Senior Women's Apparel Designer & Merchandiser - Wholesale Industry

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Apparel Designer / Merchandiser specializing in Missy, Missy Plus, and Junior Contemporary Women’s Apparel. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the wholesale women’s apparel industry, with a proven ability to design and merchandise compelling collections while fostering relationships with major retailers such as Ross, Burlington, TJ Maxx, DD’s,Nordstrom Rack, Walmart, Target, Costco and more ...

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Development:
• Create innovative and trend-driven designs for Missy, Missy Plus, and Junior Contemporary women’s apparel.
• Lead the conceptualisation and development of seasonal collections, ensuring alignment with market trends and retailer expectations.
• Oversee fabric selection, color palettes, and embellishments to ensure high-quality and market-ready designs.
• Merchandising:
• Develop and merchandise cohesive product lines tailored to the needs of major big-box retailers.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure the feasibility and profitability of designs.
• Present line plans and collections to buyers, emphasizing commercial viability and trend relevance.
• Client Engagement:
• Attend and lead meetings with key accounts, including Ross, Burlington, TJ Maxx, DD’s,Nordstrom Rack, Walmart, Target, Costco and more ...
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail buyers, understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all merchandising-related discussions with retailers.
• Leadership & Collaboration:
• Guide and mentor junior designers to ensure the team delivers high-quality, market-ready products.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, sales, and marketing, to ensure seamless execution of collections.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in the women’s apparel wholesale industry, with a strong focus on Missy, Missy Plus, and Junior Contemporary categories.
• Retail Relationships: Proven track record of working with big-box retailers such as Ross, Burlington, TJ Maxx, DD’s, and Nordstrom Rack.
• Design Skills: Exceptional design skills with a strong understanding of current trends, fabrics, and garment construction.
• Merchandising Expertise: Ability to develop and present cohesive product lines that align with retailer needs and market demands.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present to buyers and cross-functional teams.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and manage a team of designers.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising, or a related field (preferred).

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Familiarity with supply chain processes and production timelines.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to adapt to fast-paced environments.