Design Director (Baby & Toddler)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director (Baby & Toddler)

Company: Garan, Incorporated

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Leadership / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for a private brand within the Baby & Toddler apparel sector, ensuring strict adherence to retailer standards for design, quality, fit, and value.

• Co-collaborate extensively with a mass-market retailer's design and product development teams to synchronize seasonal strategies, share critical market insights, and drive innovation in product offerings.

• Foster robust cross-functional relationships to deliver compelling, trend-right assortments that align with both business objectives and evolving customer needs.

• Drive the seasonal design strategy, encompassing trend forecasting, competitive analysis, and whitespace identification specifically for the Baby & Toddler market.

• Champion the adoption and optimization of key design and product development tools, including Adobe Illustrator, Miro, PLM systems, Browzwear 3D Fit, and the Microsoft Office suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a design leadership capacity, focusing on the strategic direction and execution for a specific apparel category (Baby & Toddler) under a private brand agreement with a major mass-market retailer. The emphasis on co-collaboration and retailer partnership indicates a need for strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, crucial for success in a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle for the Baby & Toddler private brand, from concept generation and trend research to final product approval, ensuring all deliverables meet exacting retailer specifications.

• Develop and present comprehensive seasonal design strategies, incorporating thorough trend forecasting, competitor analysis, and whitespace identification to uncover new market opportunities.

• Actively manage and mentor a team of designers, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and professional development support to foster a high-performing creative unit.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with the retailer's design, product development, merchandising, and buying teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on strategic goals.

• Advocate for and uphold brand standards related to hand feel, material quality, garment construction, and overall aesthetic appeal across all product lines.

• Drive innovation in product offerings by exploring new materials, technologies, and design approaches relevant to the Baby & Toddler market.

• Prepare and deliver compelling strategic presentations to senior leadership, effectively communicating vision, securing buy-in for new initiatives, and demonstrating potential for growth and profitability.

• Foster a collaborative, agile, and high-performance team culture that encourages creative problem-solving, efficient project prioritization, and continuous improvement in design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and strategic execution, with a strong emphasis on partnership and alignment with a key retail client. This requires not just design acumen but also proficiency in GTM strategy, stakeholder management, and process optimization within a structured retail environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in children’s apparel design, with a significant portion dedicated to the Baby & Toddler categories. A minimum of 3 years must be in a direct leadership or management role, overseeing design teams and cross-functional processes, particularly within a major retailer or for a private brand.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading the end-to-end design process for apparel, from concept to commercialization.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor design teams, fostering creativity and professional growth.

• Strong experience in co-collaboration with external partners, specifically retail design and product development teams.

• Proficient in strategic vision development, including seasonal strategy, trend forecasting, and whitespace analysis for the Baby & Toddler market.

• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, fabric technology, and production processes relevant to children's apparel.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Strong creative problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.

• Experience in managing up, communicating priorities effectively, and guiding teams through ambiguity.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design software: Adobe Illustrator, Miro.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and 3D design/fit tools such as Browzwear.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for innovation, style, and accessibility in children's apparel.

• Experience launching new brands, revitalizing existing businesses, or executing significant strategic visions.

• Strong understanding of the mass-market retail landscape and private brand dynamics.

• Ability to synthesize diverse stakeholder opinions into cohesive decision-making.

• Experience with 3D design and virtual prototyping tools to visualize and refine product concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and specific mention of managing private brands for mass-market retailers suggest a senior-level role demanding not only creative talent but also significant strategic, operational, and commercial acumen. The emphasis on collaboration with retailer teams points to a need for strong GTM integration skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive design portfolio showcasing a strong track record in Baby & Toddler apparel design, highlighting innovative concepts, trend-driven assortments, and successful product launches.

• Case studies demonstrating leadership in managing design teams and driving the end-to-end product development process, emphasizing collaboration and problem-solving.

• Examples of strategic planning, including trend research, market analysis, and the development of seasonal design strategies.

• Documentation of experience in collaborating with retail partners, illustrating how diverse stakeholder input was synthesized to achieve cohesive product direction.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of workflow design and optimization for design and product development processes, particularly within a private brand or retailer-partnered context.

• Examples of implementing and potentially automating design and development workflows to improve efficiency and reduce time-to-market.

• Demonstrations of how design processes were measured for effectiveness, including metrics related to product quality, customer satisfaction, and commercial success.

• Documentation of experience in advocating for and upholding brand standards throughout the design and development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase creative output but also a strategic approach to design management, process optimization, and collaborative execution, aligning with GTM principles of delivering the right product at the right time.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 per year.

Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided listing, typical comprehensive benefits packages for a role of this seniority in New York City often include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and workshops

• Life Insurance and Disability coverage

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is a full-time, on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of $150,000 is a fixed figure provided. For a Director-level role in New York City, this is competitive but may be at the mid-to-lower end depending on the specific company's compensation philosophy and the candidate's exact experience and negotiation prowess. The lack of detail on benefits suggests candidates should inquire directly. The on-site requirement is typical for a leadership role involving significant in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing & Retail. Garan, Incorporated, is known for its Garanimals brand, a long-standing name in children's apparel. The company operates within the competitive children's clothing market, focusing on value and accessibility for mass-market consumers.

Company Size: Garan, Incorporated is part of a larger entity (Kohlberg & Company). While specific employee numbers for Garan, Incorporated are not provided, it operates as a significant player in its niche. Roles at this level within such companies often involve working within established corporate structures while maintaining agility for specific brand initiatives.

Founded: Garanimals was founded in 1972. The company has a long history of providing children's clothing, evolving with market trends and retail partnerships. This legacy suggests a company that values tradition and stability while adapting to modern retail demands.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report directly to the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Design, indicating a senior position within the design hierarchy.

• The role involves leading a team of designers, suggesting a direct management responsibility.

• Close partnership with the retailer’s design and product development teams is a core aspect, implying a matrixed or highly collaborative operational structure where external teams are integral to the process.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a blend of traditional design methodologies and modern product development processes to cater to mass-market retail demands.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven insights from the retail partner's sales and consumer data to inform design decisions and trend forecasting.

• Workflow planning will be crucial to align Garan's design and development processes with the retailer's seasonal calendars and product launch timelines.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be important, especially with the mention of PLM and 3D design tools, to streamline the design-to-production pipeline.

Company Website: garanimals.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Garanimals and its history provides insight into the company's focus on accessible, family-oriented children's apparel. The partnership with a mass-market retailer is key; this isn't a high-fashion house but a strategic supplier focused on delivering volume and value aligned with a specific retail partner's brand identity. This implies a need for operational efficiency and strong GTM execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, classified as a Director. It requires extensive experience (15+ years) and direct team management. The scope of responsibility includes strategic design direction, product lifecycle management, and key stakeholder relationship management, particularly with a major retail partner. This level signifies a significant impact on the company's product strategy and commercial success within the Baby & Toddler segment.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Executive Vice President of Design. This hierarchical structure suggests mentorship and strategic guidance from a higher-level executive, enabling the Director to focus on tactical execution and team leadership while being aligned with overarching company objectives.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is directly tied to the commercial success of the private brand's Baby & Toddler apparel. This includes driving sales volume, improving product quality and fit to reduce returns and enhance customer satisfaction, and ensuring the brand remains competitive and trend-relevant in the mass market. Effective GTM execution through innovative and well-executed designs is paramount.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to VP-level roles within design or product development, possibly overseeing broader categories or multiple brands.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future product strategy for Garanimals and its private brand partnerships, influencing long-term business direction.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening expertise in retail partnerships, private brand management, and the broader Go-To-Market process by working closely with retailer teams.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop design talent, building a strong team and shaping the next generation of designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Director in this context is likely within the apparel and retail sector, focusing on increasing strategic responsibility and leadership scope. The emphasis on private brand management and retailer collaboration suggests potential for growth into roles that manage key account relationships or broader product category P&Ls.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Garan, Incorporated's New York City location. This setting is designed to foster in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct oversight for design and development processes.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. This location places the role within a major hub for the fashion and retail industry, offering access to talent, trend insights, and proximity to potential retail partners.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, facilitating brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team meetings.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems, and potentially 3D design software, will be provided to support the design workflow.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with internal teams (designers, product developers) and external stakeholders (retail partner teams) will be frequent, crucial for aligning on creative direction and ensuring efficient execution.

• The environment likely balances creative freedom with the structured demands of private brand development for a mass-market retailer.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, full-time. However, given the nature of design leadership and tight retail deadlines, flexibility may be required during peak seasons or for critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in New York City for a Director-level position in the fashion industry suggests a dynamic and potentially fast-paced environment. The emphasis on collaboration and direct interaction with both internal teams and a major retail partner points to a work culture that values communication and integrated GTM efforts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the Baby & Toddler category.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the EVP of Design to delve into strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with direct reports and potentially key members of the retailer's design and product development teams to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio review or a specific design strategy for a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating their approach to trend forecasting, product development, and stakeholder management.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to finalize the decision and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects specifically showcasing your expertise in Baby & Toddler apparel, including a range of product types and design challenges.

• Highlight Leadership: For each project, articulate your role, team management approach, and how you drove the design process from concept to completion.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Include examples of trend forecasting, market analysis, and how your designs aligned with business objectives and retailer requirements.

• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams (PD, Merchandising, Sales) and external partners (retailers) to achieve successful outcomes.

• Focus on Process & Impact: Detail the design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., sales performance, quality improvements, efficiency gains).

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality imagery and clear, concise descriptions to bring your designs and processes to life.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a seasonal strategy for a private brand in a competitive mass-market environment.

• Anticipate questions about managing conflicting stakeholder opinions and driving consensus among diverse teams.

• Think through how you would leverage design tools (Adobe, Miro, PLM, 3D) to optimize the design and development workflow for efficiency and quality.

• Prepare examples of how you have championed brand standards and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both creative talent and operational/GTM capabilities. A strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving will be paramount. The emphasis on private brand and retailer partnership means showcasing an understanding of that specific dynamic is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating detailed technical sketches, patterns, and graphic designs. Proficiency is expected for all designers and leaders.

• Miro: Likely used for collaborative brainstorming, mood board creation, trend sharing, and visual project management.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Crucial for managing product data, specifications, timelines, and approvals throughout the development cycle. Specific PLM system experience might be a plus.

• Browzwear 3D Fit / Similar 3D Design Software: Increasingly important for virtual prototyping, fit visualization, and reducing physical sample needs. Experience here is a strong asset.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for reporting, presentations, data analysis (Excel), and general communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to a design role, but understanding how design and product data integrate into broader CRM or ERP systems could be advantageous for process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific design and 3D tools highlights the company's commitment to modern design practices and efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these tools, especially how they contribute to streamlining the GTM process for apparel.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A core value, driving the development of fresh, trend-right designs within the Baby & Toddler space.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Essential for working effectively with internal teams and the external retail partner, ensuring aligned strategies and seamless execution.

• Quality & Accessibility: Commitment to delivering high-quality, well-constructed apparel that meets the needs and budget of the mass-market consumer.

• Efficiency & Agility: The ability to adapt to market changes, meet tight deadlines, and optimize design and development processes for speed and cost-effectiveness.

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of the target consumer (parents and children) and a dedication to meeting their needs and preferences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration across design, product development, merchandising, and potentially sales teams to ensure a unified approach to product creation and market introduction.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and utilized to refine designs, improve processes, and enhance product outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of trends, market insights, and best practices to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and transparent communication with all stakeholders, especially the retail partner, to prevent misunderstandings and ensure project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely blends creative exploration with the pragmatic demands of supplying a major retailer. Success hinges on balancing artistic vision with commercial viability and operational efficiency, a hallmark of effective GTM operations in the apparel sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: The primary challenge will be translating creative vision into commercially viable products that meet the strict requirements and price points of a mass-market retailer.

• Managing Retailer Expectations: Navigating the diverse opinions and evolving demands of a large retail partner while maintaining brand integrity and strategic direction.

• Leading Through Ambiguity: The ability to guide teams and make decisions effectively in a dynamic retail landscape where trends and consumer preferences can shift rapidly.

• Adoption of New Technologies: Championing and integrating new design tools and methodologies (like 3D design) within established workflows can often face resistance.

• Team Development & Motivation: Leading a design team to consistently deliver high-quality work under pressure and tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D Design & Virtual Prototyping: Deepening expertise in Browzwear or similar technologies to further optimize the design and fit process.

• Private Brand Strategy & Retailer Partnerships: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the dynamics and strategies involved in successful private brand development and management.

• Data Analytics for Design: Enhancing skills in interpreting sales data, consumer insights, and market trends to make more data-driven design decisions.

• Leadership & Executive Communication: Opportunities to refine executive presence, presentation skills, and strategic influencing capabilities through interaction with senior leadership and the retail partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior role interfacing between a supplier's creative capabilities and a large retailer's operational and commercial needs. Overcoming these challenges presents significant growth opportunities in strategic GTM execution and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal design strategy for a private brand targeting the mass market. How do you incorporate trend forecasting and consumer insights?" (Focus on structured approach, data utilization, and retailer alignment.)

• "How do you manage conflicting creative visions or feedback from multiple stakeholders, particularly from a key retail partner?" (Highlight negotiation, consensus-building, and prioritizing business objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Garanimals' brand positioning and its target customer? How would you ensure your designs align with this?" (Show research and understanding of brand identity.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative and high-performance design team." (Focus on mentorship, motivation, and team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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

• Showcase Key Projects: Select 3-5 impactful projects, focusing on Baby & Toddler apparel. For each:

  • Context: Explain the brand, target market, and business objective.
  • Your Role & Process: Detail your leadership, the design steps taken, and how you collaborated.
  • Challenges & Solutions: Discuss any obstacles and how you overcame them.
  • Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., sales, customer feedback, efficiency gains).

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Integrate how you used specific tools (Adobe, Miro, PLM, 3D) to achieve project goals.

• Emphasize Retailer Collaboration: If possible, demonstrate projects where you successfully partnered with retailers, showing your ability to meet their requirements.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, leadership approach, and understanding of the apparel GTM process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and strong partnership management skills, all critical for success in a GTM-focused leadership role within the apparel industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring your resume and any attached documents are uploaded.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your design portfolio to prominently feature your experience with Baby & Toddler apparel and highlight any private brand or mass-market retail collaboration projects. Emphasize case studies that demonstrate leadership, strategic planning, and process optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 15+ years of experience, specifically mentioning your leadership roles (3+ years), cross-functional process management, and proficiency with key design tools (Adobe Illustrator, Miro, PLM, Browzwear). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic approach to product development. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to walk through your portfolio, emphasizing your impact and collaborative skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Garanimals, its Garanimals brand, and its market position. Understand the typical demands and expectations of a private brand supplier for a mass-market retailer. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural 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.