Fashion Design Director (Korean)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fashion Design Director (Korean)

Company: Aloha Consulting Group (Client: Leading Textile Corporation)

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Job Type: Full time

Category: Fashion Design & Product Development Leadership

Date Posted: November 5, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (with 3-5 years in senior leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the strategic direction and execution of Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) strategies, driving innovation from market research and product development through to successful commercialization.

• Cultivate and enhance the company's comprehensive ODM capabilities, integrating trend forecasting, advanced design techniques (including 3D and AI), and operational excellence across the entire product lifecycle.

• Provide visionary leadership and talent development for the ODM Design organization, fostering a high-performing team with strong commercial acumen and execution capabilities.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, influencing product portfolio development, design investments, and future ODM capability requirements, while managing key international stakeholder relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for a leading textile corporation aiming to elevate its ODM business beyond manufacturing. The focus is on strategic growth, innovation, and building robust design capabilities to position the company as a proactive product development partner. The "Korean" in the title likely indicates a need for cultural understanding or direct experience with the Korean fashion market, or potentially that the client has significant ties to Korea. Given the location in Vietnam, fluency in Korean is implied as a significant advantage, though English proficiency is stated as essential.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end ODM development strategy, encompassing market research, innovative apparel concept development, seasonal collection creation, and commercialization, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer insights.

• Define the strategic direction for ODM products and design, identifying target product categories, customer segments, and innovation priorities to enhance organizational capabilities and drive business growth.

• Analyze global fashion trends, consumer preferences, competitor offerings, and customer portfolios to identify and recommend new product development initiatives and growth opportunities.

• Collaborate with senior management and Sales teams to identify strategic customers and priority markets where ODM expertise can strengthen competitive positioning and revenue.

• Formulate distinctive product and collection strategies for key customers, aligning with their brand positioning, target audiences, pricing, commercial goals, and long-term business strategies.

• Oversee the development of strategic ODM concepts and seasonal collections, balancing design innovation, commercial viability, target costs, manufacturing feasibility, and speed to market.

• Develop and continuously strengthen comprehensive ODM capabilities, including trend forecasting, design, product development, material innovation, 3D/digital product development, AI-assisted design, and commercialization.

• Design and implement an effective ODM operating framework and product development processes to ensure seamless coordination across Design, Sales, Merchandising, R&D, Sourcing, and Production.

• Direct strategic product presentations, seasonal collection reviews, and innovation workshops for key international customers to reinforce the company's role as a proactive product development partner.

• Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with international trend forecasting agencies, designers, material suppliers, and technology providers to accelerate innovation.

• Drive ongoing improvements across critical ODM performance metrics, including development lead times, sample effectiveness, customer adoption rates, design productivity, and overall business contribution.

• Define and implement clear KPIs, governance frameworks, and performance benchmarks for the ODM Design function, monitoring performance against strategic goals.

• Develop the organizational structure and talent management strategy for ODM expansion, including workforce planning, recruitment, capability enhancement, and succession planning.

• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to the ODM Design organization, fostering a high-performing, commercially aware, and customer-focused team.

• Provide senior leadership with strategic insights and recommendations on fashion trends, customer opportunities, product portfolio development, and future ODM capability requirements.

• Act as the ODM function's representative in strategic customer engagements and senior management discussions, taking responsibility for the ODM business's growth and competitive positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, leadership-oriented role focused on building and scaling an ODM business. This requires not just design talent but also strong business development, operational process design, and team leadership skills. The emphasis on "international customers" and "global fashion trends" highlights the need for a globally-minded individual.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile and Garment Technology, Industrial Design, Fashion Management, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in fashion design, apparel product development, ODM, product creation, or related disciplines within the international apparel industry.

• At least 3–5 years of experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of Design, Design Director, Creative Director, Product Development Director, ODM Director).

• Demonstrated success in formulating and implementing ODM, design, or product development strategies within international apparel organizations. Required Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of the global apparel value chain (design, product development, merchandising, sourcing, costing, manufacturing, commercialization).

• In-depth knowledge of international fashion trends, consumer behavior, customer segmentation, and product positioning.

• Proven ability to translate market intelligence and customer insights into sustainable product strategies and commercially successful collections.

• Extensive experience engaging directly with international fashion brands, retailers, or global customers, including strategic product presentations.

• Strong commercial judgment, balancing creativity, customer value, target pricing, profit margins, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in establishing, mentoring, and developing high-performing design and product development teams.

• Excellent strategic thinking, commercial awareness, analytical abilities, and decision-making capabilities.

• Outstanding communication, stakeholder influencing, negotiation, and executive-level presentation skills.

• Fluency in English, with strong communication skills for international engagement. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience establishing, transforming, or expanding ODM, design, or product development capabilities and operational processes.

• Solid technical knowledge of garment construction, textiles, trims, washing/finishing techniques, garment fit, product engineering, and apparel production processes.

• Knowledge of digital product development, CLO 3D, AI-powered design solutions, and emerging technologies in the fashion industry.

• Proficiency in additional languages (potentially Korean, given the title).

• An innovative, entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and results-oriented mindset with strong ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a need for a seasoned professional with a blend of creative vision, strategic business acumen, and operational expertise. The specific mention of 3D and AI design tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to product development. The leadership component is substantial, requiring experience in building and managing teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successful ODM strategy development and execution, showcasing end-to-end product lifecycle management from concept to commercialization.

• Provide case studies illustrating the ability to translate market trends and customer insights into innovative and commercially viable apparel collections.

• Showcase experience in building or enhancing ODM capabilities, including evidence of process optimization, new technology integration (e.g., 3D design, AI), and operational framework design.

• Present examples of strategic product presentations and successful engagement with international fashion brands or retailers, highlighting negotiation and influencing skills. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing and implementing effective ODM operating frameworks and product development processes that ensure cross-functional coordination (Design, Sales, Merchandising, R&D, Sourcing, Production).

• Examples of establishing and managing KPIs, governance frameworks, and performance benchmarks for design and product development functions.

• Documentation or case studies detailing improvements in critical ODM performance metrics such as product development lead times, sample effectiveness, and commercialization rates.

• Demonstrate experience in talent management strategies, including workforce planning, recruitment, and capability enhancement for design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only highlight creative output but also strategic thinking, process implementation, team leadership, and measurable business impact within the ODM context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the strategic rationale, operational execution, and outcomes of their past projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the senior leadership level (10+ years experience, 3-5 years in senior leadership), the strategic nature of the role, and the location in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a competitive salary range is anticipated. Based on industry benchmarks for senior fashion/apparel leadership roles in major Southeast Asian cities, a gross annual salary could range from USD $80,000 to $150,000+.

• This estimate considers the significant responsibilities, required expertise in ODM strategy, global trend analysis, and team leadership. The specific compensation will depend on the candidate's precise experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits:

• PVI Private Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage beyond standard social insurance.

• Annual Round-Trip Flight Ticket: Facilitates international travel, potentially for personal visits or business connections.

• Company-Provided Transportation: Daily commute support to and from work, enhancing convenience and reducing personal expenses.

• 12 Days of Annual Leave: Standard leave entitlement, providing time for rest and personal matters.

• Social Insurance and Health Insurance: Statutory benefits compliant with Vietnamese labor laws.

• Public Holidays and Sick Leave: Adherence to Vietnamese labor laws and company policies for time off. Not Provided:

• Relocation expenses for overseas candidates are not covered.

• No housing allowance is provided. Working Hours:

• The role specifies 40 working hours per week, which is standard. However, given the senior leadership and international nature of the role, flexibility may be required to accommodate global time zones for meetings and urgent business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for similar senior roles in the apparel/textile industry in major Southeast Asian hubs, factoring in the demanding requirements. The benefits package offers good local support (transport, insurance) but requires international candidates to manage relocation and housing independently. The 40-hour work week is a baseline, with expected flexibility for a Director-level role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Textile Corporation (Client of Aloha Consulting Group). This suggests a company with established manufacturing capabilities looking to move up the value chain into design-led, ODM services.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the need for a "leading textile corporation" implies a significant operational footprint, likely mid-to-large enterprise.

Founded: Not specified, but the focus on developing ODM capabilities suggests a company that may have historically been a contract manufacturer and is now strategically evolving.

Team Structure:

• The role will lead the ODM Design organization, which will likely include teams focused on trend forecasting, concept design, technical design, product development, and possibly digital design specialists (3D, AI).

• This role reports to senior management (likely VP or C-suite level, e.g., Head of Strategy, Chief Commercial Officer) and will collaborate closely with Sales, Merchandising, R&D, Sourcing, and Production departments.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with the Director acting as a central hub for ODM strategy and execution. Methodology:

• Operations will be driven by a strategic, data-informed approach, leveraging market intelligence and customer insights for product development.

• Emphasis on process optimization and operational excellence to ensure efficiency, speed to market, and quality in ODM services.

• Adoption of emerging technologies like 3D design and AI-assisted design to enhance creativity, efficiency, and precision in product development.

Company Website: www.alohaconsulting.co (This is the recruiter's website; the client's website is not provided directly but is a "leading textile corporation").

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is likely undergoing a strategic transformation to offer higher-value ODM services. This means the culture might be a blend of established manufacturing discipline and a growing emphasis on innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic business development. The Director will be instrumental in shaping this new direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within the ODM/Product Development function. It signifies a role with significant strategic input, P&L influence (indirectly through revenue generation), and team management responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to senior executive leadership, indicating high visibility and direct impact on the company's strategic objectives. The Director will manage a team of designers and product developers.

Operations Impact: The core impact of this role is to drive significant revenue growth and enhance the company's competitive positioning by transforming it into a leading ODM solutions provider. Success will be measured by increased customer acquisition, deeper customer relationships, expanded product offerings, and improved profitability through value-added services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Expansion: Potential to expand the scope of ODM services, explore new product categories, or lead the company into new international markets.

• Capability Building: Opportunity to build a world-class ODM design and development function from the ground up, implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes.

• Executive Leadership: Advancement to a Vice President or Chief Officer role within the organization, potentially overseeing broader commercial or product functions.

• Industry Influence: Become a recognized leader in the ODM space, contributing to industry trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a substantial opportunity for a leader looking to make a significant impact and shape the future of an established company. The growth trajectory is tied to the successful execution of the ODM strategy and the company's overall expansion in the value-added services sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This implies a professional office environment within the client's textile corporation headquarters or a dedicated design center.

Office Location(s): Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A major economic hub in Southeast Asia, offering a dynamic business environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring close interaction with design teams, sales, R&D, and production departments.

• Access to design studios, sample rooms, and potentially advanced technology labs (for 3D/digital design) is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction will be high, involving cross-functional teams, senior management, and international clients.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is noted. However, as a Director-level position with international client engagement, flexibility to manage global time zone differences for meetings and urgent requests will be necessary. This may involve occasional early morning or late evening calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Vietnam suggests that candidates must be willing to relocate or are already based in the region. The work environment will demand a blend of creative collaboration and structured operational management, with significant exposure to international business practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review by Aloha Consulting Group, followed by a preliminary interview to assess cultural fit, basic qualifications, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior executive at the textile corporation) focusing on strategic vision, ODM experience, leadership philosophy, and alignment with company goals. This stage will heavily scrutinize portfolio elements.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Sales, R&D, Production, and potentially HR to assess collaboration style, technical understanding, and leadership capabilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic plan for ODM growth, a seasonal collection concept, or a solution to a hypothetical business challenge. This is where portfolio elements are crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the CEO or other top executives for final approval, focusing on strategic impact and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio around strategic impact. For each project, clearly articulate the business challenge, your role, the ODM strategy implemented, key decisions made, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase, customer satisfaction).

• Process Showcase: Include examples of process design and optimization for ODM development. Detail how you've improved lead times, sample accuracy, or cross-functional collaboration.

• Innovation Focus: Highlight your experience with trend forecasting, concept generation, and the integration of new technologies (3D design, AI). Showcase innovative concepts and your ability to bring them to market.

• Client Engagement: If possible, include anonymized examples of strategic presentations delivered to international clients, demonstrating your ability to influence and build partnerships.

• Leadership Examples: Use your portfolio to illustrate your leadership style, team development strategies, and how you've fostered a high-performing design culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• ODM Strategy Development: Be prepared to outline a strategic framework for developing and scaling an ODM business for a textile company. Consider market entry, product differentiation, capability building, and partnership strategies.

• Trend Analysis & Application: Practice articulating current global fashion trends and how they can be translated into commercially viable collections for specific customer segments.

• Operational Efficiency: Prepare to discuss how you would improve key ODM metrics like development lead times, cost management, and product quality through process improvements and technology adoption.

• Team Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would mentor, develop, and manage a diverse design team, fostering innovation and commercial awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not just creative talent but also strategic leadership, business acumen, and the ability to drive significant organizational change within the ODM space. A well-curated portfolio that tells a compelling story of strategic impact is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• 3D Design Software: Experience with tools like CLO 3D or Browzwear is a significant advantage, indicating capability in digital product development and virtual prototyping.

• AI-Powered Design Solutions: Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design ideation, trend analysis, or pattern generation would be highly beneficial.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Experience with PLM software for managing product data, workflows, and collaboration throughout the development process.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of services like WGSN, Trendstop, or similar market intelligence platforms.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for analyzing sales data, market trends, and performance metrics related to ODM products.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, financial modeling, and KPI tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (customer preferences, sales history) informs product development strategies, even if not directly managing a CRM.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing product development timelines and team tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for efficient internal and external communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 3D and AI design tools indicates a progressive approach to product development. Candidates should highlight any experience with these technologies, as well as proficiency in data analysis and project management tools that support strategic planning and operational execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and the development of unique apparel concepts that drive market appeal.

• Customer Focus: Deep understanding of client needs and brand positioning, translating these into successful ODM strategies and products.

• Commercial Acumen: A results-oriented mindset that balances creative vision with market viability, cost targets, and profitability.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships internally across departments and externally with international clients and suppliers.

• Efficiency & Excellence: Commitment to optimizing processes, improving lead times, and delivering high-quality products and services consistently.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing market intelligence, consumer insights, and performance metrics to inform strategic choices and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between Design, Sales, R&D, Sourcing, and Production to ensure cohesive product development and commercialization.

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication channels to share insights, address challenges, and align on strategies with all stakeholders.

• Partnership Approach: Working closely with international clients not just as a supplier, but as a strategic partner invested in their brand's success.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback within the team and with clients to drive continuous improvement in design and development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a balance between creative freedom and structured execution. The role requires someone who can lead with both vision and pragmatism, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and commercial success for the company's ODM business.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Manufacturing to Design Leadership: Transitioning a historically manufacturing-focused company into a recognized ODM design leader requires significant cultural and operational shifts.

• Balancing Innovation with Commercial Viability: Consistently developing cutting-edge designs that also meet strict cost targets, manufacturing constraints, and market demand.

• Managing Global Stakeholders: Effectively communicating and aligning with diverse international clients, each with unique brand identities and business objectives.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating and scaling advanced technologies like 3D design and AI into existing workflows requires change management and team upskilling.

• Talent Acquisition & Development: Building and retaining a top-tier design and product development team in a competitive global market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone executive-level strategic planning, stakeholder management, and business development skills.

• Technology Integration: Deep dive into and lead the implementation of advanced design and development technologies (3D, AI).

• Global Market Expansion: Gain invaluable experience in understanding and penetrating diverse international fashion markets.

• Organizational Transformation: Play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and future of a significant textile corporation.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to become a thought leader in the ODM space through successful strategy execution and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to strategic transformation and operational innovation. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for both the individual and the company, particularly in areas of leadership, technological adoption, and market expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing an ODM strategy for a textile manufacturer aiming to become a leading design partner. What are the key pillars of your strategy?" (Focus on market analysis, capability building, customer engagement, and execution framework).

• "How would you balance creative innovation with commercial realities (cost, manufacturing feasibility, speed to market) when developing seasonal collections for international clients?" (Highlight your decision-making process, trade-off analysis, and experience with target costing).

• "Outline your plan for enhancing the company's ODM capabilities, specifically regarding trend forecasting, 3D design, and AI-assisted design. What are the key implementation steps and potential challenges?" (Showcase your understanding of modern design tools and change management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding, what do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges for our company in the ODM space?" (Demonstrate research into the company and industry, and critical thinking).

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and commercial awareness within a design team transitioning from a manufacturing background?" (Discuss leadership style, team motivation, and performance management).

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior management or a key client on a strategic product or design decision. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on influencing skills and strategic communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around the evolution of your career and your impact on ODM businesses. Use case studies to illustrate key achievements.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, present clear metrics: revenue growth driven, lead times reduced, customer acquisition/retention rates improved, cost savings achieved, or market share gained.

• Strategic Rationale: Clearly explain the 'why' behind your decisions – your strategic thinking, market analysis, and how you aligned design with business objectives.

• Process & Technology: Showcase your understanding of efficient product development processes and your proficiency with relevant design and collaboration technologies (especially 3D/AI).

• Client-Centricity: Emphasize how your work directly benefited clients and strengthened long-term partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the ODM business model, strategic leadership capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to design and technology, all supported by concrete examples from your career.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Zoho Recruit link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your experience in ODM strategy, product development leadership, international client engagement, and capability enhancement. Include specific case studies demonstrating strategic impact and quantifiable results in apparel design and commercialization.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience (10+ years total, 3-5+ years in senior roles), strategic planning, ODM expertise, and proficiency in relevant design technologies (3D, AI) and global apparel value chain knowledge. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your ODM strategy, leadership philosophy, and how you would address the specific challenges and opportunities of this role. Prepare detailed examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Investigate the textile industry landscape and the potential strategic positioning of a company evolving into an ODM provider. Understand the dynamics of the fashion market in Southeast Asia and globally. Research Aloha Consulting Group's role as a recruiter for this sector.

⚠️ 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.