ConnectedGroup

Associate Director - Apparel Design (Performance & Active Sportswear) Location: Remote with quarterly travel to India We are working with a fast-growing sportswear company that is redefining performance and lifestyle apparel across diverse climates and consumer needs. They are now hiring an Associate Director - Apparel Design , a strategic and hands-on leadership role ideal for experienced designers passionate about sport, innovation, and technical excellence-especially in women's high-performance categories. What You'll Do: 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. What We're Looking For: 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. Must-Haves: 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: Send your CV and portfolio to Hugo Ng at ConnectedGroup 📧 Hugo.Ng@connectedgroup.com