Textile Design Manager, Girls + Toddler Girls

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Textile Design Manager, Girls + Toddler Girls

Company: Gap Inc.

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic development and execution of color, print, and pattern identities for Gap Outlet's Girls and Toddler Girls apparel lines, ensuring brand consistency and market relevance.

• Lead and mentor a team of CAD Textile Designers and Associate Designers, fostering a high-performing and technically adept team environment.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of seasonal print, yarn dye, and embroidery concepts within CAD systems, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of production-ready artwork.

• Maintain a keen understanding of market trends in print and CAD technology, translating insights into actionable design strategies and seasonal color palettes.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Production, R&D, and Merchandising teams to ensure seamless product development from conceptualization through to final design, meeting all business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on creative aspects, the "Manager" title and responsibilities like "quality of services," "business partner needs," "resources, budget, and adherence to policies," and "end results of team" indicate a significant operational component. This role requires not just creative vision but also the operational rigor to manage a team, processes, and deadlines within a large retail organization, positioning it within the broader scope of GTM Operations, specifically in the creative execution and product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling seasonal print, yarn dye, and embroidery pattern concepts aligned with brand aesthetic and target market.

• Curate and build out cohesive print and pattern stories from seasonal concepts, incorporating various techniques like yarn dye and embroidery.

• Lead, mentor, and guide CAD Textile Designers and Associate Designers, promoting skill development and team performance.

• Manage the CAD system to ensure prints and yarn dyes are accurately maintained in multiple colorways and sizes, optimizing for efficiency and meeting deadlines.

• Prepare comprehensive artwork packages that adhere to production-ready standards, providing clear recommendations to meet business requirements.

• Serve as a key advisor and point of contact for business partners, including design, production, R&D, and merchandising, ensuring their needs are met.

• Manage team resources, budget, and adherence to company policies, taking responsibility for team outcomes.

• Stay abreast of market trends in print and CAD technology, providing relevant imagery and insights to inform seasonal color palettes and pattern boards.

• Ensure the quality of services provided by the team meets or exceeds the expectations of internal stakeholders.

• Contribute to the overall product development process from conceptualization to finished design for textiles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative direction and operational management. The emphasis on "preparing artwork packages that comply with production ready standards," "quality of services and advice in meeting business partner needs," and "responsibility over resources, budget and adherence to policies" points to a need for robust process management, cross-functional coordination, and team operational oversight, aligning it with GTM Operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in textile design, with a strong focus on print, pattern, and color development within the apparel industry.

• Proven experience in a management or leadership role, guiding and developing design teams.

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of CAD systems and software, specifically NedGraphics, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Deep understanding of print and textile designs, including techniques like yarn dye and embroidery.

• Proficient in color matching and the creation of multiple colorways.

• Strong ability to lead, influence, and develop a high-performing team of designers.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Awareness of product development processes from conceptualization to finished design for textiles.

• Ability to analyze complex situations, assess data, make sound judgments, and recommend solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with trend forecasting and market research related to apparel and textile trends.

• Familiarity with Gap Outlet's brand aesthetic and target demographic.

• Experience in managing budgets and resources.

• Knowledge of production-ready artwork standards and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Who You Are" section strongly emphasizes technical CAD skills, team leadership, and foundational knowledge of product development. The AI-derived experience level of 5-10 years positions this as a mid-to-senior level management role, requiring a candidate who can not only create but also operationalize the design process for a specific product category.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-curated portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of print, pattern, and color development for apparel.

• Demonstrations of CAD proficiency, including examples of repeats, colorways, and scale variations created using software like NedGraphics, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Case studies or examples illustrating leadership and team management in a design context, highlighting how you've guided designers to achieve project goals.

• Evidence of understanding and applying production-ready standards in artwork preparation.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design team workflows, from concept ideation through to final artwork delivery.

• Articulate your methods for ensuring consistency and quality in print and color development across multiple SKUs and colorways.

• Discuss your strategies for integrating CAD technology and design processes to maximize efficiency and meet production timelines.

• Be ready to explain how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Production, R&D) to ensure alignment and smooth product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Manager" role in a creative operations context, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics to demonstrating the operational capability to manage a design pipeline, ensure quality, and lead a team through complex processes. This section infers the need to showcase not just the "what" but the "how" of their design management process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee discount on Gap Inc. brands (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta).

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

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within Gap Inc.

• Parental leave policies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours. Flexibility may be available based on team needs and project demands, but the primary expectation is adherence to a regular on-site schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary research for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in New York City indicates a range that reflects the cost of living and industry standards. Gap Inc. is a large, established retailer, so standard benefits packages are expected. The "On-site" nature implies standard working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Retail, Fashion

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1969

Company Description: Gap Inc. is a global apparel retailer offering a distinctive range of clothing, accessories, and personal care products. The company operates through its iconic brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Gap Inc. is committed to inspiring the world to express their individual style and is dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Team Structure:

• The Textile Design Manager will likely be part of the larger Design department for Gap Outlet.

• This team will include Associate Designers, CAD Designers, and potentially Print Designers, reporting directly to the Manager.

• The Manager will report to a Director or VP of Design for the Apparel division, likely within the Gap Outlet specific vertical.

Methodology:

• Gap Inc. emphasizes a data-informed approach to design, balancing creative vision with market insights and sales performance.

• Design processes are structured to ensure brand consistency and efficient product development cycles.

• There's a focus on collaboration and cross-functional partnerships to bring products to market effectively.

• A commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is integrated into many operational and design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company size and industry context suggest a structured, process-oriented environment where operational efficiency and brand integrity are paramount. The "founded" date indicates a long-standing company with established practices. The "Gap Outlet" focus means the team will likely be attuned to value-driven design strategies while maintaining brand identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Management (Design Leadership)

This role represents a significant step in a creative career, moving from individual contributor to team leadership. It requires not only strong design skills but also the ability to manage people, processes, and project pipelines effectively. The focus on driving specific product lines (Girls + Toddler Girls) means this role has direct impact on a key segment of the Gap Outlet business.

Reporting Structure:

The Textile Design Manager will report to a higher-level design executive (e.g., Director or VP of Design). They will directly manage a team of designers, including CAD specialists and Associate Designers. This structure necessitates strong communication and delegation skills.

Operations Impact:

The success of this role directly impacts the revenue generated by the Girls and Toddler Girls categories within Gap Outlet. By developing on-brand, trend-relevant, and production-ready designs efficiently, the manager contributes to:

• Increased sales volume and profitability through desirable product offerings.

• Optimized inventory management by ensuring timely design deliverables that align with seasonal buys.

• Enhanced brand perception and customer loyalty through consistent design quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific apparel categories or design techniques.

• Advancement: Progress to Director-level roles within Design or related departments (e.g., Merchandising, Product Development).

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into roles that leverage design understanding in areas like trend forecasting, brand management, or product strategy.

• Leadership Development: Participate in Gap Inc.'s leadership training programs to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a broader career path, emphasizing the operational aspects of design management and its direct contribution to business outcomes, essential for operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): 55 Thomas Street, New York, NY. This is a major corporate hub, likely offering modern office amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative, fast-paced office environment typical of a large retail headquarters.

• Designers will have access to industry-standard CAD software, workstations, and potentially sample rooms or material libraries.

• Opportunities for interaction with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Production, Marketing) will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work setting.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring a consistent presence at the New York office.

• Standard business hours, approximately 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, are expected.

• Occasional overtime or adjusted schedules may be necessary during peak seasons or critical project phases to meet business objectives and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and corporate office context are important for operations professionals to understand the daily work rhythm and collaboration dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct initial phone screenings to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, leadership style, and technical skills. Expect questions about your approach to team management, print development, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where you'll present your work. This will likely involve walking through specific projects, explaining your creative process, the technical execution (CAD), and the business impact or rationale behind your design choices. Be prepared to discuss how you managed deadlines and collaborated with others.

• Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Production, or R&D to assess your ability to collaborate and understand their needs.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (Director/VP) to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in print, pattern, and color for children's apparel.

• Showcase Process: For each project, demonstrate your end-to-end process: concept generation, research, CAD execution (repeats, colorways, scale), collaboration, and final output.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, highlight any positive business outcomes related to your designs (e.g., best-selling items, successful trend adoption).

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples or case studies of how you've led teams, mentored junior designers, or managed complex projects.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific techniques and challenges overcome using NedGraphics, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Brand Alignment: Show an understanding of how your designs align with brand aesthetics, specifically for Gap Outlet's target audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study exercise. This might involve developing a mini-collection concept or responding to a specific design brief for the girls/toddler girls category.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to think strategically, apply brand guidelines, and deliver creative solutions within defined constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the creative but operationally managed nature of this role. Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative vision and process management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Systems: NedGraphics (required), Adobe Illustrator (required), Adobe Photoshop (required). Proficiency in creating seamless repeats, multiple colorways, and scale variations is essential.

• MS Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint for reporting, data analysis, and presentations.

• Project Management Software: Potentially tools like Asana, Trello, or internal Gap Inc. systems for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Analysis: Ability to interpret sales reports and performance metrics to inform design decisions.

• Trend Forecasting Tools: Familiarity with trend forecasting services or internal research methods.

• Reporting Tools: Experience with generating reports on design progress, team performance, and market insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs feed into merchandising and sales systems is beneficial.

• Automation within CAD software for tasks like colorway generation or repeat creation is a key skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of NedGraphics, Illustrator, and Photoshop highlights the core technical requirements. Understanding how these tools integrate into broader business processes (sales, merchandising) is key for an operations-minded candidate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and evolving the Gap Outlet brand aesthetic in all design outputs.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication and cross-functional partnership are prioritized.

• Efficiency & Execution: Driving processes that ensure timely delivery of high-quality designs, meeting production deadlines and business objectives.

• Innovation & Trend Awareness: Encouraging creative exploration while staying grounded in market trends and consumer insights.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Utilizing sales data and market research to guide design decisions and maximize commercial success.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, regularly engaging with Merchandising, Production, and R&D teams.

• Emphasis on building strong working relationships to ensure alignment and smooth workflow.

• Open to feedback and constructive criticism to refine designs and processes.

• A culture of shared responsibility for the success of the product line.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Gap Inc.'s values and how they apply to a design management role provides insight into the expected team dynamics and operational priorities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Trend Relevance: Ensuring designs are both true to the Gap Outlet brand and appealing to current fashion trends for young consumers.

• Managing Diverse Creative Personalities: Leading a team with varying strengths, working styles, and creative approaches.

• Navigating Fast-Paced Retail Cycles: Meeting tight deadlines inherent in the fashion industry, especially for outlet-specific product assortments.

• Translating Market Data into Creative Output: Effectively using sales data and trend reports to inspire, rather than dictate, design direction.

• Ensuring Production Feasibility: Working closely with production to ensure designs are manufacturable within cost and quality parameters.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized features of NedGraphics, Illustrator, or Photoshop.

• Trend Forecasting Workshops: Access to industry trend forecasting resources and training.

• Leadership Development Programs: Gap Inc. likely offers programs focused on management, strategic planning, and team building.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn more about merchandising, production, and global sourcing processes.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders within Gap Inc.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth areas helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and understand how it fits into their long-term career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal print and color story for a specific demographic, like toddler girls." (Focus on methodology, trend integration, and brand alignment.)

• "How do you manage a team of designers with different skill sets and creative approaches to ensure cohesive output and meet deadlines?" (Highlight leadership, delegation, and conflict resolution.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to adapt a design concept based on production constraints or market feedback. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience.)

• "How do you stay current with textile design and CAD technology trends, and how do you incorporate them into your work and team's development?" (Showcase continuous learning and forward-thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Gap Outlet's brand aesthetic and the opportunity to design for Girls and Toddler Girls?" (Show genuine interest and brand understanding.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within your design team?" (Align with Gap Inc.'s values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the solution (your designs), and the outcome/impact.

• Emphasize Operational Aspects: When discussing your CAD work, mention efficiency gains, colorway management, or production-readiness aspects.

• Showcase Leadership: If presenting team projects, explain your role in guiding the team, assigning tasks, and ensuring quality.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your software usage, design techniques, and problem-solving related to CAD.

• Tailor to Gap Outlet: Connect your portfolio examples to the specific needs and aesthetic of Gap Outlet's children's wear.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring interview preparation to the specific role and company, with a focus on operational execution within a creative field, is key for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Textile Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Gap Inc. careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in print, pattern, and color development for children's apparel. Ensure it highlights your CAD skills (NedGraphics, Illustrator, Photoshop) and showcases your ability to manage design projects from concept to production-ready artwork.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, team management, product development lifecycle, and specific technical skills (CAD software, print techniques, color theory). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed a team of 3 designers," "Developed seasonal prints that contributed to X% sales growth").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to walk through your portfolio with a focus on both creative vision and operational execution.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Gap Outlet's current collections, target audience, and brand positioning. Understand Gap Inc.'s overall mission and values, particularly regarding sustainability and inclusivity. Research recent news or initiatives related to their design or product development departments.

⚠️ 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.

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