Design Manager

We are looking for a Design Manager to join our footwear team who has a passion for footwear. This is a great opportunity for those looking to be a part of an energetic, creative, and collaborative group. Our designers have been shaping our department for the better season after season.Role and Responsibilities:Design ownership over brands, assigned based on aesthetic and creative strengths, responsible for creating digital CADs for full seasonal collections.Create and then present tech packages with information necessary in order to communicate design specific detail necessary to hand off to the design team and factoriesManage and mentor designers, providing clear direction, feedback, and support to ensure high-quality creative output and professional development.Own and maintain the design team’s calendar, coordinating projects, deadlines, reviews, and priorities across teams to ensure resources are appropriately allocated and work is delivered on schedule.Balance team capacity and business priorities, proactively identifying scheduling conflicts, resource gaps, and competing deadlines.Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize design requests and establish realistic timelines and expectations.Manage and oversee PLM systemProvide design direction as well as design alongside a team of designers, prepare sample requests, review, critique, test, and approve submitted samples while adhering to product, color, and material standardsStrong eye for trend, conducting valuable market research, bringing ideas to weekly meeting and inspiring other members of design teamWorks closely with design director with creative freedom throughout processCommunicate effectively with overseas team to resolve any technical or timing issuesWork cross-functionally and professionally with product development team, communicating clearly to ensure the design is produced how you envisionedPrimarily design in Illustrator with minimal retouching in PhotoshopBring new ideas and concepts to table regularlyAdjust product styling or functionality as needed after receiving feedback from inhouse product testingAssist in creating pitches for current and new licensesHelp to create pitches for new licensesPresent and participate in meetings with licensors and buyersPerform comp shopping and store shopping activities to monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for product differentiation and innovation.Use all available resources to stay updated on forward trends (WGSN, RVCF, etc.)Maintain seasonal development calendar

Qualifications

5+ years’ experience in footwear.Managing staff of designersExperience in working for a wholesale company managing multiple licenses a plusCreative edge, bringing new ideas and trends to the tableExcellent time management skillsExcellent project management skillsPositive team playerAbility to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environmentProficient Illustrator & working knowledge of PhotoshopExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong knowledge of customers and buyers’ expectationsPerform other related duties as assigned by management to support the department’s business needsUnderstand and follow Gina’s employee policies and proceduresBenefits and Perks:Hybrid work schedule & early FridaysGenerous PTO and paid holidays401K & Profit sharingPre-tax commuter benefitsProfessional developmentTeam building and Company eventsNY Pay Transparency: The pay range for this position is ($95-105k) annually based on skills and experience.Equal Opportunity Employer: Gina Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.Recruitment Agencies: Gina Group does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and will not be held responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.