Design Manager

Job DescriptionManager – Design (U.S. Accounts)Works with: New York Design Office, India Business Leads & Product DevelopmentRole SummaryThe Manager – Design owns end-to-end design for an assigned U.S. brand account, working independently to translate seasonal trends into commercially viable, brand-right assortments. The role sits within the India-based team supporting U.S. accounts, operates in a cross-border setup with the New York office, and carries full accountability for the assigned brand’s design output, quality and growth. Key ResponsibilitiesAccount & Brand Ownership

• Independently manage the assigned U.S. accounts, end to end — from brief through to final range presentation.
• Hold a deep understanding of each brand’s DNA, customer and price architecture, keeping every range aligned to brand guardrails and seasonal strategy. Experience of working with US accounts like, Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx, JC Penney, Kohls , Urban Outfitters, Aritzia, Abercrombie and Fetch.
• Take ownership of the assigned brand’s design calendar, execution quality and season-on-season growth.Trend, Design & Range Development
• Lead trend analysis across colour, fabric, silhouette, print, graphic and trim, drawing on forecast sources and brand concepts.
• Build seasonal range plans and line sheets aligned to assortment and buying requirements, developed in line with target costs.
• Translate trends into commercially viable styles — balancing newness, scalability and margin.Fabric, Pattern & Technical Execution
• Apply strong working knowledge of fabrics, patterns and construction across categories — tops, dresses, bottoms, outerwear (lifestyle).
• Manage fabric, print and surface development and approvals with speed and accuracy.Presentation & Communication
• Create and deliver compelling seasonal presentations — mood, story, colour and range — directly to the brand.
• Communicate design intent clearly across time zones, ensuring every output to the New York office is seamless and presentation-ready.Cross-Functional Coordination
• Coordinate closely with Product Development, sourcing and sampling to move styles from concept to approved sample efficiently.
• Partner with PD and the New York design office to align on brand requirements, production feasibility and timelines.Team Leadership
• Lead and develop a design team (minimum 4–5 members) — allocating work, setting quality standards and building capability.
• Drive strong execution and process discipline across the team. Candidate RequirementsExperience
• 10–12 years in apparel design within an export-house.
• Mandatory: direct design experience on U.S. brand accounts.
• Demonstrated experience leading a design team of at least 4–5 members.Design Competencies
• Strong trend analysis, with the ability to interpret brand DNA and the latest trends into commercial ranges.
• Sound knowledge of patterns, fabrics and garment construction.
• Proven ability to translate trends into commercially viable, cost-aligned assortments.
• Command of design tools — Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, tech-pack creation, AI/3D assisted design workflows an advantage.Excellent communication and presentation skills, including presenting directly to the brand.Reporting & Working Model
• Reports to: DGM – Design Lead, U.S. Accounts (India office)
• Works in close collaboration with the New York design office, India business Product Development lead.
• Accountable for the assigned brand’s design output, quality and growth.