Sr. Design Manager, Womens Nike Underwear - PVH

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Manager, Womens Nike Underwear

Company: PVH Corp.

Location: New York, NY Calvin Klein Office, United States of America

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Product Development (Apparel)

Date Posted: 2026-05-18T00:00:00

Experience Level: 7+ years of design experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for women's performance underwear, focusing on innovation, fit, and athlete-informed design.

• Drive creative direction and newness through advanced silhouettes, technical fabrics, and construction techniques.

• Leverage consumer and market insights to translate trends and performance needs into brand-aligned product solutions.

• Ensure cohesive, performance-driven collections that align with brand vision, business goals, and consumer expectations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, innovation, materials, and merchandising teams to bring cutting-edge solutions to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in Design Management, it has significant overlap with Revenue Operations and GTM functions through its focus on translating consumer insights and market trends into commercially viable products that drive revenue and market share. The emphasis on performance, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration is key to GTM success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define the vision and creative direction for women's performance underwear, in partnership with the VP of Design, grounded in athlete insights and brand identity.

• Lead the design team in creating innovative, performance-first products with a focus on fit, function, and modern aesthetics for the Nike Underwear category under PVH.

• Drive newness and product differentiation through advanced silhouettes, technical fabrics, seamless construction, and precision fit that enhance movement, comfort, and support.

• Leverage market, athlete, and competitor insights to identify opportunities for innovation, differentiation, and to inform future design direction.

• Translate identified trends and performance needs into relevant, brand-right product solutions that resonate with the target consumer.

• Build and communicate seasonal design direction through concept tools and milestone presentations, ensuring clear articulation of the product vision.

• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, marketing, product development, innovation, and materials teams to deliver cohesive, performance-driven collections aligned to business goals.

• Oversee sample development, ensuring product integrity, timely execution, and adherence to quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.

• Ensure all product aligns with brand standards, performance goals, and consumer expectations, maintaining a consistent storytelling approach across collections.

• Drive precision in fit, comfort, and performance through rigorous testing, iteration, and detailed feedback loops.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth within the design team, providing mentorship and clear guidance.

• Collaborate effectively across merchandising, marketing, and regional teams to align on consumer needs and market demands.

• Own key product decisions across color, materials, trims, and sample execution, elevating critical decisions as needed to senior leadership.

• Present design direction and product concepts to senior leadership and external partners with clarity, confidence, and compelling design narratives.

• Manage multiple seasons and brands concurrently, delivering high-quality work against fast-paced timelines with a focus on efficiency and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic product lifecycle management, cross-functional alignment, and market-driven product innovation. This aligns closely with GTM operations principles, where understanding market needs and executing product strategies efficiently are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive design experience, with a proven track record in a lead or senior designer role within the Women’s performance underwear space.

Required Skills:

• Proven creative leadership and ability to define and execute a design vision for performance apparel.

• Deep understanding of women's performance underwear market, including athlete insights, consumer needs, and competitive landscape.

• Expertise in technical fabrics, garment construction, and their impact on fit, function, and performance.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for concept development and presentation.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from concept to production.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, capable of articulating design vision and product intent to diverse stakeholders.

• Sharp eye for trend, color, and textile innovation, with the ability to translate insights into commercially viable product solutions.

• Detail-oriented with a relentless focus on quality, fit, execution, and elevating product standards.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, delivering against tight deadlines with precision and accountability.

• High level of ownership, driving day-to-day design decisions while aligning with senior leadership's strategic direction.

• Experience leading and mentoring junior designers, providing clear guidance to elevate product and ensure line consistency.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple seasons and brands concurrently, balancing competing priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Dobby Pro for textile design and Centric PLM for product lifecycle management.

• Familiarity with innovation in seamless construction techniques and advanced fabrications.

• Experience working with licensed brands or in a partnership model (e.g., Nike within PVH).

• Understanding of data analysis and product learnings to inform design direction.

• Experience in fit testing and performance validation for athletic apparel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of specific PLM (Centric PLM) and design software (Dobby Pro) suggests a need for candidates who can leverage technology for process efficiency and data management, a critical aspect of operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive projects demonstrating end-to-end design leadership in women's performance underwear.

• Include case studies that highlight the design process from initial concept and trend research through to final product execution and market launch.

• Present innovative solutions in fit, fabric, and construction that directly address performance enhancement and consumer comfort.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of technical fabric properties, application, and their impact on product performance.

• Illustrate the ability to translate consumer insights and market trends into commercially successful product lines.

• Clearly articulate the design rationale, material choices, and construction techniques used for each project.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how seasonal design direction is translated into actionable design briefs and mood boards.

• Showcase workflow examples for incorporating athlete insights and performance data into the design process.

• Document approaches to fit development, including methods for testing, feedback, and iteration to achieve precision.

• Illustrate processes for collaborating with material sourcing teams to identify and implement innovative fabrications.

• Demonstrate methods for presenting design concepts and product lines to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for design roles, but for operations-minded candidates, it should emphasize process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. The portfolio should highlight how design decisions were informed by data, how processes were optimized, and the resulting impact on product performance and market success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,100 - $169,300 USD per year. This range is based on PVH's estimation of base salary for this role in New York, NY, considering factors such as qualifications, geographic location, and relevant skills.

Benefits:

• Diverse and robust health and insurance benefits to meet varied needs.

• Above-market 401(k) contribution to support retirement savings.

• Career growth opportunities, empowering associates to design their future at PVH.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and seasonal demands characteristic of the apparel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Manager role in New York City, reflecting the experience and leadership required. The benefits package emphasizes long-term employee well-being and career development, aligning with typical offerings for senior roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion Manufacturing (specifically intimate apparel and sportswear). PVH Corp. is a global apparel company that owns iconic brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and is a licensee for brands like Nike.

Company Size: Large enterprise (PVH has over 19,000 employees globally). This size implies established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for broad impact, but also the need for efficient navigation of internal structures.

Founded: PVH was founded in 1881, indicating a long history and deep-rooted experience in the apparel industry.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the VP of Design, indicating a clear leadership hierarchy within the design function.

• The design team likely includes junior designers, assistant designers, and potentially technical designers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on athlete insights, consumer data, and market trends to inform design decisions, moving beyond purely aesthetic choices.

• Performance-Focused Innovation: A core methodology is to create product that enhances athletic performance through advanced materials, construction, and fit.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Processes are designed to foster collaboration and alignment across departments to ensure product meets business objectives, cost targets, and timelines.

• Agile Product Development: The fast-paced nature of the apparel industry and the need to respond to trends suggest an agile approach to seasonal planning and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PVH's position as a major apparel manufacturer and licensee means that operational efficiency, supply chain integration, and market responsiveness are critical. The company culture likely values innovation, brand integrity, and a results-oriented approach, especially in a competitive segment like performance wear.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Management level within the Design function. It requires not only creative expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage teams and complex projects. The scope extends to defining product vision and influencing broader GTM strategies for the category.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the VP of Design. This provides a clear line of sight to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within the design organization. The role also acts as a key liaison with other departments, influencing GTM execution through product strategy.

Operations Impact: The Sr. Design Manager's work directly impacts revenue by creating desirable, high-performance products that resonate with consumers and drive sales. Their ability to innovate and execute efficiently influences market share, brand perception, and profitability. Effective collaboration ensures that product development aligns with sales forecasts and marketing initiatives, a critical component of GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director or VP of Design roles within PVH, overseeing larger teams and broader product categories.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to take on more strategic responsibilities, influencing long-term product roadmaps and GTM strategies for major brands.

• Specialization Deepening: Further specialization in performance apparel innovation, materials science, or specific product categories.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles in Merchandising, Product Management, or Brand Strategy, leveraging design expertise.

• Mentorship and Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to talent development within PVH.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding how design leadership contributes to GTM strategy and revenue generation is key. This role offers a pathway to influence the product pipeline that fuels sales and marketing efforts, making it attractive for those looking to bridge creative and operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the Calvin Klein Office in New York City, indicating a corporate office environment. This suggests a professional setting with access to design studios, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This is a major hub for fashion and retail, offering access to industry resources, talent, and networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, suggesting an open-plan office or shared workspace design that facilitates interaction with merchandising, product development, and marketing teams.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially Dobby Pro), PLM systems (Centric PLM), and potentially 3D design tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the design team for mentorship and guidance, as well as with broader cross-functional teams for project execution and alignment.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, but the fast-paced nature of the apparel industry, particularly around seasonal launches and product development cycles, will likely require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The New York City location is a significant draw for design professionals. The emphasis on collaboration and access to technology suggests a dynamic work environment where operational efficiency in design processes is valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the VP of Design to assess creative vision, leadership style, and alignment with team culture.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their work, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver performance-driven product. This will likely include case studies of past projects.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product Development, Merchandising, and potentially Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or executive to confirm fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in women's performance underwear, highlighting innovation in fit, fabric, and construction.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the insights that guided your decisions, the technical aspects (fabrics, construction), and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, positive consumer reviews, performance improvements).

• Highlight Collaboration: Show examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated their feedback.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Showcase your understanding of technical fabrics, garment construction, and how you applied them to create performance-enhancing products.

• Showcase Leadership: If applicable, include examples of how you mentored junior designers or led design initiatives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Simulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design brief for a new performance underwear product, outlining your initial steps, research methods, and key considerations.

• Trend Analysis: Be ready to discuss current and emerging trends in performance wear, athleisure, and intimate apparel, and how they might influence future product development.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you handle design challenges, conflicts with cross-functional partners, or difficult feedback. Focus on solutions that maintain product integrity and business objectives.

• Brand Alignment: Understand PVH's brand portfolio (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger) and the specific requirements for the Nike Underwear license, demonstrating an ability to design within brand guidelines while pushing innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should treat it as a GTM strategy presentation for their own capabilities, clearly articulating the "product" (their design work) and its "market value" (impact on sales, brand, performance).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical flats, vector graphics, and initial design sketches.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for creating mood boards, color palettes, fabric textures, and presenting visual concepts.

• Adobe InDesign: Useful for compiling design presentations, lookbooks, and seasonal line plans.

• Dobby Pro (Preferred): Specialized software for textile design and fabric development, likely used for creating custom patterns or analyzing fabric structures.

• Centric PLM (Preferred): Product Lifecycle Management software for managing product data, specifications, workflows, and collaboration across the product development lifecycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role, but understanding how CRM data informs consumer insights can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. Experience with Dobby Pro and Centric PLM indicates a company that invests in specialized tools for design and product development efficiency, aligning with operational best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Performance: A driving value is to push boundaries in performance wear through creative design and technical application, ensuring products meet the highest functional standards.

• Athlete-Centricity: Designs are informed by the needs and experiences of athletes, emphasizing practicality, comfort, and support in motion.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams (merchandising, development, marketing) to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive product lines.

• Quality & Detail: A commitment to meticulous execution, ensuring that every aspect of the product, from fabric to stitching, meets rigorous quality standards.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the reputation and standards of the brands PVH manages, including licensed partnerships like Nike.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers actively partner with product developers, material specialists, merchandisers, and marketers.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive feedback from all levels and departments to refine designs and ensure market relevance.

• Process-Oriented: While creative, the team likely adheres to structured design processes and timelines to ensure efficient delivery of seasonal collections.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights on trends, materials, and consumer preferences to foster collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative drive and operational discipline. Success in this role requires not only artistic talent but also the ability to integrate design thinking into a broader business and operational framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Identity with Innovation: Ensuring that new designs for Nike Underwear are innovative and performance-driven while strictly adhering to both Nike's brand guidelines and PVH's operational standards.

• Fast-Paced Market Demands: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving consumer trends and technological advancements in athletic apparel within tight seasonal deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and priorities across multiple departments to ensure cohesive product development and GTM execution.

• Material Innovation Sourcing: Identifying and sourcing cutting-edge technical fabrics that meet performance requirements, sustainability goals, and cost targets.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively leading and growing a team of designers, fostering their skills while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Material & Construction Techniques: Access to industry innovations and opportunities to explore new fabrications and construction methods.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship opportunities focused on management, strategic planning, and executive presence.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Opportunities to attend events focused on apparel design, textile innovation, and performance wear.

• Brand Strategy Exposure: Deeper involvement in understanding the broader GTM strategies and brand positioning for PVH brands and licensed partners.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining a deeper understanding of merchandising, marketing, and product development operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to influence the product pipeline of a major brand licensee. The challenges are typical of dynamic, fast-paced consumer goods environments, requiring adaptability and strong operational execution within a creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating athlete insights into a functional and aesthetically appealing performance underwear collection." (Focus on data-driven design, user-centricity, and creative problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance brand identity (Nike/PVH) with the need for innovation and newness in seasonal designs?" (Discuss brand guidelines, creative exploration, and strategic differentiation.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or feedback from different departments (e.g., merchandising vs. product development) on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight collaboration, negotiation, and a focus on overall business objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PVH's brand portfolio and our approach to managing licensed brands like Nike Underwear?" (Research PVH's brands, their market positioning, and any known strategies for licensed partnerships.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration and accountability among designers." (Focus on mentorship, clear communication, and shared ownership.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by theme (e.g., innovation, sustainability).

• Narrative Flow: For each project, tell a compelling story: the challenge, your approach, the insights, the solutions, and the results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals. Ensure technical flats are clean and detailed, and mood boards are inspiring and cohesive.

• Highlight Process: Don't just show the final product; explain how you got there. This is where your operational thinking shines.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about material choices, construction details, fit rationale, and cost implications.

• Showcase Leadership: If you led a team, highlight your management and mentorship approach within the case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and strong cross-functional collaboration skills, aligning the candidate's profile with the broader GTM and revenue enablement aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the PVH Careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in women's performance underwear design, leadership roles, and proficiency with relevant software (Adobe Suite, Dobby Pro, Centric PLM). Quantify achievements (e.g., "Led design for a collection that achieved X% YOY sales growth").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong projects that showcase your end-to-end design process, innovation in fit/fabric/construction, and collaboration skills. Ensure it's well-organized and visually compelling.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, process explanation, and demonstrable impact. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with performance-driven product.

• Research PVH: Understand PVH's brand portfolio, their role as a licensee, and the specific market positioning of Nike Underwear. Be prepared to discuss how your design approach aligns with their business objectives and GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.