Design Director – Knit Tops & Bottoms, Juniors Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director – Knit Tops & Bottoms, Juniors Apparel

Company: GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC.

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Apparel Design & Development Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-03-17

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design and development lifecycle for seasonal knit tops and bottoms, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetic, market trends, and commercial objectives.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering a creative and high-performing environment to drive innovative product ideas and execution.

• Drive the creation of compelling product assortments across both house labels and private label accounts, balancing innovation with commercially viable offerings.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, production, technical design, and overseas teams to ensure seamless product execution from concept through to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the design function, specifically focused on the juniors apparel category for knit tops and bottoms. The emphasis on managing a team, developing assortments for major retailers, and overseeing the entire product lifecycle from concept to production indicates a strategic and operational leadership component beyond purely creative design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, and key item strategies in partnership with the Creative Director and other Design Directors.

• Lead product development from initial concept through sampling and into production, meticulously maintaining the brand’s distinct design aesthetic and quality standards.

• Curate compelling product assortments that strategically balance innovative designs, calculated risk-taking, and commercially successful product offerings.

• Maintain and manage detailed line plans for both house labels and private label accounts, including key partners like Macy’s, Meijer, Ross, Belk, and Walmart.

• Collaborate closely with the Merchandising Director to ensure assortments align precisely with SKU plans, sales targets, and evolving customer needs.

• Prepare and deliver impactful product presentations for internal reviews and external sales appointments, effectively communicating design vision and commercial strategy.

• Interpret current fashion direction and translate emerging industry trends into designs that resonate with the junior apparel market and drive commercial success.

• Continuously conduct market research and competitive landscape analysis to identify emerging product opportunities and stay ahead of market shifts.

• Ensure all design deliverables adhere strictly to seasonal timelines and established time and action calendars, maintaining project momentum.

• Create and oversee detailed tech packs, precise flat sketches, and comprehensive design documentation utilizing Adobe Illustrator.

• Manage and lead key design meetings, including rigorous fit reviews, spec pass-offs, sample development evaluations, and tear-down sessions, ensuring product integrity.

• Coordinate effectively with overseas offices to guarantee accurate and timely sample development, minimizing lead times and quality issues.

• Manage, mentor, and guide a team of Designers, Associate Designers, and Graphic Designers throughout the entire design and development lifecycle.

• Provide clear direction on sketches, tech packs, construction details, and design approvals, fostering team growth and consistent quality.

• Foster a highly collaborative, creative, and high-performing team environment that encourages innovation and efficiency.

• Guide the design team through dynamic changes in priorities, ensuring sustained productivity and unwavering quality standards.

• Support the professional development and career growth of all design team members through mentorship and training opportunities.

• Inspire innovative thinking and generate new product ideas across the entire design organization to drive continuous improvement.

• Partner with Merchandising to ensure assortments accurately reflect concept direction, styling needs, and strategic SKU plans.

• Work closely with the Technical Design team to guide fit corrections and ensure sample approvals meet quality and aesthetic benchmarks.

• Address and resolve production challenges effectively, making informed design decisions to maintain product integrity and manufacturability.

• Collaborate with fabric and trim teams on sourcing strategies, material development, and price engineering to optimize cost and quality.

• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with all cross-functional partners, including merchandising, production, technical design, and overseas teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational execution. The extensive list of cross-functional partnerships, management of timelines, and oversight of technical documentation (tech packs, flat sketches) underscores the operational rigor required. The mention of specific retail partners (Macy's, Walmart, etc.) implies a need for understanding retail-specific requirements and sales cycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role in apparel.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in apparel design and/or product development.

• At least 5 years of dedicated experience managing and mentoring a design team, ranging from Senior Designers to Design Assistants.

• Extensive experience working within the junior apparel market is a mandatory requirement for this role.

• Proven track record of successfully partnering with merchandising teams to develop and launch commercially successful product assortments.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead design teams, set creative direction, and inspire innovative product development.

• Product Development Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end apparel product development process, from concept to production.

• Knit Tops & Bottoms Specialization: Deep technical knowledge and design aesthetic specifically for knit tops and bottoms, including fabric properties, construction techniques, and fit.

• Junior Apparel Market Acumen: In-depth knowledge of junior apparel trends, consumer preferences, key competitors, and market dynamics.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Experience effectively managing, motivating, and developing a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

• Assortment Planning & Line Building: Ability to strategically plan and build cohesive product assortments that meet commercial targets and brand objectives.

• Technical Design Proficiency: Strong understanding of tech packs, flat sketches, garment construction, and fit analysis.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating detailed sketches and tech packs, and Adobe Photoshop for creating mood boards and visual presentations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to partner effectively with merchandising, production, technical design, and international teams.

• Trend Interpretation & Translation: Skill in identifying relevant fashion trends and translating them into commercially viable designs for the target market.

• Market Research: Ability to conduct competitive shopping and market analysis to identify product opportunities and inform design strategy.

• Presentation Skills: Strong verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and strategies effectively to internal teams and executive leadership.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to strict timelines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Private Label Account Experience: Direct experience designing for major private label accounts such as Macy’s, Meijer, Ross, Belk, and Walmart.

• Walmart Experience: Specific experience designing for or with Walmart, understanding their specific product development processes and market requirements.

• Global Sourcing & Production: Familiarity with international production processes, overseas factory communication, and global supply chain dynamics.

• Fabric & Trim Sourcing: Experience in sourcing and developing fabrics and trims to meet cost, quality, and aesthetic requirements.

• Price Engineering: Understanding of how design decisions impact product cost and the ability to engineer products for specific price points.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative vision and practical, operational execution. The explicit mention of "junior apparel experience required" and "5+ years of experience managing a design team" sets clear expectations for seniority and specialization. The inclusion of specific retail partners like Walmart suggests a need for candidates who understand the nuances of private label development for large-scale retailers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required, showcasing a strong design aesthetic and technical capability in knit tops and bottoms for the junior apparel market.

• Demonstrate a clear progression from concept ideation to final product, including market trend analysis, mood boards, color palettes, and detailed sketches.

• Include examples of tech packs and flat sketches created using Adobe Illustrator, highlighting attention to detail and technical accuracy.

• Showcase experience in building cohesive product assortments, illustrating how designs balance innovation with commercial viability and line plan objectives.

• Present case studies or examples of successful product development cycles, ideally demonstrating collaboration with merchandising and production teams.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, including workflow for concept development, trend research, and sample review stages.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and managing detailed tech packs and spec sheets, ensuring clear communication for overseas production.

• Showcase how you've contributed to or managed the implementation of design-related process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency or improving product quality.

• Illustrate your approach to fit reviews and sample approvals, including documentation of feedback and correction processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on product development and team leadership, the portfolio should not only highlight creative output but also demonstrate operational process management, technical documentation skills, and the ability to translate market needs into actionable design plans. The emphasis on "commercial success" implies a need to show how designs have translated into sales and profitability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 8+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like New York City, specializing in apparel design and team management, the estimated salary range is $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the company's financial performance, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided listing, typical benefits packages for full-time positions at companies of this nature often include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), potentially with employer matching contributions.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee discounts on company products.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the fast-paced nature of the apparel industry and leadership responsibilities, flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours, especially during peak seasons or critical development phases, may be expected. Travel, both domestic and international, is also noted as a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Director role in New York City within the apparel industry, considering the experience level and leadership responsibilities. It is crucial for candidates to confirm the actual salary and benefits package directly with GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing & Import. GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC. operates within the dynamic and competitive fashion industry, specializing in the import and distribution of apparel. The company likely engages in designing, sourcing, and supplying garments to various retail partners.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but based on the mention of multiple private label accounts (Macy's, Walmart, etc.) and a team management requirement, it's reasonable to infer that GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC. is a mid-sized to large organization with established operations in the apparel import and design sector.

Founded: The founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a dedicated design team, likely comprising Senior Designers, Designers, Associate Designers, and Graphic Designers for knit tops and bottoms within the juniors category.

• This role reports to a higher-level creative executive, such as a Creative Director or VP of Design, and works in close partnership with the Merchandising Director.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a data-informed approach to design, integrating market trend analysis, competitive research, and sales data to inform product development strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, with a strong emphasis on adhering to seasonal timelines and Time & Action calendars to ensure timely delivery of products to retail partners.

• Automation may be utilized in design documentation and communication, with advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop being key. Collaboration with overseas teams suggests a need for clear, standardized communication protocols.

Company Website: https://www.goldentouchgroup.com/ (Inferred from company domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on private label accounts suggests a business model driven by strong retailer relationships and the ability to deliver on-trend, cost-effective products. The "import" aspect implies a significant global sourcing component.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and product development function. It is a strategic role that requires not only creative vision but also strong management capabilities, operational oversight, and the ability to influence business outcomes through product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or VP of Design. They will manage a team of designers and work collaboratively with peers in Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on revenue by shaping the product assortments that drive sales for house labels and private label accounts. Strategic design decisions influence product adoption by retailers, inventory turnover, and ultimately, the company's profitability and market position in the competitive juniors apparel sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to VP/Creative Director: Successful performance in this role can lead to opportunities for promotion to VP of Design, Creative Director, or similar executive leadership positions, overseeing broader design categories or the entire design function.

• Category Expansion: Potential to expand design responsibilities to include other apparel categories beyond knit tops and bottoms.

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to play a more significant role in overall brand strategy, market positioning, and long-term product development roadmaps.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Continued growth in leadership by building and developing high-performing design teams, potentially leading to roles focused on talent development within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Director in apparel often involves moving into broader creative leadership roles or specializing further within a specific product category. The impact on revenue is a key aspect of this role, linking design execution directly to business performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role located in New York City, a major hub for the fashion industry. The office environment is likely to be dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative, reflecting the nature of apparel design and development.

Office Location(s): 500 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018. This address places the company in the heart of Manhattan's fashion district, offering proximity to showrooms, fabric suppliers, and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with areas for design conceptualization, mood boards, sample review, and team meetings.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including up-to-date Adobe Creative Suite software and potentially 3D design software, will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design team members, cross-functional partners (merchandising, production), and potentially external stakeholders during sales appointments.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demands of the fashion industry, particularly during peak seasons, market weeks, and product development deadlines, may require flexibility and extended hours. Travel, both domestic and international, is also an expected part of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being located in New York City's fashion district provides significant advantages in terms of industry access, networking, and staying current with trends. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the HR department or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Creative Director or VP of Design) focusing on design philosophy, leadership style, team management experience, and strategic approach to product development.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, design process, market analysis, and commercial outcomes. This is a critical stage to demonstrate technical skills, creative vision, and leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of operational constraints, and ability to work effectively across departments.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership, potentially including the CEO or President, to assess overall fit with the company culture, strategic thinking, and potential for long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your expertise in junior knit tops and bottoms. Highlight projects that demonstrate commercial success and your role in achieving it.

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by season, product category, or project type. For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the process undertaken, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results (e.g., sales performance, margin improvements, successful retailer adoption).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include clear examples of your tech packs and flat sketches, demonstrating precision and attention to detail.

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include examples of how you've led team projects, mentored junior designers, or influenced design direction.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize your understanding of the junior apparel market and your experience with private label accounts if applicable. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC.'s brand aesthetic and business goals.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure a smooth, confident, and concise presentation. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices and processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which could involve creating a mini-collection based on a given brief, analyzing a competitor's line, or presenting a product strategy for a specific retail partner.

• Practice articulating your design process, trend forecasting methods, and how you balance creative vision with commercial objectives under time constraints.

• Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you handle team conflict, and how you manage development timelines and production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio presentation. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their understanding of the full product lifecycle and their ability to lead a team effectively in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating detailed flat sketches, technical drawings, and tech packs. Advanced proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for creating mood boards, color palettes, print designs, and visual presentations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for line planning, data analysis, and tracking; Word for documentation; and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for the design function. However, understanding how design inputs feed into broader company systems (e.g., PLM - Product Lifecycle Management, ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, reflecting standard industry tools for apparel design. Any experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software would be a significant advantage, as these systems are widely used for managing product data, specifications, and workflows in the apparel industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries while staying grounded in market realities and commercial viability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively across departments, fostering open communication and mutual respect.

• Efficiency & Execution: A commitment to meeting deadlines, managing processes effectively, and delivering high-quality products on time.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and responding to the needs of the junior apparel market and the requirements of retail partners.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing market insights, sales data, and trend analysis to inform design and product development strategies.

Collaboration Style:

• The company likely fosters a collaborative environment where design, merchandising, and production teams work in close partnership. Open communication channels and regular cross-functional meetings are expected.

• Feedback is likely exchanged openly and constructively, with a focus on continuous improvement and problem-solving.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, especially in understanding market trends, new materials, and production capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's success hinges on its ability to translate trends into commercially successful products for major retailers. Therefore, values emphasizing collaboration, efficiency, and a keen understanding of the market are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Market: The junior apparel market is highly trend-driven and fast-paced, requiring constant adaptation and quick turnaround times for design and development.

• Balancing Creativity with Commerciality: The primary challenge is to innovate and create visually appealing designs while ensuring they meet price point, production, and sales targets for diverse retail partners.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Coordinating with overseas production teams to ensure timely and accurate sample development and production can be complex due to time zone differences, cultural nuances, and logistical hurdles.

• Team Motivation & Development: Effectively managing and inspiring a design team, particularly during high-pressure periods, while supporting their individual growth.

• Retailer-Specific Requirements: Adapting designs and processes to meet the unique demands and specifications of different private label accounts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Staying at the forefront of fashion trends through market research, trade shows, and industry publications.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing management and strategic leadership skills through experience and potential company-sponsored training programs.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn new design software, explore 3D design technologies, or deepen knowledge in fabric innovation and garment construction.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining a deeper understanding of merchandising, production, and supply chain operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in the fashion industry but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact within a dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal knit top and bottom collection for the junior market. How do you balance trend forecasting with commercial viability and brand aesthetic?" (Prepare to walk through your methodology, including market research, concept development, and assortment planning.)

• "Walk us through a time you successfully led a design team to achieve a challenging product development goal. What was your leadership approach, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on your team management, problem-solving, and ability to drive results.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with merchandising and production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, meet price points, and align with sales strategies?" (Provide specific examples of how you've worked with these departments to overcome obstacles and achieve common goals.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC. and our position in the market?" (Research the company's website, recent news, and its key retail partners.)

• "How do you foster a creative and collaborative environment within a design team?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy and strategies for team motivation and development.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives. Explain the problem, your solution (design), the process, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "This collection exceeded sales targets by X%," or "We achieved Y% margin improvement through strategic fabric sourcing").

• Highlight Leadership: For team projects, clearly delineate your specific contributions and leadership role.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including construction, fabric choices, and the details within your tech packs.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe, ensuring you cover key points without overwhelming the audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strong leadership, operational understanding, and a commercial mindset, all tailored to the junior apparel market and GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC.'s business model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in junior apparel design, knit tops and bottoms specialization, team management (5+ years), and private label account work. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Director," "Product Development," "Trend Translation," and "Adobe Illustrator."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and showcases your strongest work relevant to this role. Be ready to present it confidently, highlighting your technical skills, creative process, commercial impact, and leadership abilities.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with GOLDEN TOUCH IMPORTS INC., its brands, its key retail partners (Macy's, Walmart, etc.), and its general market position. Understand their aesthetic and business model.

• Practice Interview Answers: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to design leadership, team management, product development challenges, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.