Job Description

About Us:

Naadam is redefining luxury by delivering the world's finest cashmere at an accessible price. Founded in 2013, with a vision to bring premium, sustainably made cashmere to the everyday wardrobe, we've built a brand that values innovation, transparency, and connection with our customers.

At Naadam, we are dedicated to pushing limits, nailing the details, and delivering products that are built to last. We pride ourselves on combining quality, craftsmanship, and modern design to create timeless, versatile pieces that are soft AF!

Job Summary

Naadam is seeking a highly skilled, innovative, and detail-oriented Knitwear Design Manager to play a pivotal role in the creation and expansion of our product lines in our E-commerce Collections, Wholesale Collections, and Private Label Offerings. As a key member of the Naadam Design Team, you will work closely with cross-functional partners in Product Development, Technical Design, and Merchandising, to oversee all aspects of product creation.

Under the guidance of the SVP of Design, you will lead the Design team in color development, conceptual direction, knitdowns, sketching, technical fittings, and presentations. This role requires a hands-on approach, creative vision, and a passion for innovation in knitwear. If you are a dynamic leader with a keen eye for detail and a deep love for knitwear, we would love to hear from you!

** Please include resume along with your portfolio or website when applying**

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the design strategy for women’s and men’s e-commerce, wholesale, and private label collections, ensuring alignment with the brand’s vision and overarching business objectives.
• Creative Direction: Drive the design vision by conducting strategic raw material research, spearheading new developments, analyzing market trends, and fostering an innovative and forward-thinking design process. Manage calendars to ensure seamless execution.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, cultivating a collaborative and dynamic creative environment. Elevate technical expertise within the team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards.
• Design Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end design process, from initial concept to final product, ensuring all designs are innovative, high-quality, trend-driven, and reflective of the Naadam brand.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Sales to ensure cohesive product execution while strategically balancing design integrity with margin goals and cost efficiency.
• Product Development: Guide the creation of high-quality prototypes and samples that meet brand standards and design specifications, ensuring excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.
• Executive Presentations: Present design concepts and seasonal collections to senior leadership, incorporating feedback and refining designs to align with strategic objectives.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and refine team structure, workflows, and processes to enhance efficiency and best support the brand and cross-functional partners.

Skills

• Proficiency in Design Software: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate, with strong croquis sketching abilities.
• Technical Knitwear Expertise: Deep understanding of yarn mills, fiber capabilities, knit techniques, stitch variations, and garment construction.
• End-to-End Collection Development: Extensive experience in conceptualizing and executing a collection from initial research and raw material selection to sketching, tech pack creation, fittings, color development, and final presentation/merchandising.
• Garment Engineering & Fittings: Proven ability to lead fittings and garment engineering, ensuring superior construction, fit, and functionality.
• Systems: Experience with Centric PLM is a plus.
• Strategic Problem-Solving: A critical thinker with a solution-oriented mindset, capable of addressing design challenges and optimizing product performance.
• Adaptability & Multitasking: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, start-up environment, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Organizational Excellence: Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills to ensure seamless workflow and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Fashion Design / Knitwear
• 10+ years of knitwear design experience is a must
• 4+ years in a management role
• Woven and cut & sew experience is a plus. This role will be required to design into all three categories.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation
• Health Insurance
• 401k Plan
• Hybrid Work - Employees are required to be in office 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Salary Range: $130,000-$150,000*

*Salary offered will be commensurate with experience.

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