Design Director – Denim

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director – Denim

Company: GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC.

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Apparel Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, Fridays remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and development of seasonal denim and bottoms collections, driving growth and brand aesthetic.

• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept ideation to production, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and market trends.

• Manage and mentor a design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for product creation.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, technical design, and overseas production, to ensure successful product execution and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus of the role is creative design, the operational aspects of managing the product development lifecycle, cross-functional coordination, and team leadership are critical. This role requires a blend of artistic vision and robust project management skills essential for efficient GTM (Go-To-Market) operations within the apparel industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the design and development of seasonal denim and bottoms collections from initial concept through final production, ensuring brand integrity and commercial viability.

• Establish and communicate seasonal denim direction, including innovative washes, key silhouettes, fabrications, and fit strategies, aligning with market trends and customer needs.

• Collaborate with senior leadership and merchandising teams to develop compelling seasonal concepts, color palettes, and product strategies that support business objectives.

• Drive product innovation by identifying emerging trends, analyzing market landscapes, and translating insights into commercially successful designs for both house labels and private label accounts.

• Oversee the creation and refinement of detailed sketches, CADs, and technical packages (tech packs) to ensure precise communication of design intent to development and production teams.

• Guide fabric selection, wash development processes, and fit approval stages to maintain design quality and achieve desired aesthetic outcomes.

• Maintain comprehensive line plans for all denim and bottoms categories across multiple brands and private label clients, ensuring alignment with SKU strategies and inventory management.

• Conduct thorough analysis of market trends, competitive offerings, and customer insights to identify design opportunities and inform strategic product decisions.

• Ensure all design deliverables and project milestones adhere to seasonal timelines and calendar deadlines, facilitating efficient GTM processes.

• Lead and present product collections during internal reviews and to key retail partners, effectively articulating design vision and commercial strategy.

• Directly mentor and manage one Designer, providing guidance on design principles, construction techniques, wash development, and overall product execution.

• Foster a highly collaborative, creative, and productive working environment within the design team, promoting open communication and mutual support.

• Provide clear, constructive feedback and effectively prioritize daily development tasks and workload management for the design team.

• Uphold and elevate the highest standards of design quality, consistency, and brand aesthetic across all product lines.

• Partner closely with Merchandising to ensure product assortments align perfectly with business strategy, planned SKUs, and evolving customer demands.

• Collaborate effectively with Technical Design to guide fit development, conduct fittings, and ensure accurate pattern adjustments and approvals.

• Work in tandem with sourcing and production teams to optimize fabric, trim, and wash development, balancing cost efficiencies with desired quality and aesthetic outcomes.

• Liaise with overseas production teams to guarantee accurate, timely, and high-quality sample execution throughout the development cycle.

• Proactively address and resolve development and production challenges, ensuring design integrity is maintained while meeting logistical and cost requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative direction and operational execution. The "Design & Product Development" section emphasizes the strategic planning and execution required for successful GTM, while "Team Leadership" and "Cross-Functional Collaboration" underscore the management and coordination skills vital for operations roles. The emphasis on "seasonal timelines and calendars" and "overseas teams" points to the need for rigorous project management and supply chain coordination.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8–10+ years of progressive design experience specifically within the denim and bottoms apparel sector.

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring or directly managing junior designers, with a preference for direct management of at least one designer.

• Proven track record of leading product development from initial concept through to final production stages.

Required Skills:

• Deep and comprehensive understanding of denim construction techniques, various wash processes, fit engineering, and current fabrication technologies.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical sketching and design visualization.

• Strong merchandising sensibility and a commercial design perspective, capable of translating trends into profitable products.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a design team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to present design concepts and strategies effectively to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Proficiency in creating and interpreting detailed technical packages (tech packs) for clear design communication.

• Expertise in fabric selection, understanding material properties and their impact on design and performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Junior (JR) apparel market segment.

• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for visual mockups and mood boards.

• Familiarity with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software relevant to apparel design.

• Experience working with overseas production teams and understanding international manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of sustainability practices and eco-friendly denim production methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize deep technical expertise in denim design and development, coupled with essential leadership and project management skills. The preference for Junior market experience and private label business indicates a need for a designer who understands specific market segments and high-volume production environments, crucial for efficient GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong point of view in denim design, demonstrating expertise across various washes, fits, and fabrications.

• Detailed examples of how design concepts were translated into commercially successful products, ideally including examples from house labels and private label accounts.

• Documentation of the complete product development process for selected projects, illustrating the journey from initial sketch to final production sample.

• Evidence of technical design capabilities, including clear and precise tech packs and CADs that effectively communicate design intent.

• Demonstration of market trend analysis and how these insights were integrated into design strategies and product assortments.

Process Documentation:

• Visual representation of the design process workflow, from concept generation through to production handover, emphasizing key decision points and approval stages.

• Case studies detailing specific wash development projects, including challenges faced, solutions implemented, and final outcomes.

• Examples of fit development processes, showcasing how feedback was incorporated and how fits were perfected for target demographics.

• Documentation of how design innovations were introduced and integrated into seasonal collections.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as tangible proof of operational capability in translating creative vision into executable product. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate a structured, efficient, and repeatable approach to design and development, which is a core tenet of operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee discounts on company apparel.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work schedule: 4 days per week in the New York office, with Fridays designated for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York City and reflects the senior-level nature of this Design Director role, considering the required experience and responsibilities. The hybrid work arrangement offers a blend of in-person collaboration essential for design and production oversight, with the flexibility of remote work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale Apparel Manufacturing and Private Label Development.

Company Size: The description indicates a family-owned and operated business with a history of nearly 50 years, suggesting a well-established, potentially mid-sized to large organization with significant operational capacity.

Founded: Nearly 50 years ago, indicating a stable, experienced company with deep roots in the apparel industry.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely consists of the Design Director, at least one direct report Designer, and potentially junior designers or assistants.

• The Director will report to higher leadership within the company, likely involving heads of Merchandising, Product Development, or potentially the owners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Analysis of market trends, customer insights, and sales data informs design decisions to ensure commercial viability.

• Process Optimization: Focus on streamlining the design-to-production workflow to meet seasonal timelines and cost targets.

• Collaborative Development: Emphasis on cross-functional teamwork to ensure alignment and efficient problem-solving throughout the product lifecycle.

• Quality Assurance: Maintaining high standards in fabric selection, construction, washes, and fit through rigorous review processes.

Company Website: goldentouchgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history suggests a culture that values experience, stability, and established relationships. The focus on private label for mass-market retailers implies an operation geared towards efficiency, volume, and meeting specific client demands, which is critical for a Design Director to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position within the design and product development function, operating at a Director level. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant cross-functional influence. The role requires a blend of creative vision and operational leadership to drive product success.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to senior leadership (e.g., VP of Merchandising, Head of Product Development, or potentially company owners), and will directly manage at least one Designer. This structure necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills across multiple levels.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's primary impact is on the commercial success of the denim and bottoms categories. By developing trend-right, commercially viable products, they directly influence sales, revenue, and profitability for both house labels and private label clients. Effective management of the design-to-production pipeline ensures timely market entry and inventory optimization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a VP of Design or Chief Creative Officer role, overseeing broader product categories or leading larger creative teams.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in overall brand strategy, product assortment planning, and market positioning.

• Business Development: Opportunity to play a key role in securing and managing new private label client accounts through compelling product offerings.

• Mentorship Development: Further honing leadership skills by managing larger teams and developing emerging design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in an apparel design career, moving from individual contribution to strategic leadership and operational management. The growth opportunities are tied to expanding scope, impact, and leadership responsibilities within the company's operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a physical office location in New York City, with a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a traditional office environment that supports in-person collaboration, design reviews, and team interactions.

Office Location(s): 500 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018. This location is in the heart of Manhattan's fashion district, offering convenient access for employees and proximity to industry resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among design, merchandising, and technical teams, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite, is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the design team, merchandising partners, and potentially vendors or clients during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model (4 days in-office, 1 day remote) provides structure while allowing for flexibility. The in-office days are crucial for hands-on design reviews, team meetings, and collaborative development sessions that are essential for the fashion product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a company that balances traditional office-based collaboration with modern flexibility. The New York City location places the role at the epicenter of the US fashion industry, offering access to talent, trends, and business opportunities critical for operations in this sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess experience, design aesthetic, and relevant qualifications. Candidates should ensure their portfolios clearly highlight denim expertise and operational process.

• First Interview: Typically with HR or a hiring manager to discuss background, motivation, and initial fit. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and understanding of the denim market.

• Design/Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, discuss design philosophy, and walk through specific projects, emphasizing process, challenges, and outcomes. Be ready to articulate your approach to wash development, fit, and trend translation.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Technical Design, and potentially Production to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and overall fit with the company culture and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest denim and bottoms projects, showcasing diversity in style, wash, and fabrication. Emphasize projects that demonstrate commercial success and a deep understanding of the target market (e.g., Junior).

• Highlight Process: For each project, detail your role, the design process followed, key challenges encountered (e.g., sourcing, fit, cost), and how you overcame them. Use visual aids like CADs, tech packs, and photos of actual samples.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or evidence of commercial success, such as sales performance, positive retail feedback, or efficiency gains in the development process.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored designers, led teams, or collaborated effectively with cross-functional departments.

• Tailor to the Role: Research GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC. and their known retail partners. Highlight projects that align with their business model (private label, mass-market focus).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that require you to conceptualize a mini-collection, develop a wash concept, or solve a specific fit problem within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a retail buyer or internal team.

• Understand the company's business model (wholesale, private label) and be ready to discuss how your design approach supports these operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily geared towards assessing both creative talent and operational competence. The portfolio review is central, serving as a practical demonstration of the candidate's ability to manage the entire design-to-production workflow, a critical operational function in apparel.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical sketches, flats, and detailed design illustrations. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Photoshop: Beneficial for creating mood boards, visual mockups, and refining wash effects.

• CAD Software: Potentially used for 2D/3D design visualization, pattern making, or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) integration.

• PLM Systems (e.g., Centric PLM, Browzwear, Clo3D): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with PLM systems is highly valuable for managing product data, tech packs, and workflow across teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of services like WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar for market research and trend analysis.

• Internal Sales Data/Reporting Tools: Ability to analyze sales performance, customer feedback, and market data to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While less direct, understanding how design feedback is integrated into CRM or ERP systems for production and inventory management can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with PLM systems and data analysis tools would significantly enhance a candidate's operational effectiveness in managing the product development pipeline and contributing to data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of retail partners and end consumers through relevant product offerings.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to meeting seasonal deadlines and maintaining efficient workflows throughout the design and production cycle.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Upholding high standards for product construction, materials, and aesthetic execution.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and trend-forward designs while balancing commercial realities.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional partners work seamlessly towards common goals.

• Adaptability: Ability to respond to market shifts, client demands, and production challenges effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close partnership with Merchandising, Technical Design, Sourcing, and Production teams, requiring open communication and mutual respect.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Design decisions and recommendations should be supported by market analysis, sales data, and trend insights.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive feedback from all levels, from senior leadership to production teams, to refine product and processes.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A collaborative approach to identifying and resolving challenges in the development and production phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history as a family-owned business may suggest a culture that values loyalty, dedication, and strong interpersonal relationships. The emphasis on private label for mass-market retailers underscores a practical, results-oriented approach to design and operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend and Commercial Viability: The constant need to innovate with trends while ensuring designs are commercially successful and profitable for a mass-market audience.

• Managing Overseas Production: Navigating complexities of international sourcing, communication, quality control, and lead times.

• Meeting Aggressive Timelines: Adhering to strict seasonal calendars in a fast-paced fashion industry, requiring efficient workflow management.

• Cost Constraints: Designing within specific cost parameters dictated by private label agreements and mass-market price points.

• Team Development: Mentoring and guiding a designer effectively to ensure consistent quality and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Denim Techniques: Opportunities to explore emerging denim washes, sustainable practices, and innovative fabrications.

• Leadership Skills: Developing management and strategic planning expertise through team leadership and cross-functional project involvement.

• Industry Insights: Staying ahead of market trends, consumer behavior shifts, and technological advancements in apparel design and production.

• Client Relationship Management: Gaining experience in presenting to and collaborating with major retail partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are directly related to operational efficiency and strategic execution within the apparel industry. Overcoming these requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the entire product lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new denim wash that is both trend-forward and cost-effective for a private label client?" (Focus on process, material knowledge, cost considerations)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design vision and production constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight problem-solving, negotiation, and operational compromise)

• "How do you stay current with denim trends, and how do you translate those trends into commercially viable product lines for different market segments?" (Demonstrate market analysis, strategic thinking, and target audience understanding)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC. and our position in the apparel market?" (Research the company, its history, and its key retail clients)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team and with cross-functional departments like merchandising and production?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and approach to denim. Then, present 2-3 key projects, detailing the concept, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Emphasize Operational Execution: For each project, explain how you managed timelines, collaborated with teams, addressed production issues, and ensured the final product met specifications and commercial goals.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Have clear examples of tech packs, CADs, and fabric/wash development boards. Be prepared to discuss the technical details.

• Quantify Success: If possible, include data points on sales performance, positive feedback from retailers, or efficiency improvements achieved through your designs or processes.

• Engage and Answer: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design choices, technical understanding, and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a strong grasp of the operational aspects of apparel design and development, including project management, cross-functional collaboration, and cost-conscious design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director – Denim position:

• Submit your application through the provided recruiting link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant denim and bottoms design work, specifically highlighting projects for private label or mass-market retailers, and illustrating your end-to-end product development process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 8-10+ years of denim design experience, leadership/management roles, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, and any experience with private label business or key retail accounts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate cross-functionally. Prepare to discuss your understanding of denim construction, washes, fits, and market trends.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC., their history, their private label client base, and their market positioning to demonstrate genuine interest and strategic alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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.