Design Manager, Womens' Denim

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Women's Denim

Company: PVH Corp.

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Fashion Design & Merchandising Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T00:00:00

Experience Level: Senior (7-11 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end design and development lifecycle for Calvin Klein's global Women's Denim product categories, specifically targeting the Outlet and Off-Price channels.

• Spearhead the ideation and interpretation of seasonal design directions, translating market trends and brand vision into compelling denim collections.

• Drive innovation in denim design by researching and incorporating new trends, wash techniques, fabrications, and fits relevant to the target consumer.

• Oversee critical design documentation, including line sheets, wash charts, CADs, and tech packs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand standards.

• Mentor and guide an entry-level designer, fostering their professional growth and ensuring timely completion of design tasks and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a major fashion conglomerate (PVH Corp.) and specifically focuses on the Calvin Klein brand. The emphasis on "Outlet and Off-Price channels" suggests a need for design strategies that balance brand aesthetic with commercial viability and cost-effectiveness, requiring a keen understanding of market dynamics beyond premium retail. The management of an entry-level designer indicates a leadership component within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of innovative women's denim designs, including jeans, jackets, shorts, skirts, shirts, and dresses, aligning with seasonal themes and brand strategy.

• Conduct comprehensive trend research, analyzing runway, market influences, and competitor offerings to identify emerging denim trends, wash techniques, and fabric innovations.

• Collaborate closely with the Director and cross-functional teams (merchandising, product development, supply chain) to translate design concepts into actionable product lines.

• Manage the creation and organization of detailed design documentation, such as line sheets, wash standards, CADs, and tech packs, ensuring clear communication for sampling and production.

• Actively participate in sample reviews and fit sessions, providing expert feedback on design details, construction, fit, and overall aesthetic to ensure alignment with design intent.

• Oversee and manage the development of seasonal wash ranges and sample fabric ordering, working in conjunction with the supply and fabric teams.

• Facilitate design handoffs to the technical design team, ensuring seamless integration of design details into construction specifications.

• Prepare and present compelling trend presentations, mood boards, and design sketches during internal reviews and assortment meetings to effectively communicate design vision to stakeholders.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic and language, ensuring its consistent application across all women's denim products.

• Proactively communicate with the Director on project status, timelines, and potential challenges, ensuring timely delivery and issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership and project management. The emphasis on "Outlet and Off-Price channels" implies a need for efficient product development and cost-conscious design decisions. The requirement to manage an entry-level designer suggests that team leadership and mentorship are core to this role's function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 7-11 years of progressive design experience in the fashion industry, with a significant focus on women's denim.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator for sketching, illustration, and technical drawing.

• PLM & Systems Knowledge: Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, such as Centric, for managing product data and workflows.

• Data Analysis & Organization: Strong command of Microsoft Excel for managing line sheets, wash charts, and other design-related data.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Miro for ideation and visual communication.

• Denim Expertise: Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash techniques, garment construction, and fit principles specific to women's apparel.

• Tech Pack Development: Proven ability to create comprehensive and accurate tech packs with detailed design specifications and bills of materials.

• Trend Forecasting: Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough trend research and translate findings into commercially viable design concepts.

• Time Management & Organization: Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple overlapping deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present design ideas persuasively to diverse audiences, including design leadership and merchandising teams.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive and adept at identifying and resolving design and development challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within Outlet and Off-Price retail channels.

• Familiarity with other relevant design or visualization tools.

• Experience in leading or mentoring junior design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI identified "7-11 years" as the experience level, aligning with the "Senior" designation. The listed required skills are directly extracted from the job description's "Skills" section, with specific operations-relevant tools like PLM and Excel highlighted. The mention of "Centric" suggests a specific PLM system in use.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Denim Collection Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of women's denim design, including a range of styles, fits, and washes.

• Trend Interpretation: Examples of how trend research has been translated into innovative and commercially viable denim concepts.

• Technical Proficiency: Visual evidence of technical drawing skills, CAD development, and detailed tech pack creation.

• Process Management: Documentation or examples showcasing the management of design development, including line sheets, wash charts, and sample reviews.

• Brand Alignment: Demonstrations of how designs align with specific brand aesthetics and target market preferences.

Process Documentation:

• Design Development Workflow: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to managing the design process from initial concept through to final sample approval, highlighting key stages and decision points.

• Tech Pack Creation Standards: Evidence of creating detailed and accurate tech packs that facilitate clear communication between design, technical design, and production teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples of how design processes are integrated with merchandising, product development, and supply chain functions to ensure efficient product realization.

• Wash & Fabrication Management: Processes for selecting, developing, and approving denim washes and fabrications to meet design intent and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description doesn't explicitly ask for a portfolio, it's a standard expectation for design roles, particularly at a managerial level. This section infers typical requirements based on industry best practices for design managers in apparel. The focus is on demonstrating both creative output and process management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $99,500 - $141,200 annually

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; disability insurance.

• Retirement Savings: Above-market 401(k) contribution to aid in retirement savings.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous company-paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), hybrid working arrangements, volunteer opportunities, seasonal hours, and flexible work schedules.

• Wellbeing Support: Access to wellbeing tools including Headspace membership, reimbursement for fitness memberships/digital meditation subscriptions, and rewards for healthy activities.

• Family Support: Care.com services for childcare, elder care, and other family needs, including reimbursement for backup care.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Associate Discount: Discounts on PVH company outlets and e-commerce sites.

• Additional Compensation: This role is bonus eligible.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time, with potential for hybrid flexibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are directly extracted from the provided text. The "40 hours per week" is inferred from the standard "FULL_TIME" employment type. The benefits are listed comprehensively as provided in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Apparel Manufacturing

Company Size: PVH Corp. is a large, global apparel company, indicated by its status as a publicly traded entity and its portfolio of well-known brands. This scale offers stability and extensive resources.

Founded: PVH Corp. has a long history, founded in 1881, providing a deep heritage and established market presence. Calvin Klein itself was founded in 1968, bringing a modern, iconic brand heritage.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: The role sits within the Calvin Klein Women's Denim design team, likely reporting to a Director or VP of Design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Product Development, Merchandising, Technical Design, Supply Chain, and potentially Marketing teams to ensure cohesive product launches.

• Management Component: The role includes direct management of an entry-level designer, indicating a team leadership aspect within the design function.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: Design decisions are guided by the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic, values, and target consumer profiles.

• Market-Driven Innovation: A strong emphasis on trend research and market analysis to inform design direction, particularly for the Outlet and Off-Price channels.

• Collaborative Development: A structured process involving feedback loops and alignment across various departments from concept to production.

• Efficiency Focus: Given the target channels (Outlet/Off-Price), there's an implied focus on efficient design processes and cost-effective material sourcing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section synthesizes information about PVH Corp. and the Calvin Klein brand, inferring the likely team structure and operational methodologies based on the role's responsibilities and the company's industry position. The "Outlet and Off-Price" focus is a key differentiator influencing the operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Designer / Design Manager. This role represents a significant step up from an individual contributor designer, involving leadership, strategic input, and management of an entry-level team member. It bridges creative execution with team supervision and channel-specific design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Director or VP of Design for Women's Denim. The Design Manager is responsible for directly managing an entry-level designer.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences the product assortment, brand perception, and ultimately, the revenue generated by the Calvin Klein Women's Denim categories within the Outlet and Off-Price channels. Successful design execution and trend integration are critical for driving sales and maintaining brand relevance in these competitive segments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone people management skills by leading and mentoring junior designers, potentially progressing to a Director or VP of Design role.

• Strategic Design Input: Influence the global design strategy for key product categories within a major fashion brand.

• Channel Expertise: Develop specialized expertise in designing for Outlet and Off-Price markets, a valuable niche in the fashion industry.

• Brand Expansion: Potential to expand design responsibilities across other Calvin Klein categories or brands within the PVH portfolio.

• Industry Networking: Access to a broad network of industry professionals through a large, established company like PVH.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact specific to a design management role within a large fashion organization, emphasizing leadership, strategic contribution, and specialized market knowledge.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a corporate office environment in New York City, likely a modern fashion house setting. The "Hybrid Working Arrangements" indicate a blend of in-office and remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in New York, NY (Calvin Klein Office). PVH has a global presence, but this specific role is tied to the NYC headquarters.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and design studios designed for team interaction.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems), material libraries, and potentially 3D design tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, directors, merchandising, and product development teams for feedback, brainstorming, and project alignment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) with hybrid flexibility. This allows for dedicated time in the office for collaboration and in-person meetings, while also offering some autonomy for focused work at home.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the work environment based on the company's industry, location, and stated work arrangement (Hybrid), focusing on aspects relevant to a creative and collaborative role in fashion design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Director of Women's Denim Design to delve into your design philosophy, experience, and approach to managing denim categories.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you will present your portfolio, likely focusing on relevant denim projects, demonstrating your creative process, technical skills, and understanding of market trends and brand aesthetic. Be prepared to discuss your contributions and decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Meet-and-Greet: Interviews with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Product Development, and Technical Design to evaluate collaboration style and ability to work effectively across departments.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Design) to assess overall fit, leadership potential, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Denim: Focus your portfolio heavily on women's denim projects. Showcase a range of designs, washes, and fits.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial concept and trend research to tech pack development and sample review. Use case studies to illustrate your problem-solving skills.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of your Adobe Illustrator work, CADs, and well-structured tech packs.

• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: Present designs that clearly align with the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic, but also show your ability to innovate within those parameters.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on the commercial success of designs you've worked on, be prepared to discuss it.

• Mentorship Examples: If you have experience mentoring or guiding junior colleagues, highlight this.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a specific design brief to complete within a set timeframe, requiring you to demonstrate your ability to interpret a brief, research trends, sketch, and develop initial concepts.

• Trend Presentation: Be prepared to present a brief trend overview relevant to women's denim for an upcoming season.

• Fit/Construction Discussion: Be ready to discuss your knowledge of denim fit, construction, and common manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured approach to the interview process and portfolio requirements, drawing on standard practices for senior design roles in fashion. The advice is tailored to the specific requirements of a Denim Design Manager.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating sketches, illustrations, technical drawings, and CADs. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Centric (PLM): A critical Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system for managing product data, workflows, and communication throughout the development process. Expertise in PLM systems is key.

• Microsoft Excel: Used for managing line sheets, wash charts, BOMs, and potentially for basic data analysis related to product performance.

• Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard platform for brainstorming, mood boards, and visual ideation, facilitating remote and in-person teamwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but an understanding of how design decisions impact the broader sales and CRM systems (e.g., product information flow) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly from the job description, with added context on their specific application within a design management role in the fashion industry. The emphasis on PLM (Centric) and Adobe Illustrator is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and advancing the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic and values through all design output.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, exploring fresh design approaches, and pushing creative boundaries within the denim category.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where ideas are shared freely and team members work together towards common goals.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing market trends, consumer insights, and performance data to inform design decisions and ensure commercial viability.

• Efficiency & Agility: Maintaining a focus on streamlined processes and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands and seasonal timelines.

• Inclusivity: Embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds, as highlighted in PVH's company introduction, to create design that resonates with a broad consumer base.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely and collaboratively with Merchandising, Product Development, Technical Design, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless product creation from concept to production.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and honest feedback exchange within the design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Mentorship Culture: A supportive approach to guiding and developing junior team members, fostering a learning environment.

• Presentation & Feedback: Regularly presenting design concepts and actively participating in feedback sessions to refine product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the company's stated values and the role's collaborative nature into specific behaviors and principles relevant to a design team within PVH Corp.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetic with Commercial Viability: Designing for Outlet and Off-Price channels requires creativity that is also cost-effective and appealing to a broad consumer base, which can be a delicate balance.

• Fast-Paced Fashion Cycle: The apparel industry demands constant innovation and rapid turnaround times, requiring efficient workflow management and the ability to adapt quickly to trends.

• Global Market Nuances: Designing for a global offering means considering diverse consumer preferences and market trends across different regions.

• Mentoring Junior Talent: Effectively managing and developing an entry-level designer while meeting personal responsibilities requires strong leadership and coaching skills.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and anticipating denim trends to ensure Calvin Klein remains relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore new denim washes, fabric innovations, and sustainable design practices.

• Leadership Training: Formal or informal opportunities to develop people management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Deeper involvement in the strategic direction of the Calvin Klein brand within specific product categories.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in trade shows, trend forecasting seminars, and industry events to stay abreast of the latest developments.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining broader insights into merchandising, marketing, and sales operations through cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential hurdles and development paths inherent in a senior design management role within the fast-paced fashion industry, specifically within the context of Outlet/Off-Price channels.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a women's denim collection for a specific channel like Outlet or Off-Price. How do you balance brand aesthetic with commercial demands?"

• "How do you stay ahead of denim trends, and how would you incorporate these into the Calvin Klein brand identity?"

• "Walk me through your experience creating a tech pack. What are the most critical elements, and how do you ensure accuracy and clarity for production?"

• "How do you approach managing and mentoring a junior designer? Describe a time you helped a team member grow."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the Calvin Klein brand aesthetic, and how would you contribute to its evolution in women's denim?"

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a large, global organization like PVH, and what are your expectations for team collaboration?"

• "PVH emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. How do you incorporate these values into your design process?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and approach.

• Focus on Denim: Dedicate a significant portion to your women's denim work, showcasing a range of projects.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain the inspiration, research, design development, technical execution (tech packs, CADs), and any challenges overcome.

• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with cross-functional teams (merchandising, development).

• Showcase Management Skills: If applicable, discuss instances where you mentored or guided others.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, commercial awareness, and technical proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are crafted to probe the candidate's design acumen, leadership potential, understanding of the brand and market, and ability to manage complex design processes within a corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Application: Complete the online application form through the PVH Careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a strong portfolio that prominently features your women's denim design work, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, and examples of wash development. Tailor it to showcase relevance to Calvin Klein and the Outlet/Off-Price channels.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights 7-11 years of relevant design experience, specific skills in Adobe Illustrator, PLM (Centric), and deep knowledge of denim fabrication and construction. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions related to design leadership, trend forecasting, cross-functional collaboration, and team management. Prepare a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Calvin Klein's current collections, brand messaging, and PVH Corp.'s overall mission and values, particularly regarding sustainability and inclusivity. Understand the strategic importance of the Outlet and Off-Price channels for the brand.

⚠️ 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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