Senior Apparel Designer
Senior Apparel Designer
Location: New York, NY
Pay: $80-$90/hr+ depending on experience
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
Hours: 30-40hrs/wk
Duration: 4 Months, potential to extend
The Planet Group is seeking a Senior Apparel Designer to join our client, a national department store retailer specializing in apparel, home goods, beauty products, and accessories. The Senior Apparel Designer will be responsible for leading the creative development and execution of apparel collections from concept through production. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially successful product while meeting seasonal timelines and quality standards. The Senior Apparel Designer plays an active role in shaping the aesthetic, driving design development, and supporting execution across key categories.
Senior Apparel Designer Responsibilities:
Location: New York, NY
Pay: $80-$90/hr+ depending on experience
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
Hours: 30-40hrs/wk
Duration: 4 Months, potential to extend
The Planet Group is seeking a Senior Apparel Designer to join our client, a national department store retailer specializing in apparel, home goods, beauty products, and accessories. The Senior Apparel Designer will be responsible for leading the creative development and execution of apparel collections from concept through production. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production to deliver on-brand, commercially successful product while meeting seasonal timelines and quality standards. The Senior Apparel Designer plays an active role in shaping the aesthetic, driving design development, and supporting execution across key categories.
Senior Apparel Designer Responsibilities:
- Design & Creative Development
- Develop seasonal concepts, color palettes, prints, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction and customer needs
- Create original design sketches and detailed technical flats using Adobe Illustrator
- Select fabrics, trims, washes, and colors in partnership with cross-functional teams
- Build and present mood boards, concept decks, and line presentations for seasonal reviews
- Conduct trend, market, and competitive research using digital platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN) to inform design direction
- Product Development & Execution
- Create, update, and manage accurate tech packs, including measurements, construction details, BOMs, and design intent
- Participate in and lead fit sessions; provide clear feedback and track revisions through final approval
Review and manage samples throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring quality, fit, and consistency - Track product updates and maintain accurate records to support on-time development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Merchandising to align design with line plans, SKU counts, and financial targets
- Collaborate closely with Technical Design and Production to ensure feasibility, cost targets, and quality standards are met
- Communicate design intent and feedback to overseas vendors and factories
- Support seasonal milestone meetings and ensure deliverables are met on schedule
- Operational & Team Support
- Maintain organized design files, reference libraries, and seasonal documentation
- Update PLM systems, line plans, and internal tracking tools
- Support market preparation, line adoptions, and collaboration launches as needed
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred
- 5+ years of apparel design experience
- Experience within a fast-paced, high-volume apparel environment preferred
- Menswear experience a plus
- Portfolio required
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience required or strongly preferred
- Proficiency in Miro for collaboration with design and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated understanding and hands-on experience using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation, concept development, and design visualization
- Strong sketching and design execution skills with attention to detail
- Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit
- Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong design point of view balanced with commercial sensibility
- Proactive, organized, and solution-oriented
- Collaborative team player with a positive, adaptable mindset
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Ability to lift and transport garment samples and sample boxes
- Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings