Design Manager

Serving the needs of all families with young children, Carter’s Inc. is the largest North American apparel retailer exclusively for babies and young children, encompassing Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Skip * Hop and Little Planet brands. Meaningful work, constant learning, genuine people, and a community guided by core values that promote inclusion and innovation is in everything we do. There are many reasons to build your career at Carter's.

How you’ll make an impact:

The Otter Avenue Design Manager will lead the design of our toddler first brand, working closely with the design VP and cross-functional partners, this role will help deliver fresh, innovative creative while playing an integral part in the technical execution of design and communication with third party vendors. 

Otter Avenue is a small but growing team, requiring strong collaboration skills and flexibility. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently, while also being willing to contribute in different capacities to meet our evolving needs. This is a hands-on creative position, ideal for someone who is passionate about children’s apparel, storytelling, and making a difference in the childrenswear space.

This role reports into the Otter Avenue VP of Design.

50% Creative Direction

• Support design VP in setting seasonal creative direction through Concept Books, setups, mood boards and color palettes.
• Manage product development process from start to finish to build a successful product line.
• Identify key opportunities and drive design and creative concepts that demonstrate innovative, brand-right creative.
• Partner with Art Team to develop the vision for print and pattern direction.
• Lead all aspects of silhouette development for all categories and partner with vendors to ensure relevant fit.
• Shop the market (competitive and aspirational) and research trends that ideate fresh ideas for inspiration.
• Support design VP in setting seasonal creative direction through Concept Books, setups, mood boards and color palettes.
• Design a portion of the line based on seasonal needs.

20% Design Strategy

• Translate brand vision into strategies that deliver sales and profit growth, working with the cross functional team to meet business goals.
• Approach design with a commercial lens, balancing toddler friendly design with fashion to create unique, versatile and sellable product.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce complexity.
• Utilize knowledge of brand positioning and competitive landscape to drive strategies for improved product in all categories.

30% Design Management Team collaboration

• Manage all details of the product development cycle with support of VP and collaboration with cross functional team.
• Responsible for managing product design and execution to hit development deadlines.
• Provide clear creative direction and process management of vendor-led product.
• Clearly communicate design and fit intent while balancing cost, quality and safety requirements.
• Lead with positivity, establishing strong communication with outside vendors and cross-functional partners.

Must have:

• 6+ years of experience in the apparel industry
• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong portfolio demonstrating experience with Toddler Collections, fashion details and color sense.
• Strong aesthetic ability, translating concepts into visually compelling design.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Expert knowledge of garment construction, color, art, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim
• Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, creative, and team-oriented environment
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator
• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management tool

Preferred skills and experience:

• Working knowledge of Miro
• Raspberry AI experience

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties described may be changed or reassigned at the discretion of management, and the employee may be required to perform duties that are not listed in the job description.

Carters is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.