Senior Designer, Sweaters

About the Role

As the Sr. Designer, Sweaters, you will serve as a senior concept creator and design thought partner for the Sweaters business. You will lead the development of original seasonal sweater ideas from early inspiration through line completion, translating research, archive, market intelligence, material innovation, and creative direction into compelling concepts, inspirational prototypes, and commercially relevant high-quality product ideas. You will guide junior designers and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams throughout development and production.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Creative Directors and Design Leads to define big ideas and translate the brand’s point of view into elevated sweater concepts, inspirational prototypes, and line-building design proposals.
• Drive original research across art, culture, vintage, runway, market, Ralph Lauren heritage/archive, materials, stitch innovation, and knitting resources to inform distinct seasonal concepts.
• Create and present concept boards, sketches, color-ups, fabric/yarn stories, stitch libraries, swatches, reference garments, and prototype packages that clearly communicate a senior design vision.
• Develop new stitches, patterns, constructions, yarn qualities, gauges, textures, finishes, and embellishment ideas with a focus on craft, novelty, and long-term product innovation.
• Design inspirational prototypes for seasonal concepts and future product ideas, ensuring they advance the aesthetic direction and provide a clear foundation for line development.
• Apply senior-level aesthetic judgment in line reviews, editing conversations, and design development to ensure cohesion, elevation, brand expression, and customer relevance.
• Translate conceptual ideas into executable product through flat sketches, detailed illustrations, layouts, reference garments, and Tech Pack direction while preserving creative intent.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners—including development, technical design, production, mills, and factories—to problem-solve and refine concepts through execution.
• Mentor and guide junior designers by providing concept direction, design feedback, research guidance, and support in building elevated presentation materials.
• Manage multiple concept and design workstreams against calendar milestones, balancing creative exploration with timely execution and line completion needs.

Requirements

• Strong sketching and design capability.
• Extensive knowledge of sweater design, yarns/gauges, and experience with mills and factories.
• Understanding of fit and construction.
• Ability to capture and create the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, with a deep understanding of the sweaters market.
• Resourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with multiple projects and challenging deadlines.
• Proven verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, present, and defend design concepts in both in-person and digital/hybrid settings.
• Strong Adobe Suite skills, including technical sketches and detail diagrams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to mentor junior talent and provide clear design direction, feedback, and support.

Pay

Salary range: $85,000 – $161,444 annually.