Description
We are seeking a highly creative and technically skilled Design Director – Denim to lead the design and development of seasonal denim and bottoms that drive growth while maintaining the brand’s aesthetic and identity. This role oversees the design process from initial concept through development and production, ensuring collections align with customer needs, market trends, and commercial objectives.
The ideal candidate brings a strong point of view on denim, with the ability to translate trends into commercially successful product. This leader will partner closely with merchandising, product development, and overseas teams to execute compelling assortments across both house labels and private label accounts.
Responsibilities
Design & Product Development
- Lead the design and development of seasonal denim and bottoms collections from concept through production
- Establish seasonal direction for denim including washes, fits, fabrications, and key silhouettes
- Partner with senior leadership to develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, and product strategies
- Drive innovation while balancing trend, brand identity, and commercial viability
- Oversee creation of sketches, CADs, and tech packs to ensure clear communication of design intent
- Guide fabric selection, wash development, and fit approvals
- Maintain line plans across house labels and private label accounts
- Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify opportunities
- Ensure all design deliverables meet seasonal timelines and calendars
- Lead product presentations for internal reviews and key retail partners
Team Leadership & Management
- Direct and mentor one Designer, providing guidance on design, construction, washes, and execution
- Foster a collaborative and creative working environment
- Provide clear feedback and support day-to-day development and workload prioritization
- Maintain high standards of design quality and consistency across product
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Merchandising to align assortments with business strategy, SKU plans, and customer needs
- Collaborate with Technical Design to guide fit development and approvals
- Work with sourcing and production teams on fabric, trim, and wash development, balancing cost and quality
- Partner with overseas teams to ensure accurate and timely sample execution
- Address development and production challenges while maintaining design integrity
Requirements
- 8–10+ years of design experience, with a strong focus on denim/bottoms (required)
- Experience in the Junior (JR) market preferred
- Experience mentoring or managing designers (direct management of at least one designer preferred)
- Deep understanding of denim construction, washes, fits, and fabrications
- Proven ability to lead product from concept through production
- Strong merchandising sensibility with a commercial design perspective
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (Photoshop a plus)
- Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working with major retail accounts or private label business is a plus
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Portfolio required
Hybrid Work Schedule
4 days a week in the office, Fridays at home
New York Pay Rate $125,000 - $175,000
We strive to hire and nurture amazing talent. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, specialized skills, and internal alignment.
Company Overview
Golden Touch is a family owned and operated wholesale apparel manufacturer with a mission to deliver trend focused products for nearly 50 years. We produce private label brands for large mass market retailers across the globe specializing in children’s, junior, missy and women’s apparel.
Diversity Vision Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. We are an equal employment opportunity for minorities, females, protected veterans, and the disabled.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.
