HQ Temp - Head of Design, Kids & Baby, Gap Specialty at Gap Inc.

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HQ Temp - Head of Design, Kids & Baby, Gap Specialty

Company: Gap Inc.

Location: NY 55 Thomas St, New York, NY

Job Type: Full-time (Temporary)

Category: Apparel Design & Product Development (Kids & Baby)

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: 15+ Years (Leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead the design strategy and creative direction for Gap Specialty's Kids & Baby apparel divisions, driving product evolution and market share growth.
Oversee the entire product design and development lifecycle, from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetic and customer needs.
Mentor and develop a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and creative excellence within the Kids & Baby categories.
Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising and Product Development, to translate market insights and business goals into compelling product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes strategic leadership in design for a major retail brand's Kids & Baby division. This requires a blend of creative vision, business acumen, and team management within the apparel product lifecycle. The temporary nature suggests a focus on specific initiatives or a transitional period.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Design, articulate, and execute seasonal and multi-year product strategies specifically tailored for the Kids & Baby divisions within Gap Specialty.
Research and identify global innovation and emerging trends relevant to children's and baby apparel, translating them into actionable design opportunities that support strategic and revenue goals.
Provide creative direction and leadership to internal design team members and external vendor partners involved in the Kids & Baby product development process.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design leaders, fostering their growth and ensuring the team's overall performance aligns with creative and business objectives.
Accountable for achieving creative objectives while strategically managing financial goals, including sales performance, margins, and average unit costs for the Kids & Baby categories.
Define, champion, and protect the distinct brand aesthetic for Kids & Baby, effectively communicating the design vision and strategy to ensure alignment across the organization and with cross-functional partners.
Proactively adjust product strategies and design approaches based on in-season business performance data and market feedback to positively influence outcomes.
Cultivate and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Sourcing/Production) and external vendors to streamline the design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight the strategic and leadership aspects of this Head of Design role. It goes beyond traditional design execution to encompass market analysis, financial accountability, and significant cross-functional influence, particularly within the specialized Kids & Baby sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a closely related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in apparel design, textile science, or design leadership are advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in product design and development, with a significant focus on leadership roles within the apparel industry. Extensive hands-on experience specifically within the Kids & Baby apparel market is essential. A strong portfolio demonstrating successful product launches, strategic design leadership, and a deep understanding of the design process from concept to production for this demographic is expected.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in apparel product design and development processes with a deep understanding of the Kids & Baby market segment.
Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of leading and developing high-performing design teams and providing effective creative direction.
Strong aesthetic sensibility and taste level, with the ability to translate trends and concepts into designs that resonate with the Gap brand identity and target customer.
In-depth knowledge of color theory, fabric properties, garment construction techniques, and manufacturing processes relevant to children's and baby apparel.
Demonstrated ability to define, articulate, and execute multi-year product roadmaps and strategic design visions.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Sourcing/Production) and external vendors.
Proven ability to balance creative objectives with financial goals (sales, margin, cost) and make data-informed design decisions.
Experience in global innovation scouting, trend research, and identifying new design opportunities within the apparel market.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with global vendors and managing international design and production processes.
Proficiency in design software and tools relevant to apparel design (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design software).
Strong understanding of sustainable design practices and materials relevant to children's wear.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 15+ years of experience and leadership, specifically within the Kids & Baby segment, signals this is a senior executive design role. The required skills highlight both creative expertise and strategic business leadership within the apparel industry.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Present a curated portfolio showcasing a breadth of work in Kids & Baby apparel design and product development, highlighting successful product launches and strategic initiatives.
Include detailed case studies that illustrate your end-to-end design process, from initial concept and market research through sketching, technical design, prototyping, and final production.
Demonstrate a strong visual presentation of your work, showcasing your aesthetic, taste level, and understanding of color, fabric, and construction in the context of children's wear.
Where applicable, include examples that demonstrate your understanding of technical specifications, fit, and manufacturing considerations specific to Kids & Baby apparel.

Process Documentation:

Document your approach to research and discovery phases, illustrating how you identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape in the Kids & Baby sector.
Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, including sketching, mood boards, fabric selection, and prototype development processes.
Explain your approach to validation and testing, including fit sessions, wear testing, and gathering feedback relevant to children's apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role, the portfolio should demonstrate not just design skill but strategic thinking, leadership in product development, and a deep understanding of the Kids & Baby market's unique considerations (safety, comfort, durability). Case studies should emphasize business impact and team collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $325,000 - $350,000 USD. This range is explicitly stated by Gap Inc. and reflects a senior executive-level design role within a major retail corporation in the New York City area, which has a high cost of living. The salary is competitive for a Head of Design position with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities in this market.

Benefits: As a temporary employee at this level, benefits may vary. However, typical benefits for full-time employees at Gap Inc. can include:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (coverage details for temporary roles should be confirmed).
Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match (eligibility for temporary roles to be confirmed).
Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays (accrual and eligibility for temporary roles to be confirmed).
Employee merchandise discount at Gap Inc. brands.
Potential access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours: While specific hours are not detailed, this is a full-time role typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. As a Head of Design, the role may necessitate flexibility to accommodate meetings with global teams or vendors across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided by Gap Inc. is specific and aligns with executive compensation for a Head of Design role in a major market like NYC. Benefit details for temporary positions often differ from permanent roles, so candidates should verify specifics during the interview process.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail - Apparel. Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer of apparel, accessories, and personal care products. The industry is dynamic and highly competitive, driven by trends, consumer preferences, and supply chain efficiency. Being in the Kids & Baby segment requires a focus on safety standards, comfort, durability, and age-appropriate design.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. Gap Inc. is a large, established corporation. For design professionals, this means working within a structured environment with established processes, specialized teams, and significant resources. It also implies potential for impact on a large scale.

Founded: 1969. Gap Inc. has a long history in the retail sector, evolving its brands and strategies over decades. This historical context influences the company's culture, brand identity, and operational maturity.

Team Structure:

The Head of Design for Kids & Baby will lead a dedicated design team focused on this specific category.
This role reports into a higher level of design or product leadership within the Gap Specialty division.
Significant collaboration is required with cross-functional partners, including Merchandising (responsible for buying and assortment planning) and Product Development/Sourcing (responsible for technical design, material sourcing, and manufacturing).

Methodology:

The design process likely follows a structured seasonal calendar typical of apparel retail, involving trend forecasting, concept development, sketching, technical design, prototyping, fitting, and production handoff.
Emphasis on user-centered design principles, considering the unique needs, comfort, and safety of babies and children.
Likely utilizes a blend of traditional design methods and potentially digital tools for sketching, 3D design, and collaboration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Gap Inc.'s size and industry position imply a mature design organization with established workflows and significant market reach. The Kids & Baby segment requires specialized expertise beyond general apparel design, focusing on the unique functional and safety requirements of garments for this age group.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is a senior executive-level position (Head of Design). It sits at the top tier of the design organization within the Kids & Baby division, responsible for setting strategic direction and leading a significant team.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design likely reports to a VP or SVP of Design for Gap Specialty or a similar executive role within the product organization. They will manage a team of Design Leaders and Designers within the Kids & Baby category.

Design Impact: As the Head of Design, this role has a direct and significant impact on the product sold within the Kids & Baby divisions, influencing brand aesthetic, market positioning, sales performance, and customer satisfaction for a key category within Gap Specialty.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential for advancement to higher-level design leadership roles within Gap Inc., overseeing multiple categories or brands.
Opportunities to deepen expertise in global design trends, sustainable practices, or innovative materials within the Kids & Baby sector.
Development of executive leadership skills, including strategic planning, financial management, and cross-functional executive collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a pinnacle in the apparel design career path, requiring extensive experience and leadership. While the temporary nature might limit long-term internal progression in this specific role, it provides significant executive leadership experience within a major global brand, which is highly valuable for future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The role is based at the Gap Inc. headquarters in New York City. This suggests a corporate office environment with dedicated design studio space. The environment is likely collaborative, involving frequent interaction with cross-functional teams and potentially requiring travel to work with global vendors.

Office Location(s): NY 55 Thomas St, New York, NY. This is a key corporate location for Gap Inc., likely housing various teams including Design, Merchandising, and Product Development relevant to the Gap Specialty brands.

Design Workspace Context:

The design workspace is likely structured to facilitate creative work, potentially including design studios, sample rooms, and meeting spaces for critiques and collaboration.
Access to design tools, material libraries, and technology to support the design and development process for apparel.
Opportunities for close interaction and collaboration with the Kids & Baby design team and other creative professionals within the company.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time and on-site. While a standard work week is expected, the demands of a Head of Design role, especially one involving international vendor relationships, may require flexibility in hours and potential travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being based in NYC headquarters places the Head of Design at the center of decision-making and collaboration for the Gap Specialty brand. The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for in-person team leadership, collaboration, and involvement in the physical product development process (fittings, material reviews).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call with HR to assess basic qualifications and experience.
Interviews with key stakeholders, likely including the hiring manager (VP/SVP of Design), other design leaders, and cross-functional partners (e.g., Head of Merchandising for Kids & Baby). Preparation should include tailoring your experience to the Kids & Baby market and demonstrating strategic leadership.
A portfolio review and presentation where you will walk through your relevant work, emphasizing your strategic thinking, design process, leadership in product development, and understanding of the Kids & Baby segment. Be prepared to discuss business impact and how your designs met market needs.
Potential for a design exercise or case study discussion related to the Kids & Baby market, requiring you to outline your approach to a specific design challenge or strategic opportunity.
Final interviews with executive leadership to assess strategic fit and leadership capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio specifically for this Head of Design role, focusing on your most impactful work in Kids & Baby apparel.
Structure case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your design process, key decisions, team collaboration, and the outcome or impact of the project.
Highlight your understanding of the target customer (parents and children) and how your designs addressed their needs and preferences.
Be prepared to discuss the business context of your projects, including market trends, target margins, and collaboration with merchandising and production.

Challenge Preparation:

If given a design challenge, clearly define the problem, your target audience, and your proposed solution.
Outline your design process, including research, ideation, sketching, material considerations, and technical feasibility.
Be prepared to justify your design decisions and discuss potential challenges and how you would address them in a real-world scenario, particularly within the constraints of large-scale retail production.

ATS Keywords: Design Leadership, Apparel Design, Product Development, Kids & Baby Apparel, Fashion Design, Creative Direction, Team Management, Strategic Planning, Trend Forecasting, Market Research, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Brand Aesthetic, Color Theory, Fabric Knowledge, Garment Construction, Vendor Management, Portfolio, Case Study, Retail, Fashion Industry, Collection Development, Seasonal Design, Product Roadmap, Innovation, Merchandising, Sourcing, Production, Fit, Technical Design, Sketching, Adobe Creative Suite, Design Software, Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, Problem-Solving, Strategic Thinking, New York City, On-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a Head of Design role will be rigorous, focusing on both creative expertise and executive leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio showcasing strategic impact and a deep understanding of the Kids & Baby market is paramount. Preparation should include practicing articulating your design process and leadership philosophy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop): Essential for sketching, technical flats, and visual presentations. Proficiency expected for reviewing team's work.
Likely utilizes industry-standard PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software for managing product data, specifications, and workflow collaboration.
Potential use of 3D design software for visualization and faster prototyping.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for internal communication and team coordination.
Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) for tracking design projects and deadlines.
PLM system for design handoff to technical design, sourcing, and production teams, ensuring clear specifications and material details.

Research & Testing:

Access to trend forecasting services and market research platforms relevant to the apparel and Kids & Baby industries.
In-house or external resources for material testing, safety compliance testing, and fit testing specific to children's wear.
Likely utilizes internal sales data and customer feedback platforms for performance analysis and design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't detailed in the original post, standard apparel design tools and PLM systems are highly probable for a company of Gap Inc.'s size. For a Head of Design, understanding how these tools facilitate team workflow and cross-functional collaboration is as important as individual proficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Emphasis on creating safe, comfortable, and durable apparel specifically designed for the needs of babies and children.
Focus on translating the core Gap brand aesthetic into the Kids & Baby category while incorporating age-appropriate design elements and trends.
Value placed on innovation within the Kids & Baby market, exploring new materials, construction techniques, and functional features.
Strong focus on collaboration and communication within the design team and across departments to ensure a cohesive product offering.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative environment, involving frequent interaction with Merchandising to align on product assortments and business goals.
Close partnership with Product Development and Sourcing teams to ensure designs are technically feasible and meet quality and cost targets.
Likely involves regular design reviews and critiques within the team and with leadership to provide feedback and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design culture within a large retail brand like Gap Inc., particularly in the Kids & Baby division, would prioritize not only aesthetic and trend but also safety, functionality, and mass-market appeal. Collaboration is key to translating design vision into commercially viable products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing creative innovation with commercial viability and mass-market appeal for a broad customer base in the Kids & Baby segment.
Navigating complex supply chain and production challenges inherent in global apparel manufacturing.
Staying ahead of rapidly evolving trends and consumer preferences in the competitive children's wear market.
Ensuring designs meet stringent safety standards and regulations for children's apparel across various markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunity to lead and mentor a large design team, developing advanced leadership and management skills.
Exposure to global market trends, sourcing strategies, and international business operations.
Potential for involvement in strategic initiatives related to brand expansion, sustainability, or innovation within the Kids & Baby category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of senior design leadership in a large retail setting, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving, business acumen, and operational understanding. The growth opportunities lie in the scale of impact and the potential to influence strategy across a significant business unit.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

"Describe your end-to-end design process for a Kids/Baby apparel collection. How do you incorporate market research, trend analysis, and customer needs into your approach?" Prepare with specific examples from your portfolio.
"How do you lead a design team through the creative process, from concept to production handoff? Discuss your approach to design critiques and feedback."
"Walk us through a challenging product development scenario you faced in Kids/Baby apparel. How did you solve it, collaborating with cross-functional teams?" Use the STAR method to structure your answer.

Company Culture Questions:

"How do you ensure your design vision for Kids & Baby aligns with the overall Gap brand aesthetic and values?" Research Gap's brand identity and recent collections.
"Describe your experience collaborating with Merchandising and Product Development teams. How do you balance creative intent with business constraints (cost, margin, production feasibility)?"
"What is your leadership philosophy? How do you mentor and develop design talent within your team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Your portfolio presentation should be a narrative that showcases your strategic thinking and leadership. Start with your design philosophy and approach to the Kids & Baby market.
Present 2-3 detailed case studies of significant projects or collections you led. For each, clearly articulate the objective, your role and leadership, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and the final outcome/impact (sales, market reception, etc.).
Highlight examples that demonstrate your understanding of the Kids & Baby customer, safety standards, and the unique considerations of designing for this age group.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of the Kids & Baby market, and the ability to drive business results through design. Be prepared to discuss your process for managing a team, collaborating cross-functionally, and navigating the complexities of large-scale apparel production.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Tailor your resume to highlight your specific experience in Kids & Baby apparel design, product development leadership, and strategic responsibilities, using relevant ATS keywords.
Prepare a compelling cover letter that articulates your design philosophy for Kids & Baby, your leadership experience, and why you are a strong fit for the Gap brand and this specific role.
Curate and refine your design portfolio, ensuring it clearly showcases your most relevant work, strategic impact, and design process in the Kids & Baby category. Be ready to present case studies that demonstrate your leadership and results.
Research Gap Inc.'s Kids & Baby product lines, recent collections, and brand positioning to demonstrate your understanding of the market and the company's aesthetic during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

HQ Temp - Head of Design, Kids & Baby, Gap Specialty