Design Director – Fleece

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of and enhance Comfrt's fleece product aesthetic, design language, and category vision.

• Develop a definitive perspective on fit, proportion, silhouette, fabric, color, wash, and construction details.

• Convert customer insights, sales data, trend analysis, and market opportunities into successful product assortments.

• Lead the seasonal and long-term strategy for fleece products across all core and emerging categories.

• Ensure all products align with Comfrt's brand identity while introducing significant innovations.

• Oversee the complete design process from initial concept to production approval.

• Supervise silhouette development, fit, trims, graphics, branding, wash treatments, and construction specifics.

• Collaborate closely with Product Development and Technical Design to guarantee that products meet quality, fit, margin, and timeline standards.

• Propel continuous enhancements of Comfrt's core fleece programs while integrating new ideas and innovations.

• Maintain a robust understanding of consumer preferences, comfort expectations, and product performance.

• Conduct trend research across fashion, streetwear, lifestyle, wellness, and comfort sectors.

• Identify emerging product opportunities, market gaps, and potential growth categories.

• Work in partnership with Fabric Development to enhance fleece innovation, fabric feel, performance, sustainability, and comfort.

• Spearhead innovations in fleece construction, garment washes, finishes, and functional product features.

• Stay ahead of industry trends while ensuring a distinctive brand perspective.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development, and Planning to create assortments that align with sales, margin, and inventory goals.

• Utilize sales reports, market analysis, customer feedback, and business insights to shape product strategies.

• Understand category performance at the SKU and style levels to pinpoint opportunities and risks.

• Engage in assortment architecture, category planning, pricing strategy, and product roadmap formulation.

• Balance creativity with commercial decision-making to optimize business outcomes.

• Lead, mentor, and nurture a team of designers across fleece and related product categories.

• Set clear priorities, creative direction, and accountability within the design organization.

• Develop scalable design processes that enable rapid growth while upholding design excellence.

• Manage the design calendar to ensure all milestones and deliverables are achieved punctually.

• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, speed, and ongoing improvement.

• Collaborate closely with Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Marketing, and Creative teams.

• Align product strategy with business goals, launch timelines, and operational capabilities.

• Work together on product storytelling, campaign concepts, and seasonal launches.

• Support vendor partnerships by offering clear design direction and product vision.

• Ensure that design intent is preserved throughout development and production.

⛳️ Requirements

• 12-15+ years of experience in apparel design, particularly in fleece, sportswear, casualwear, or comfort-focused apparel.

• 5+ years of leadership experience in managing and developing design teams.

• Strong knowledge of fleece fabrics, garment construction, fit, washes, trims, and manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated ability to create commercially viable assortments that drive growth.

• Excellent analytical skills with the capability to utilize sales data, market insights, and customer feedback for decision-making.

• Profound understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and competitive market dynamics.

• Exceptional presentation, communication, and leadership abilities.

• Highly organized with outstanding project management and prioritization skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the capacity to excel in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous paid time off.

• Company-covered health insurance.

• 5% 401k match.

• Discounts on all Comfrt products.