Kenneth Cole Productions · 6 hours ago
Design Manager, Design Services
New York, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$80K/yr - $100K/yr
5+ years expKenneth Cole Productions is a global fashion brand that creates modern, versatile, and functional clothing, shoes, and accessories. The Design Manager will lead the Design Services team in setting the creative tone and visual direction for the Kenneth Cole brand, driving innovation and elevating the product vision while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
E-CommerceFashionManufacturingRetailShopping
Responsibilities
Conduct ongoing product research, concept development, and content curation to drive innovation and elevate the brand’s product vision
Identify, source, and compile a wide range of inspiring and noteworthy product references from diverse and unexpected sources
Contribute both independently and collaboratively, bringing forward ideas that challenge convention while maintaining brand integrity
Partner closely with cross functional teams to support the creation and presentation of comprehensive global product direction
Participate in the approval process for all product concepts within Design Services
Collaborate closely with the senior Director of Design Services to creatively and technically execute a cohesive seasonal brand vision across all product categories
Research and develop macro and micro trends, including silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation relevant to each category
Further define and create seasonal direction for the Kenneth Cole brand, leveraging AI tools to enhance creative exploration and visualization
Brainstorm and ideate with cross functional partners, maintaining an open minded and solutions-driven approach to feedback and collaboration
Consistently archive research and development by category or concept, ensuring organized and easily accessible visual references for the team
Adhere to internal design and development calendars to ensure timely completion and successful in-person hand-offs twice per year
Research and develop product direction for key categories, identifying opportunities that align with the Kenneth Cole brand aesthetic and market position
Curate and refine findings to present relevant direction by silhouette, fabric, trim, and innovation balancing creativity with commercial viability
Leverage AI tools to further define and visualize the Kenneth Cole product look and feel within each category
Collaborate with cross functional partners to ensure alignment with internal development calendars and timely execution of seasonal milestones
Create best-in-class, visually compelling presentations to support new business opportunities and showcase the Kenneth Cole brand vision
Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Team (SPT) to develop a 360° approach in identifying whitespace opportunities and market potential within key categories
Build go-to-market (GTM) product pitch decks post-market to clearly articulate product hierarchy, enabling the Marketing team to plan budgets and develop cohesive seasonal campaign concepts
Leverage AI tools to enhance creative efficiency, streamline deck production, and visualize product and concept narratives
Participate in global product development meetings, contributing to discussions that align product direction with brand strategy
Provide timely and comprehensive meeting recaps and action notes within 48 hours of each session to ensure alignment and accountability
Organize and archive all product development imagery, tools, and notes for each development touchpoint, maintaining a clear and accessible reference library for the team
Communicate with global partners clearly, professionally, and proactively to support seamless collaboration across time zones and functions
Create and establish clear visual distinction for the Kenneth Cole brand across all product categories
Maintain and update brand standards to ensure consistency, clarity, and relevance across all touchpoints and seasons
Continuously evolve and innovate brand marks, materials, and visual identifiers to keep the brand forward thinking and future ready
Qualification
Required
5–10 years of experience in concept design, trend research, or related creative fields within the fashion or lifestyle industry
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative discipline required
Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) with strong formatting and presentation skills
Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline research, and support more strategic and directive design outcomes
Tech-savvy with the ability to leverage digital and AI tools to enhance creative output and workflow efficiency
Strong ability to curate content and craft compelling product stories that align with the Kenneth Cole brand vision
Deep understanding of fashion macro and micro trends and how to translate them into brand relevant product direction
Ability to source unique and inspiring content beyond traditional platforms such as WGSN or Trend Union
Superior attention to detail, highly organized, process-oriented, and proactive in approach
Proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Flexible and resourceful with strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset
Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively cross-functionally and as a team player
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision packages
401K and company match
Competitive time-off package including Unlimited PTO and Company Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Online Associate Discount
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Company
Kenneth Cole Productions
Kenneth Cole Productions is an online retailer that manufactures and sells footwear, handbags, apparel, and accessories products.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
David Edelman
Vice Chair and CFO
Samantha Cohen
Chief Marketing and Social Impact Officer
Recent News
bloomberglaw.com
2025-05-01
EIN Presswire
2024-11-01
Company data provided by crunchbase