Sr Product Designer- A New Day Sweaters

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer - A New Day Sweaters

Company: Target

Location: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / Merchandising Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end product design and development lifecycle for the "A New Day" sweater category, ensuring alignment with Target's brand vision and merchant strategies.

• Drive product innovation through in-depth market research, trend forecasting, and a keen understanding of the apparel industry, particularly in sweaters and knits.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, sourcing, and technical design teams to translate creative concepts into commercially viable and high-quality products.

• Mentor and guide Associate Designers and Designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly positioned within product development and design operations, requiring a blend of creative expertise and operational rigor. The emphasis on "Owned Brand Product Design and Development" and partnership with merchant and sourcing counterparts highlights a need for strong GTM (Go-To-Market) operational understanding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Accountable for leading product research and design initiatives, identifying emerging trends, color stories, and material innovations relevant to the sweater category.

• Drive the development of concepts, including the selection of color palettes, fabrics, trims, and prints, ensuring they align with brand aesthetic and target price points.

• Globally shop markets to identify category, brand, business, or guest segment trends, and travel to factories for development and execution of programs.

• Ensure brand cohesion and continuity by partnering with peers across the division to maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity in product offerings.

• Collaborate closely with technical designers and sourcing partners to troubleshoot and resolve product development issues, ensuring timely and efficient execution.

• Mentor Associate Designers and Designers, providing guidance on design principles, market trends, and development processes to foster their growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, leadership-oriented approach to product development, requiring strong project management and communication skills to navigate complex cross-functional relationships and global supply chains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Four-year degree in Design, Fine Art, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum 8+ years of specialized experience in sweater, knit, or woven apparel design and development.

• Demonstrated ability to lead product design and development processes with minimal supervision.

• Proven track record of successfully working in a team environment and fostering collaboration. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in computer design systems, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

• Advanced understanding of textiles, garment construction, fit, raw materials, and product production processes.

• Strong commercial sense, with a deep knowledge of the apparel market and the ability to research and apply trend information effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions.

• Comprehensive knowledge of product development processes from concept to production. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in trend forecasting and identifying emerging market opportunities within the apparel sector.

• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior design talent.

• Experience with global sourcing and manufacturing partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience level derived from AI analysis suggests that while 8 years is the minimum stated, candidates with more extensive experience, particularly in leadership or senior design roles, will be highly competitive. The emphasis on "advanced understanding" and "computer design system skills" points to a need for seasoned professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of sweater designs, including various knit types, constructions, and aesthetic styles.

• Include examples of concept development, including mood boards, color stories, and fabric/trim selections.

• Present case studies that highlight your involvement in the end-to-end product development process, from initial research to final production.

• Showcase projects that illustrate your ability to translate market trends and merchant strategies into commercially successful products.

• Highlight examples of collaboration with sourcing and technical design teams, demonstrating problem-solving and execution capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, including how you approach trend research, concept generation, and material sourcing.

• Articulate your methods for collaborating with cross-functional partners, such as merchandising, technical design, and production.

• Detail your approach to ensuring brand cohesion and continuity across product lines and categories.

• Explain how you manage workload, prioritize tasks, and maintain timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase creative output but also the strategic thinking, process management, and collaborative skills required to drive product development within a large retail organization like Target.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $171,000 per year

Explanation of Range: This salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer position in a major metropolitan area like Minneapolis, considering the experience level required (10+ years derived) and the scope of responsibilities at a company like Target. Factors influencing placement within this range include specific years of experience, depth of expertise in sweater design, and proven leadership capabilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental insurance plans.

• Life Insurance: Provided to offer financial security.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company contributions/matching (details not specified).

• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Target merchandise.

• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide income protection.

• Paid Time Off: Generous provisions including paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation time.

• Additional Programs: Access to various well-being, financial, and educational benefits as detailed on Target's corporate benefits page.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with an expectation of 4 days per week in the Minneapolis office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is broad, indicating that Target utilizes a structured compensation framework based on role, experience, and market data. The benefits package is robust and typical for a large, established retail employer, emphasizing employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & Home Goods)

Company Size: Large (Target is a major multinational corporation with hundreds of thousands of employees globally). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for large-scale impact, but also implies a structured, process-driven environment.

Founded: 1902. With over a century of history, Target has a well-established brand identity, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of consumer markets.

Team Structure:

• The Design team operates within the broader Merchandising organization, likely structured by product category (e.g., sweaters, knits, wovens) and brand (e.g., "A New Day").

• This role reports to design leadership within the "A New Day" brand or sweater category, with direct collaboration with merchant and sourcing counterparts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close partnerships with Technical Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and potentially Marketing teams to ensure cohesive product launches. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design process is heavily informed by market research, trend forecasting, sales data, and guest insights to ensure commercial viability.

• Process Optimization: The role demands a diligent approach to product development processes, focusing on efficiency, timely communication, and problem-solving to meet deadlines and cost targets.

• Brand Cohesion: A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining the integrity and consistency of the "A New Day" brand across all product touchpoints.

Company Website: https://corporate.target.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's culture emphasizes a blend of innovation and operational excellence. For a Senior Product Designer, understanding how creative vision integrates with large-scale retail operations, supply chain management, and consumer behavior is crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is for an experienced professional who can operate with significant autonomy, lead projects, and mentor others, but is not yet in a formal management position.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Design Director or Senior Manager overseeing the apparel categories or specific brands like "A New Day." The role involves close collaboration with peers in Merchandising and Sourcing.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts Target's revenue through the design and development of key product lines that drive sales and brand loyalty. Effective product design contributes to market competitiveness, inventory turnover, and overall profitability for the "A New Day" brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into management roles (e.g., Design Manager) or specialize in broader product categories or strategic design initiatives.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific textile technologies, sustainable design practices, or advanced trend forecasting methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to move into merchandising, sourcing management, or even brand strategy roles within Target's extensive retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a large, structured organization. Growth is likely tied to demonstrated leadership in product development, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-office, hybrid model. Employees are expected to be on-site 4 days per week at the Minneapolis campus. This facilitates in-person collaboration, access to resources, and a structured work environment.

Office Location(s): 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542. This is a central downtown location, likely offering good accessibility and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and team meetings.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially physical resources like fabric libraries and sample rooms.

• Regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, merchandisers, technical experts, and sourcing professionals.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a structured hybrid schedule requiring 4 days per week in the office. This provides a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 4-day in-office requirement signifies a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is common in design-heavy roles where visual communication and spontaneous idea exchange are valuable.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against job requirements.

• Design Exercise/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a detailed case study of a past project, focusing on their process, problem-solving, and results. This will likely involve demonstrating their approach to trend research, concept development, and collaboration.

• Behavioral Interviews: Questions focused on leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and how candidates handle specific workplace scenarios, particularly related to design execution and cross-functional partnerships.

• Portfolio Review Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, elaborating on key projects, their role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

• Final Interviews: Discussions with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with Target's values and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight your expertise in sweater design, knitwear, and related apparel categories.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design brief, your creative process, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact (e.g., sales performance, brand alignment).

• Prepare to walk through your Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files, demonstrating your technical proficiency and design thinking.

• Include examples that showcase your understanding of textiles, garment construction, and how these elements inform your design decisions.

• Be ready to discuss your trend forecasting methodology and how you translate market insights into actionable design concepts. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate design challenges that require you to develop concepts based on a specific brief, target customer, or trend.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your solutions meet business objectives.

• Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with merchandising and sourcing teams to bring your designs to life within budget and timeline constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior Product Designer at Target will heavily emphasize the portfolio and the ability to articulate a structured, data-informed design process within a large retail context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, patterns, technical flats, and detailed design illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for mood boards, color palette development, digital rendering, and image manipulation.

• Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency or familiarity with systems used for managing product specifications, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and development workflows is highly beneficial.

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Tools like WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar industry resources used for market research and trend analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with retail analytics tools and dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal Target systems) to understand sales performance, inventory levels, and customer feedback related to product lines. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, an understanding of how CRM data informs customer segmentation and product demand can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with PDM/PLM systems would be a significant advantage for a Senior role, indicating an understanding of how design integrates into broader operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest Obsessed: A core value at Target, emphasizing a deep understanding of and focus on the customer's needs and desires in product design.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality products and designs efficiently and effectively, meeting all targets and standards.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the development of new ideas to stay ahead of market trends and consumer expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and partnership across departments are valued.

• Inclusivity: Designing products and fostering a work environment that reflects and serves diverse guest needs and backgrounds.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: This role is central to GTM operations, requiring constant collaboration with Merchandising, Sourcing, Technical Design, and potentially Marketing to ensure product alignment and successful launches.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Design reviews and development meetings are likely structured, with an expectation of constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Mentoring junior designers and actively participating in team discussions to share insights and best practices is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's culture is known for its strong values and focus on the guest. A successful candidate will demonstrate how their design approach aligns with these values, particularly in driving commercial success through guest-centric design and efficient operational execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: The primary challenge is to design innovative and trend-forward sweaters that also meet stringent cost targets, merchant line plans, and production feasibility within a large retail operation.

• Navigating Global Supply Chains: Managing product development across international sourcing partners requires strong communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness to overcome logistical and quality control hurdles.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: The fast-paced nature of the apparel industry demands continuous research and adaptation to rapidly changing consumer preferences and fashion trends.

• Mentoring and Leading: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while managing personal design responsibilities requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Textile and Construction Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized fabrics, knitting techniques, and garment engineering.

• Sustainability in Design: Potential for training and involvement in Target's sustainability initiatives, focusing on eco-friendly materials and production methods.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Development pathways to influence broader design strategies and contribute to the overall creative direction of Target's owned brands.

• Cross-Functional Skill Building: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into merchandising, sourcing, and retail operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant challenges that are also excellent opportunities for professional growth. Success in overcoming these challenges will directly contribute to career advancement within Target's extensive operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and translating emerging sweater trends into commercially viable designs for a mass-market retailer like Target." (Focus on market research, trend forecasting tools, and adaptation for scale.)

• "Walk us through a challenging product development project for a sweater or knitwear item. What were the key obstacles, how did you collaborate with sourcing and technical design, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, cross-functional communication, and results.)

• "How do you ensure brand cohesion and continuity when designing for a specific category like sweaters within a larger brand like 'A New Day'?" (Emphasize understanding brand guidelines and strategic alignment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Target's 'A New Day' brand, and how does your design philosophy align with its aesthetic and target guest?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How would you approach mentoring an Associate Designer on your team, and what is your philosophy on fostering a collaborative design environment?" (Showcase leadership and teamwork skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision that was met with resistance. How did you present your case and achieve alignment?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, and data-driven arguments.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, clearly outlining your role and contributions.

• For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain the context, your responsibilities, the steps you took, and the impact.

• Be prepared to discuss the specific materials, construction techniques, and design elements that made your sweater designs successful.

• Highlight your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop by showcasing detailed technical flats, print designs, or colorway explorations.

• Conclude by reiterating how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate to drive design excellence for "A New Day" sweaters at Target.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your ability to operate within a large, process-driven organization, balancing creative vision with commercial realities and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on Target Careers.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature sweater, knit, and woven designs. Include case studies that detail your end-to-end product development process, highlighting your problem-solving skills and collaboration with merchandising and sourcing teams.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 8+ years of relevant experience, technical design proficiencies (Illustrator, Photoshop), textile and construction knowledge, and any leadership or mentoring experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication of your design rationale, process, and the commercial impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your trend forecasting methodology and ability to meet cost targets.

• Research Target & "A New Day": Thoroughly understand Target's brand portfolio, particularly the "A New Day" brand's aesthetic, target guest, and market positioning. Familiarize yourself with Target's company values and culture.

⚠️ 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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