Senior Product Designer Womenswear/ Accessoires (d/m/w)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Womenswear/ Accessoires (d/m/w)

Company: VIVI MARI

Location: Köln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Festanstellung (Full-time/Part-time)

Category: Product Design & Development (Fashion Operations)

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design and product development lifecycle for womenswear and accessories, from initial concept through to market-ready products, ensuring alignment with VIVI MARI's sustainable and vegan brand ethos.

• Evolve and maintain the distinct design DNA of VIVI MARI, guaranteeing a consistent, brand-appropriate product identity across all collections.

• Develop commercially viable and strategically relevant collections by translating market trends, target audience needs, and evolving market dynamics into compelling product strategies.

• Bridge the gap between creative vision and economic success by ensuring all products are not only aesthetically strong but also achieve target KPIs and sales performance.

• Analyze sales data and product performance metrics to derive actionable insights and implement optimizations for improved product success and inventory management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for the GTM strategy of VIVI MARI, directly impacting product-market fit and revenue generation through effective product design and development. The "d/m/w" designation indicates inclusivity for diverse genders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of womenswear and accessory collections, from initial sketches to final product samples.

• Define and refine the VIVI MARI design language, ensuring all product lines reflect the brand's commitment to sustainability, veganism, and everyday wearability.

• Conduct comprehensive trend forecasting and market analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform product strategy, ensuring commercial relevance and competitive advantage.

• Manage the product lifecycle, including material sourcing, fit development, construction detailing, and prototyping, ensuring quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, sales, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure seamless product execution and market launch.

• Analyze sales performance data, customer feedback, and market trends to identify areas for product improvement and strategic adjustments, driving continuous optimization.

• Oversee the creation and approval of prototypes and samples, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and brand integrity.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, negotiating terms and ensuring ethical and sustainable production practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Verbindung von Kreativität & Wirtschaftlichkeit" and "Produktmanagement & Performance-Analyse" indicates a strong focus on data-driven decision-making within the design process, a hallmark of effective GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in Product Design or Product Management within the fashion industry, specifically focusing on Womenswear and Accessories.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product design and product development for womenswear and accessories.

• Strong trend analysis and market analysis capabilities, with the ability to translate insights into commercial product strategies.

• Demonstrated success in commercial product development, balancing creative vision with sales performance and KPI analysis.

• Expertise in material development, understanding fabric properties, sourcing, and sustainable options.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and other relevant design software for sketching, technical drawings, and mood boards.

• Excellent understanding of fashion construction, fit development, and prototyping processes.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional team integration with production, sales, and marketing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainable and vegan material sourcing and certification.

• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software.

• Knowledge of supply chain management and production oversight.

• Experience in a fast-growing startup or label environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of experience and proficiency in design tools like Adobe Illustrator, combined with strong analytical skills for KPI performance, positions this role as a mid-to-senior level contributor within the product operations function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of womenswear and accessory designs, demonstrating a clear progression from concept to final product.

• Case studies highlighting successful product launches, emphasizing how design decisions contributed to commercial success (e.g., sales performance, market penetration).

• Examples of technical drawings, material specifications, and fit assessments to illustrate a deep understanding of product construction and development processes.

• Demonstrations of how market trends and target audience insights were integrated into product strategies and design outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured approaches to collection development, including mood boards, concept outlines, and product line planning.

• Examples of material and product development processes, detailing selection criteria, testing, and quality control measures.

• Workflows illustrating the prototyping and fitting process, including how feedback was incorporated for design refinement.

• Documentation of how performance analysis and sales data were used to optimize existing product lines or inform future collections.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of the role and the emphasis on commercial success, the portfolio should strongly emphasize quantifiable results and a structured approach to product development, showcasing the candidate's ability to impact revenue and brand growth.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Cologne, Germany, the estimated salary range is typically between €55,000 - €75,000 per annum. This range considers the experience level, industry (fashion), and location (Cologne, a major German city with a strong fashion presence).

Benefits:

• High individual development potential within a rapidly growing label.

• Competitive salary and personalized perks.

• Flexible working hours to support work-life integration.

• Hybrid work model (Office & Homeoffice) for enhanced flexibility.

• Discounts on VIVI MARI products, reflecting a commitment to employee appreciation.

• Regular team events fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

• Office located in a prime location in Cologne, offering a desirable work environment.

Working Hours: The role typically involves a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered to accommodate personal needs and project demands, aligning with the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German cities and factors in the "Senior" title and the company's growth stage. Benefits are detailed as provided in the input, with emphasis on professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail & Apparel, with a strong focus on Sustainable and Vegan products. VIVI MARI operates within a growing market segment that values ethical production and environmental consciousness.

Company Size: A young, rapidly growing label, indicating a dynamic and agile organizational structure. This suggests a less hierarchical environment with opportunities for significant individual contribution and impact.

Founded: The company was founded recently, as indicated by its status as a "young label" experiencing "rapid growth." This implies a culture of innovation, speed, and a willingness to adapt.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely lean and integrated, with close collaboration between design, production, sales, and marketing.

• Reporting structures are expected to be flat, with direct access to leadership and a focus on individual responsibility.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging sales performance analysis and market trends to guide product development.

• Agile and iterative approach to design and development, allowing for quick adaptation to market feedback.

• Emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices embedded in all operational processes.

• Collaborative problem-solving and a focus on achieving shared goals within the team.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided, assumed to be vivimari.com based on domain_derived]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights a culture that values speed, autonomy, and direct impact, which is attractive to professionals seeking to make a tangible difference in a growing organization. The focus on sustainability is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Product Designer role is a significant contributor within the GTM operations, responsible for shaping the product offering that drives revenue. It sits at a mid-to-senior level, requiring both creative expertise and a strong understanding of commercial performance and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Head of Design, Product Lead, or directly to the founders, given the company's startup nature. This offers high visibility and direct interaction with key decision-makers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer has a direct and substantial impact on VIVI MARI's revenue and brand positioning. Their ability to create desirable, commercially viable, and brand-aligned products directly influences sales, market share, and brand perception within the sustainable fashion niche.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., sustainable materials, accessory design) or move into more strategic product management roles.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Head of Product role as the company expands, managing a team and influencing broader product strategy.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in sustainable fashion, market trend analysis, and advanced design tools, supported by the company's growth and potential for external training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hohes individuelles Entwicklungspotenzial" suggests a commitment to employee growth, making this role attractive for ambitious professionals looking for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. The office is described as being in a "Bestlage" (prime location) in Cologne, suggesting a modern and well-situated workspace.

Office Location(s): The studio is located in the Gerling-Quartier in Cologne, Germany, a desirable and accessible area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages a balance of focused individual work at home and collaborative brainstorming or team meetings in the office.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Adobe Illustrator) and potentially other project management or PLM tools necessary for product development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the international team through planned meetings, team events, and informal office gatherings.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring core business hours and project deadlines are met, supported by the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Prime Office Location" and "Hybrid" work arrangement are significant draws, indicating a modern and employee-centric approach to the work environment, which is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in competitive roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with the hiring manager or a key team member to evaluate your experience, design philosophy, and alignment with VIVI MARI's brand and culture. Expect questions about your past projects and how you approach design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A crucial step where you will present a selection of your work, focusing on specific projects that demonstrate your skills in commercial product development, trend analysis, and sustainability. Be prepared to articulate your design process, the rationale behind your decisions, and the impact of your work.

• Second Interview/Team Meet: An opportunity to meet more of the team, discuss operational aspects, and assess cultural fit. This might involve a more in-depth discussion of your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in womenswear/accessories, highlight your design DNA contribution, and demonstrate commercial success.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your approach (including trend analysis and material development), your solutions, and the results (quantifiable if possible, e.g., sales uplift, positive market reception).

• Highlight Sustainability: Emphasize how you integrated sustainable and vegan principles into your designs and material choices.

• Technical Proficiency: Include examples of technical drawings, spec sheets, and construction details to demonstrate your understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Brand Alignment: Articulate how your design aesthetic aligns with VIVI MARI's brand values and target audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that might involve developing a mini-collection based on a given brief, focusing on sustainability and commercial viability.

• Practice articulating your design process and strategic thinking under time constraints.

• Research VIVI MARI's current offerings and competitive landscape to inform your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent but also business acumen and operational understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating sketches, technical drawings, and product specifications.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for creating mood boards, visual presentations, and mock-ups.

• PLM Software: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems (e.g., Centric PLM, Lectra) is highly beneficial for managing product data, specifications, and workflows in a fashion environment.

• 3D Design Software (Optional but beneficial): Tools like CLO3D or Browzwear are increasingly used in fashion for virtual prototyping, reducing material waste and speeding up the design process.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing sales reports, performance metrics, and e-commerce data (e.g., from Shopify, internal dashboards) to understand product performance.

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel/Google Sheets): For data manipulation, analysis, and reporting on KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by the designer, an understanding of how product data connects to CRM systems (for customer insights) and marketing automation platforms (for product launches) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design software is a baseline requirement. The ability to leverage data for product optimization and an awareness of PLM systems are key indicators of a candidate's operational maturity and effectiveness in a GTM context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability & Ethical Production: A core value driving all decisions, from material sourcing to manufacturing. Operations professionals are expected to champion these principles.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design and development to stay ahead in a dynamic market.

• Commercial Acumen: A strong focus on delivering products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful, contributing directly to business growth.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Agility & Responsiveness: Adapting quickly to market changes, customer feedback, and business needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated & Cross-Functional: Team members are expected to work closely with departments beyond their immediate function, ensuring a holistic approach to product development and launch.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages direct feedback, idea sharing, and transparent discussion of challenges and solutions.

• Ownership & Accountability: Individuals are empowered to take ownership of their work and are accountable for their contributions to team and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of creative passion, ethical responsibility, and business pragmatism, which is ideal for driving successful GTM strategies in the sustainable fashion sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sustainability and Cost: Achieving high sustainability standards while maintaining competitive pricing in a fashion market can be a significant challenge.

• Rapid Growth Management: As a fast-growing label, managing increasing demand, scaling production, and maintaining quality control requires robust operational processes.

• Translating Trends into Brand-Specific Products: Ensuring that trend adoption aligns with VIVI MARI's unique design DNA and doesn't dilute the brand identity.

• Data Integration for Design Decisions: Effectively integrating diverse data sources (sales, market, customer feedback) into the design process to drive truly informed decisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sustainability Certifications: Opportunities to gain certifications or deepen knowledge in sustainable materials, circular economy principles, and ethical supply chains.

• Advanced Design & Tech: Exploring emerging design technologies like 3D fashion design or AI-powered trend forecasting.

• Product Strategy & GTM: Gaining broader exposure to go-to-market strategies, product marketing, and sales operations to understand the full commercial impact of design decisions.

• Leadership Training: As the company grows, opportunities for leadership development and management training will likely arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-growing, mission-driven companies. They also represent significant opportunities for a motivated individual to learn, grow, and make a substantial impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully translated a market trend into a commercially viable product. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on market analysis, design execution, and KPI impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a brand's established design DNA while also pushing creative boundaries?" (Assess understanding of brand consistency and innovation.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a sustainable collection, from material sourcing to final product." (Evaluate knowledge of sustainable practices and operational execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to VIVI MARI's mission of sustainable and vegan fashion?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.)

• "How would you contribute to our agile and collaborative work environment?" (Showcase teamwork and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives – the challenge, your creative and operational solution, and the positive outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (sales figures, conversion rates, customer feedback metrics) to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, including how you conducted research, made material choices, and collaborated with others.

• Brand Fit: Explicitly connect your work to VIVI MARI's brand values, sustainability focus, and target customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss both the creative and operational aspects of your work. The interview will likely assess your ability to balance aesthetic vision with commercial realities and operational efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the VIVI MARI careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 3-5+ years of experience in womenswear/accessories product design, emphasizing achievements related to commercial success, sustainability, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords like "Product Design," "Product Management," "Trend Analysis," "KPI Analysis," and "Sustainable Fashion."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that strongly showcase your ability to blend creativity with commercial viability. Prepare to present specific case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact on sales or brand perception.

• Prepare for a Design Discussion: Research VIVI MARI's current collections, brand ethos, and target market. Be ready to articulate how your design philosophy aligns with their mission and to discuss your approach to sustainable product development.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, storytelling, and demonstrating your understanding of VIVI MARI's operational needs and market position.

⚠️ 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.