SanMar · 11 hours ago
Director, Apparel Design
Issaquah, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $235K/yr
10+ years expSanMar is a company that focuses on defining and driving the creative future of a multi-brand portfolio in the apparel industry. The Director of Apparel Design will lead and mentor a creative team, establish a powerful creative vision, and ensure that product lines are cohesive and differentiated across various brands.
RetailFashionApparelProduct Design
Responsibilities
Establish and champion a powerful creative vision across multiple brand identities, ensuring each brand is distinct, authentic, and consumer relevant
Translate macro trends, consumer insights, and market dynamics into meaningful creative direction and product storytelling
Define clear seasonal frameworks—concepts, narratives, color, materials, graphics, and silhouettes—that guide ideation through execution
Drive innovation in design, materials, and construction while honoring brand DNA and commercial realities
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing creative team, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement
Lead with a deep understanding of the consumer—anticipating needs, behaviors, and emotional drivers to create product that resonates and performs
Identify and leverage emerging trends, cultural movements, and competitive insights to keep brands ahead of the curve
Elevate ideation and design output across apparel, bags, and headwear, setting a high bar for concept, craft, and storytelling
Ensure product lines feel cohesive, intentional, and differentiated across seasons and brand portfolios
Guide the refinement of concepts into best-in-class execution, from initial inspiration through final product approval
Establish best in class design processes that evolve to meet future business objectives
Partner closely with product, merchandising, marketing, and leadership teams to align creative vision with business objectives
Ensure resources and budgets are planned and utilized effectively to meet evolving business needs
Present and articulate creative direction with clarity and conviction to internal stakeholders and external partners
Ensure creative processes support speed, consistency, and scalability across multiple brands and categories
Perform other duties as assigned
Comply with all policies and standards
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent design experience
10+ years of progressive creative leadership experience within apparel, accessories, or consumer lifestyle brands
Demonstrated success leading multiple brand identities with distinct creative strategies
Strong portfolio showcasing concept-led design, seasonal storytelling, and innovation across product categories
Proven ability to mentor, inspire, and elevate creative teams
Deep understanding of apparel, bag, and headwear design, materials, and production processes
Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and stakeholder-influencing skills
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability coverage
Paid maternity/paternity leave
Pet insurance
Company
SanMar
SanMar is a promotional apparel and wholesale supplier provides superior services and products.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
P
Paul Whyatt
Chief Financial Officer
J
Jennifer Larson
Chief People Officer
Recent News
2025-10-21
Company data provided by crunchbase