Director Design Men's

Description:

As the Director of Design for Men's at Gap Inc., you will be a pivotal leader in shaping the brand's aesthetic and driving innovation within our men's product lines. You will be responsible for translating market trends and consumer insights into compelling design concepts that resonate with our target customer and uphold the brand's identity. Your expertise in menswear design, coupled with a strategic vision, will be crucial in developing seasonal collections that are both commercially successful and brand-enhancing. You will lead and mentor a talented design team, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Your role will involve close partnership with merchandising, sourcing, and marketing teams to ensure a cohesive product strategy from concept to consumer.

What You'll Do

• Establish and articulate a clear design vision for the Gap Men's brand, aligning with overall business objectives and brand strategy.
• Lead and inspire the men's design team, providing creative direction, mentorship, and fostering professional growth.
• Conduct thorough market research and trend analysis to identify emerging styles, fabrics, and technologies relevant to the men's apparel market.
• Develop innovative and commercially viable design concepts, sketches, and presentations for seasonal collections.
• Collaborate closely with merchandising teams to understand product needs, pricing strategies, and target customer profiles.
• Partner with sourcing and production teams to ensure design integrity and quality standards are maintained throughout the development process.
• Present design concepts and collection overviews to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Oversee the creation of tech packs and specifications to ensure accurate execution of designs by production partners.
• Drive the adoption of new design technologies and processes to enhance efficiency and creativity.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships with marketing, visual merchandising, and other relevant departments to ensure a consistent brand message.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed for research, inspiration, and vendor meetings.
• Accountable for the timely delivery of design milestones within the product development calendar.

Who You Are

• A visionary design leader with a strong understanding of the men's apparel market and consumer trends.
• An exceptional communicator with the ability to articulate design concepts and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative and inspiring leader who can effectively motivate and develop a design team.
• Highly creative with a strong aesthetic sensibility and a keen eye for detail, fit, and quality.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market insights into actionable design strategies.
• Proficient in design software and technologies relevant to the apparel industry.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail environment, with a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• A strong understanding of garment construction, materials, and production processes.
• Passionate about the Gap brand and its heritage.