Associate Director - Apparel Design (Sportswear)

Associate Director - Apparel Design (Performance & Active Sportswear)

Location:

Associate Director - Apparel Design

• Lead the design and development of performance and active sportswear collections for both men and women.
• Apply deep expertise in women's high-performance apparel to guide fit, construction, and material choices.
• Translate seasonal direction into detailed design specifications, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, and prototypes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Materials, Product Development, Merchandising) to meet performance, cost, and delivery goals.
• Oversee fit sessions, wear testing, and performance validation processes.
• Manage and mentor a small team of designers, with potential to grow the team in future seasons.
• Ensure timely delivery of design assets that meet quality and technical standards.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and resolve design/construction issues.
• Stay current on fabric innovations, trims, garment construction, and manufacturing trends.
• Maintain alignment with creative direction while ensuring technical execution.
  

• 12-15 years of apparel design experience, including 3-5 years in women's high-performance or active sportswear.
• Proven ability to design for both men's and women's categories.
• Strong technical expertise in performance fabrics, construction, and fit engineering.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and familiarity with PLM systems; CLO 3D is a plus.
• Experience managing and mentoring design teams.
• Solid understanding of sportswear industry standards and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  

• Experience designing women's high-performance apparel at a leading sportswear, outdoor, or activewear brand.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Clear, respectful, and collaborative communication style.
• Passion for delivering functional, durable, and aesthetically strong performance apparel.

Apply NOW: