Apparel Creative Director

Job Title : Sr. Apparel Designer

Location : US / Remote / Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, TX Preferred

Job Summary :

chicka-d is seeking a highly passionate Sr. Apparel Designer / Apparel Creative Director with a proven track record of executing successful apparel product strategies, that ranges from product assortment and product development to visual branding.

If your experience is only in digital media or graphic design, this role is not for you.

As part of our leadership team, you will take the lead in shaping and executing our apparel product assortment, ensuring that it aligns with the brand's overall vision.

This role is crucial in defining chicka-d's product strategy across apparel design, from initial concept through final production, while overseeing the translation of product designs into cohesive, customer-facing assets.

Reporting to the COO, you will lead the Design department and collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing to ensure our product offerings support and enhance go-to-market strategies.

Key Responsibilities :

Brand Vision & Strategy :

• Develop and execute a visual branding strategy for chicka-d across all markets and channels.
• Regularly review and refine brand guidelines to ensure consistency and relevance in a fast-changing market.

Design Leadership :

• Lead chicka-d’s product assortment strategy in alignment with financial and operational goals.
• Evaluate the current product mix and spearhead ideas for new product categories, designs, and graphics.
• Oversee the Design department, guiding the team in creating innovative product concepts and decoration techniques that resonate with the target audience.
• Manage relationships and communications with factories.
• Direct the design team through the product development process, including tech packing, sampling, and fittings.
• Ensure that all design outputs, from concept to execution, align with the overall branding strategy.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, introducing fresh, creative solutions that position chicka-d as a market leader.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and creative environment within the Design department. Mentor and inspire the team to encourage growth and maintain high performance.
• Manage multiple creative projects, ensuring quality and deadlines are consistently met.

Collaboration & Communication :

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing and Sales, to ensure consistent brand messaging and alignment.
• Collaborate with the Sales team to maintain cohesive visual and verbal brand messaging across all channels.
• Partner with the Marketing team to support all customer-facing assets, ensuring cohesive brand communication.messaging is visually and verbally cohesive across all channels.
• Present creative concepts and strategies to the leadership team, articulating the vision and rationale behind design decisions.

Brand Stewardship :

Serve as the guardian of chicka-d’s brand identity, ensuring all visual representations reflect the brand’s values and vision.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Fine Arts, Marketing, Merchandising or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within the fashion or lifestyle industry.
• 10+ years in product design, merchandising and marketing related roles
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful apparel assortment strategies.
• Expert in apparel development
• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in brand identity, visual storytelling, and product design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to detail.
• Up-to-date with the latest trends in design, fashion, and digital media.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing trends.

Application Process :

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, introduction video and a portfolio of their work demonstrating their ability to create compelling visual branding and design strategies.