Vans: Designer, Women's Apparel

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends.

About the role

At Vans, we believe great design doesn’t just follow culture—it helps shape it. As our Women's Apparel Designer, you'll bring the Off The Wall spirit to life through product that connects with women around the globe, blending trend-right relevance, creative storytelling, and authentic brand expression. From first sketch to final product, you'll partner across Merchandising and Development to create apparel that resonates with our consumer, pushes creative boundaries, and earns a place in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, Women's Apparel, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the Vans Women's business.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research, create seasonal inspiration boards, designs, tech pack creation, and fit.
• Determine material selection, color details, and styling details.
• Understand cost components and design products that hit margin targets.
• Create computer designs: sketches, graphics, print artwork, multiple colorways, and storyboards.
• Develop visual presentations and follow up on all design details.
• Deliver presentations of designs at line reviews and product launches.
• Oversee the fitting of garments and review product details to ensure execution meets design aesthetic and commercially acceptable quality standards.
• Review details on prototypes with developer and merchandiser.
• Share responsibility with development and merchandiser for final product results.
• Adhere to all calendar dates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent experience in accessories or apparel.
• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Expert knowledge of the Adobe Suite.
• Experience in 3D and Generative AI.
• Excellent sense of style and color.
• Thorough knowledge of the global lifestyle/action sports market.
• Strong presentation, listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask managing design work with business requests.
• In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes.
• Comprehension of the manufacturing process — design, development, fit, and production.
• Ability to contribute to the design process with the team and partner with product development.
• Follow through with all tasks and assignments to meet the product development calendar.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and other business documents.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize aesthetic inspiration from vintage, forward-thinking design, and mainstream consumer expectations to create relevant, compelling product concepts.

Location requirement: Hybrid schedule in-office in Costa Mesa, CA.

Pay

Hiring range: $82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annually.

This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates, on www.MyVFbenefits.com. Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.