus's standards?" (Demonstrate your understanding of retailer partnerships, product commercialization, and problem-solving.)

• "Imagine a key supplier informs you of a significant delay in yarn delivery that will impact your seasonal launch. How would you respond and what steps would you take?" (Focus on your crisis management, communication, and alternative solution-finding abilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Implus and our brand portfolio? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our company's values and commitment to inclusivity?" (Show you've researched Implus and understand their market position and culture.)

• "How do you stay current with fashion, performance, and lifestyle trends relevant to hosiery and accessories?" (Demonstrate your proactive approach to trend research and market awareness.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working remotely versus in the office?" (Address your adaptability and communication strategies for a hybrid setup.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (problem/opportunity), middle (your process, solutions, technical execution), and end (outcomes, impact).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images of your CADs, sketches, and final products. Ensure tech packs are legible and well-organized.

• Context is Key: For each project, explain the target audience, brand context, design objectives, and any specific constraints or challenges you addressed.

• Highlight Leadership: If presenting team projects, clarify your specific role and contributions, especially in leading or guiding others.

• Q&A Preparedness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical specifications, and problem-solving approaches. Be ready to defend your decisions with logic and market insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of design skills, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of the commercial realities of product development within a large CPG organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager, Hosiery position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in hosiery design, performance knits, accessory development, and any experience with private label programs or mass-market retailers. Quantify achievements with data where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, digitally accessible (e.g., PDF, online link), and showcases your strongest work relevant to the role's requirements. Focus on technical execution, trend ideation, and commercial product examples.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear articulation of your design process, problem-solving skills, and leadership approach. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Research Implus: Thoroughly research Implus's brands, their market position, and their stated company values. Understand their target consumers and competitive landscape to demonstrate your strategic fit.

⚠️ 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.

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