Position Overview: The Lead Apparel Designer will drive the creative vision and oversee the entire design process of our apparel line, from initial concept to the final product. This is a full-time, in-house position, and applicants must be available to work on-site at our design office. The role requires a deep understanding of both golf and lifestyle fashion, blending technical functionality with modern aesthetics. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinker with a passion for innovation, trend forecasting, and leadership in a collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities: 1. Creative Vision & Strategy:
· Lead the creative direction for all apparel collections, ensuring alignment with the brand's identity and target audience, which includes both golfers and lifestyle consumers.
· Develop and present seasonal design concepts, mood boards, and thematic inspirations that reflect the brand ethos and resonate with current market trends.
· Define and curate seasonal color palettes, fabric selections, and key design elements, ensuring innovation in both aesthetic and performance-driven features.
2. Design Development & Execution:
· Create original designs for golf apparel and lifestyle garments, including initial hand sketches, digital renderings, and detailed technical drawings.
· Select fabrics, trims, and finishes that meet the performance demands of golf while maintaining the comfort and style required for everyday wear.
· Incorporate technical innovations such as moisture-wicking fabrics, UV protection, and temperature-regulating materials into designs to enhance performance.
· Design unique features and embellishments that balance the needs of active golfers and casual wearers, ensuring versatility and style.
· Oversee the development of tech packs and ensure that designs are executed with precision from concept to final sample.
3. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership:
· Collaborate closely with the Graphic Designer to develop print patterns, logos, and branding elements that complement apparel designs.
· Work with the Technical Designer to ensure creative concepts are accurately translated into detailed tech packs and specifications.
· Partner with the Product Development and Production teams to ensure design feasibility, material sourcing, and manufacturing timelines align with collection launch schedules.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers, ensuring fabric quality, trims, and embellishments meet design standards and performance needs.
4. Trend Research & Market Analysis:
· Lead trend forecasting efforts, researching and analyzing global fashion trends in both the golf and lifestyle sectors to keep ahead of market shifts.
· Conduct competitor analysis and market research to identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation in upcoming collections.
· Stay informed on emerging technologies in performance apparel and eco-friendly fabrics, incorporating sustainable practices into the design process where possible.
5. Design Review & Iteration:
· Manage the entire design review process, overseeing sample reviews and fit sessions to ensure designs meet the brand's high standards for both form and function.
· Provide constructive feedback on prototypes, requesting necessary adjustments to fabric, fit, or features to achieve the perfect balance of performance and aesthetics.
· Sign off on final product designs and collaborate with production to ensure all items meet quality and design expectations before full-scale manufacturing.
6. Brand Presentation & Marketing Alignment:
· Ensure that the visual presentation of apparel, whether in lookbooks, online, or in-store, aligns with our branding and storytelling.
· Work with marketing and sales teams to ensure that product messaging and visual campaigns capture the design ethos and brand story behind each collection.
Qualifications: · Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
· 7+ years of experience in apparel design, with a focus on performance wear, athletic, or lifestyle brands.
· Proven experience in leading creative design teams and managing the full product lifecycle from concept to market.
· Strong portfolio showcasing innovative designs, with an emphasis on blending performance functionality with modern, lifestyle aesthetics.
· Expertise in fabric selection, material innovation, and technical garment construction.
· Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with various departments, including technical design, product development, and marketing.
· Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D design programs.
· Strong knowledge of golf-specific performance needs and lifestyle fashion trends.
· Exceptional attention to detail, trend awareness, and a passion for pushing creative boundaries.
Compensation & Benefits: · Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
· Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly expanding brand.
· Flexible working environment.
· Employee discounts on our products.
· Health, dental, and vision benefits (if applicable).
· Paid time off.
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\n$100,000 - $120,000 a year
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