Senior Design Manager, Women's Knitwear

About the role

As a Senior Design Manager for Women's Knitwear at Calvin Klein, you will lead the design process and create essential, captivating and trendsetting knitwear collections for women. You will translate creative visions into practical designs, oversee development of knitwear, ensure alignment with brand aesthetic, quality standards, and customer preferences, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the brand's success in the women's knitwear market.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop creative and innovative designs for women's knitwear, from essential wardrobe staples to trend‑driven seasonal collections.
• Stay updated with the latest fashion trends, colors, fabrications, silhouettes and innovations relevant to women's knitwear.
• Collaborate with the design team and design director to create seasonal knitwear collections aligned with brand vision and market demands; present design concepts and storyboards to internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with product developers and technical designers to produce detailed tech packs and design specifications for prototypes and production; ensure fit and construction meet high‑quality standards.
• Maintain the brand's aesthetic and design language across all women's knitwear products; collaborate with the brand team for consistent storytelling.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify innovation opportunities; explore new yarns, finishes, branding and design techniques.
• Effectively communicate design concepts to team members and stakeholders; work cross‑functionally with product developers, merchandisers, and suppliers.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and creativity.
• Oversee supervisory duties for Designer 1 & Assistant Designer; drive decision‑making for the Calvin Klein knitwear line each season.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity, staying aware of global fashion trends and yarn/trim R&D; operate in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven, team‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7‑10 years of related design experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or in an experienced design role within women's knitwear.
• Strong portfolio showcasing creative and technical design skills in women's knitwear.
• Proficiency in design software and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• In‑depth knowledge of knitwear trends, yarns, construction techniques, and patternmaking.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong eye for aesthetics and quality.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate design concepts effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and meet project deadlines.

Skills

• Creative and innovative design.
• Trend research and analysis.
• Technical design and tech pack creation.
• Cross‑functional collaboration.
• Mentorship and leadership.
• Presentation and communication.

Pay

Pay Range: $125,100 — $169,300 (base salary). Bonus eligible.

Benefits

• Competitive, cost‑effective, comprehensive benefit packages including medical, vision, dental, life and disability insurance.
• Above‑market 401(k) contribution.
• Flexible workplace: generous company‑paid holidays, paid time off, hybrid working arrangements, volunteer opportunities, seasonal hours, flexible schedules.
• Wellbeing support: Headspace membership, fitness‑membership reimbursement, digital meditation subscriptions, up to $200 annual rewards for healthy activities.
• Care.com services: childcare, elder care, adoption preparation, pet care, backup‑care reimbursement.
• Education assistance: tuition reimbursement.
• Associate discount on company outlets and e‑commerce sites.