Scotch & Soda Design Director, KIDS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Scotch & Soda Design Director, KIDS

Company: United Legwear Company LLC

Location: New York City, NY, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Merchandising Operations

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: 8-10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the conceptualization, design, and development of seasonal Boys' collections for Scotch & Soda Kids, ensuring a cohesive brand aesthetic across the entire Kids' product line.

• Manages the Kids Design Development Calendar, overseeing adherence to timelines, on-time tech pack delivery, and cross-functional coordination for Boys, Girls, and Graphics design streams.

• Serves as a key liaison between Design, Merchandising, Sales, and Production teams to ensure product alignment with customer needs, market trends, and price point objectives.

• Drives continuous improvement in design and merchandising processes, focusing on standardization, cost efficiency, and overall output quality to enhance speed to market.

• Stays abreast of global fashion, childrenswear, and competitive market trends, translating insights into innovative and commercially viable design directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the visual identity and product strategy of the Scotch & Soda Kids' brand. The Design Director will be responsible for not only creative output but also for operational efficiency within the design and development lifecycle, requiring a blend of artistic vision and process management acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and sketching of seasonal Boys' collections from initial concept through to production, while also directing the overall design vision for the broader Kids' apparel category.

• Oversee and manage the Kids Design Development Calendar, ensuring all deadlines are met for tech pack creation, sample approvals, and production handoffs.

• Produce and meticulously maintain detailed technical packs (tech packs), CADs (Computer-Aided Designs), and input data for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, with daily follow-up on factory revisions and approvals.

• Collaborate closely with the Girls Senior Designer, Graphic Designer, and Senior Graphic Designer, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and ensuring seamless coordination across all Kids' design initiatives.

• Act as the primary interface between the design department and merchandising, sales, and production teams, ensuring that all product designs meet customer expectations, market demands, and target price points.

• Present seasonal line plans, design concepts, and merchandising strategies effectively to senior leadership and key stakeholders, articulating the rationale and commercial potential of proposed collections.

• Standardize the selection of colors, fabrics, and trims across the entire Kids' line to maintain brand consistency and optimize the speed-to-market process.

• Partner with factories and the internal costing team to negotiate pricing and refine designs for cost-effectiveness without compromising product quality or brand integrity.

• Evaluate and propose enhancements to existing design and merchandising processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and the overall quality of design output.

• Continuously research and analyze global fashion trends, childrenswear market dynamics, and competitor offerings to inform design direction and identify new product opportunities.

• Maintain and expand proficiency in essential design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), CAD tools, and PLM systems, to support evolving design and merchandising workflows.

• Pursue ongoing professional development in design leadership and merchandising strategy to support potential future growth into broader category oversight within the Kids' division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational execution within the design function. The expectation for managing calendars, tech packs, factory communication, and process improvement indicates a need for a candidate who can balance creative leadership with robust project management and operational oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, or a closely related creative field.

Experience: 8-10+ years of progressive experience in apparel design, with a significant focus on childrenswear and a proven track record in Boys' apparel design.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in managing, mentoring, and developing creative teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Expertise in childrenswear design, with a deep understanding of Boys' apparel trends, market demands, and product development cycles.

• Comprehensive proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop) for sketching, creating technical drawings, and developing visual presentations.

• Hands-on experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing product data and workflows.

• Skill in developing detailed and accurate technical packs (tech packs) and CADs for garment production.

• Strong understanding of the product development calendar from concept initiation through to final production.

• Ability to effectively present design concepts, line plans, and merchandising strategies to internal stakeholders and leadership.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively between design, merchandising, sales, and production teams.

• Strong analytical skills for market trend analysis and translating insights into commercially viable design directions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Acrobat for document management and review.

• Familiarity with costing processes and negotiation with factories for pricing and production efficiency.

• Knowledge of fabric sourcing, trim selection, and color standardization within apparel lines.

• Experience in standardizing processes for improved efficiency and consistency in design and development.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent and operational rigor. Proficiency in specific software like Adobe Creative Suite and PLM systems, along with the ability to manage calendars and tech packs, are crucial for success in this role, indicating the need for candidates with strong technical and organizational capabilities beyond pure design aesthetics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of Boys' apparel designs showcasing seasonal collections from concept to final product, demonstrating a cohesive brand aesthetic and commercial viability.

• Detailed examples of technical packs (tech packs) and CADs created for Boys' garments, highlighting accuracy, clarity, and completeness for factory communication.

• Case studies or examples of how market trends and customer insights were translated into successful design proposals and product lines.

• Documentation or visual representation of how design and development processes were managed, ideally demonstrating calendar adherence and cross-functional collaboration.

• Examples of leadership in design, showcasing how teams were managed, mentored, and how creative direction was provided to achieve project goals. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate the candidate's role in standardizing design elements (e.g., color palettes, fabric choices) for improved efficiency and brand consistency.

• Evidence of involvement in the costing and negotiation process with factories, demonstrating an ability to balance design vision with cost-effectiveness.

• Examples of how existing design or merchandising processes were evaluated and improved, highlighting a proactive approach to operational enhancement.

• Visuals or descriptions of how design concepts and line plans were presented to stakeholders, showcasing communication and presentation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase creative talent but also demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from market research and concept generation to technical design, factory collaboration, and cost management. Evidence of process optimization and leadership within design workflows will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $155,000 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 days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued education in design and leadership.

• Employee discounts on Scotch & Soda and other United Legwear & Apparel Co. products.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Exposure to a dynamic global brand and a collaborative work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for extended hours during peak design and production periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $130,000 - $155,000 USD per year is competitive for a Design Director role in New York City, aligning with industry benchmarks for individuals with 8-10+ years of specialized experience in childrenswear design and leadership. Benefits are standard for a full-time position in the apparel industry, with specific mention of professional development and employee discounts being attractive perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Accessories, with a strong focus on legwear, bodywear, and children's fashion. United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) operates as a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor.

Company Size: ULAC is a growing company, transforming from its founding in 1998 into a global entity. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the description implies a significant operational scale that supports international distribution and a diverse product range. This suggests an environment where process efficiency and scalability are key.

Founded: 1998. Founded by Isaac E. Ash with the mission to create the best legwear on the market, ULAC has experienced exponential growth, evolving into a comprehensive apparel and accessories company.

Team Structure:

• The Kids' design team is collaborative, working in conjunction with the Girls Senior Designer, Graphic Designer, and Senior Graphic Designer.

• The Design Director will oversee Boys' design and have overall Kids area oversight, implying a leadership role within this specific division.

• Close collaboration with Merchandising, Sales, and Production departments is essential, indicating a cross-functional operational structure. Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering superior products with superior customer satisfaction.

• Commitment to integrity of goods, with compliance and quality assurance as top priorities.

• Focus on meeting delivery dates, highlighting efficient logistics and supply chain management.

• Core values of Unity, Loyalty, Advancement, and Charity drive company operations and culture.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for market trend analysis and commercial viability assessments.

Company Website: https://ulac.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ULAC's culture is built on strong foundational values: Unity, Loyalty, Advancement, and Charity. For operations professionals, this translates to a work environment that values teamwork, employee development, and ethical practices. The company's growth trajectory suggests a dynamic and potentially fast-paced setting where efficiency and process optimization are crucial for scaling operations effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and product development operations. As a Design Director, the individual is expected to lead a significant product category (Kids), manage a team, and contribute to strategic decision-making regarding product assortment, brand aesthetic, and market positioning. The scope includes daily operational management of the design process as well as strategic input for future collections.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a higher-level executive within the apparel or design division, likely a VP of Design or Chief Merchandising Officer. They will, in turn, lead and mentor junior designers and graphic designers within the Kids' team.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts revenue through the creation of commercially successful and trend-aligned product lines. Efficient management of the design and development process, including calendar adherence and cost negotiation, directly influences profitability and speed to market. Their strategic input shapes the brand's aesthetic, brand perception, and competitive standing in the childrenswear market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into broader category oversight, managing multiple product lines or divisions within the Kids' segment, or even leading the entire Kids' design department.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in high-level merchandising strategy, brand development, and long-term product roadmap planning.

• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to deepen understanding and collaboration with other operational areas such as supply chain, global sourcing, and retail merchandising.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop design talent, building a strong team and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step into leadership within the apparel design operations. Success here can pave the way for executive roles within the company or broader leadership positions in the fashion industry, particularly for those who demonstrate strong operational management alongside creative vision.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in New York City, a major hub for the fashion industry. It is an on-site position, indicating a need for regular in-office presence for team collaboration and direct oversight. The environment is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative, typical of fashion houses and apparel companies.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY, US (specifically noted as 10018, which is in the Midtown Manhattan area, a central business district). This location offers accessibility via public transportation and proximity to industry resources and partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace that encourages interaction with design teams, merchandising, sales, and production. Open-plan areas or team-based workstations are common.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems) and potentially physical resources like fabric libraries, mood boards, and sample rooms.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with direct reports and cross-functional colleagues is integral to the role, facilitating quick decision-making and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of the fashion industry, especially during peak seasons or critical development phases, often requires flexibility and extended hours to meet deadlines. This may involve working evenings or weekends to ensure timely delivery of design commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime New York City location underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, rapid communication, and immersion in the fashion industry ecosystem. Candidates should be prepared for a hands-on, collaborative, and potentially demanding work schedule common in this sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative alignment with the Scotch & Soda brand.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A session where candidates present their Boys' design portfolio, discussing their creative process, market insights, and leadership approach. This will likely include behavioral questions and discussions about past projects and challenges.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., Girls Senior Designer, Graphic Designers, Merchandising leads) and potentially senior leadership to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): A potential design challenge or case study focusing on creating a mini-collection concept or solving a specific design/production problem.

• Final Interview: A concluding conversation with senior management to discuss the role in depth, compensation, and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Boys' Expertise: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best Boys' apparel design work, highlighting seasonal collections, trend integration, and commercial appeal.

• Demonstrate Process: Include examples of tech packs, CADs, and explain your role in the product development calendar and factory communication. Show your understanding of the operational aspects of design.

• Highlight Leadership: Provide examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and influenced design direction. Discuss your management style and success in team-building.

• Brand Alignment: Articulate how your design aesthetic and process align with the Scotch & Soda brand identity and its target demographic for Kids' wear.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically and be prepared to walk through your key projects concisely, focusing on achievements and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Trend Research: Be ready to discuss current and upcoming childrenswear trends, competitor analysis, and how you would translate these into a Scotch & Soda Kids' collection.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare for questions about managing design timelines, resolving production issues, or balancing creative vision with cost constraints.

• Brand Understanding: Research Scotch & Soda's brand ethos, its existing Kids' lines, and its overall market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio, which must demonstrate not only creative talent but also a strong grasp of operational processes, leadership capabilities, and brand alignment. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design philosophy, management style, and how they contribute to the business objectives of product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all visual design work, including Illustrator for technical drawings and vector art, and Photoshop for mood boards, renderings, and digital presentations.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Critical for managing product data, tracking development progress, and facilitating communication throughout the product lifecycle. Candidates should be familiar with inputting and managing data within such systems.

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software: Used for creating detailed technical drawings and specifications required for manufacturing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an "operations" tool in the traditional sense, familiarity with market data and trend reporting tools is valuable for informing design decisions. The ability to interpret sales data and customer feedback to refine designs is also a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Generally not a primary tool for a Design Director, but understanding how CRM data informs merchandising and sales strategies can be beneficial for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PLM systems is non-negotiable for this role. These are the core tools that enable the design and development process to function efficiently and effectively. The ability to leverage these tools for creating detailed technical documentation and managing product data is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Unity: Emphasized as a core value, suggesting a need for strong teamwork and collaboration within the design team and across departments. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to a cohesive team effort.

• Loyalty: Implies a commitment to the company and its people, fostering an environment of support and mutual respect. This translates to reliable performance and dedication to team goals.

• Advancement: The company promotes growth and upward mobility. For operations, this means opportunities to take on more responsibility, develop new skills, and progress within the organization.

• Charity: A commitment to social responsibility. While not directly operational, it shapes the company's ethical framework and may influence sourcing or sustainability practices.

• Efficiency & Quality: Implicit in the company's mission to deliver superior products at affordable prices, with a focus on compliance and quality assurance. Operations professionals are expected to drive efficiency and maintain high standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Merchandising, Sales, and Production. This suggests a culture where interdepartmental communication and alignment are actively encouraged and necessary for success.

• Feedback Culture: The need to provide direction and feedback to designers implies an environment where constructive criticism is part of the workflow, aimed at improving design output and team performance.

• Process-Oriented: The emphasis on managing calendars, tech packs, and continuous improvement points to a culture that values structured processes and systematic approaches to design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values—Unity, Loyalty, Advancement, and Charity—provide a framework for understanding the expected workplace culture. For operations roles, this means valuing teamwork, supporting colleagues, seeking growth, and maintaining high ethical and quality standards in all processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Ensuring that innovative designs are also commercially viable, meet price point targets, and align with market trends requires constant negotiation and strategic thinking.

• Managing Global Production Timelines: Coordinating with factories, often across different time zones and with varying capabilities, to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products can be complex.

• Maintaining Brand Cohesion: Ensuring that all Kids' categories (Boys, Girls, Graphics) reflect a consistent Scotch & Soda aesthetic while catering to specific age groups and product types.

• Driving Process Efficiency: Continuously evaluating and optimizing design and development workflows to improve speed to market and reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

• Leading a Creative Team: Motivating and guiding designers, fostering creativity while ensuring adherence to deadlines and brand standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to refine leadership and team management skills, potentially leading larger teams or broader design functions.

• Strategic Merchandising: Deeper involvement in category strategy, product assortment planning, and go-to-market strategies.

• Supply Chain & Operations Exposure: Gaining a more comprehensive understanding of manufacturing, logistics, and global supply chain operations through close collaboration.

• Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis: Enhancing skills in identifying and interpreting market trends to drive future product innovation.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, workshops, or courses focused on design leadership, childrenswear trends, and apparel operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for growth within a reputable fashion brand. The challenges are typical for a senior design leadership position in a fast-paced industry, offering valuable experience in operational efficiency, strategic product development, and team management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a cohesive Boys' collection for Scotch & Soda Kids, considering current market trends and the brand's established aesthetic?" (Focus on process, trend integration, and brand alignment.)

• "Describe your experience managing a product development calendar. How do you ensure timely delivery of tech packs and samples from factories, and what do you do when issues arise?" (Focus on project management, operational execution, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance creative innovation with the need for cost-efficiency in apparel design? Provide an example of a time you successfully navigated this." (Focus on business acumen, negotiation, and practical application.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a technical pack. What are the key elements you ensure are included for effective factory communication?" (Focus on technical skills and attention to detail.)

• "How do you lead and mentor a design team? Describe your approach to providing feedback and fostering a collaborative creative environment." (Focus on leadership and team management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as the unique selling proposition of Scotch & Soda Kids, and how would your design leadership enhance it?" (Demonstrates research and strategic thinking.)

• "The company values Unity, Loyalty, Advancement, and Charity. How do these values resonate with your own work philosophy and how would you embody them in this role?" (Assesses cultural fit and alignment.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with merchandising, sales, and production teams? What strategies do you employ to ensure alignment?" (Evaluates cross-functional collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story – from market insight and concept development to design execution and final product.

• Highlight Leadership Role: Clearly articulate your contributions and leadership in each project, especially for team-based initiatives.

• Showcase Operational Understanding: Be ready to discuss your role in the tech pack creation, calendar management, and factory communication aspects of your projects.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or examples to demonstrate the commercial success or efficiency gains achieved through your designs or process improvements.

• Brand Relevance: Tailor your presentation to emphasize how your skills and aesthetic are a strong match for Scotch & Soda Kids.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both the creative and operational aspects of design leadership. Be prepared to articulate your strategic thinking, leadership style, and how you translate market trends into commercially successful products while managing the intricacies of the apparel development process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ADP workforcenow portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in childrenswear design, Boys' apparel, leadership roles, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems, and tech pack development. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Managed design calendar for X collections," "Reduced sample revision rate by Y%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest Boys' designs, demonstrating seasonal collection development, technical skills (CADs, tech packs), and leadership experience. Organize it logically and be prepared to present it effectively.

• Research the Brand: Thoroughly understand Scotch & Soda's brand identity, its Kids' market position, and its core values. Be ready to articulate how your design philosophy aligns with the brand.

• Prepare for Behavioral & Situational Questions: Practice answering questions about your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and experience with cross-functional collaboration and operational challenges within design.

⚠️ 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.