Design Manager

Meet the Owned Brand division of REVOLVE:

REVOLVE is the next-generation fashion retailer for millennial and Generation Z consumers. As a trusted, premium lifestyle brand and a go-to source for discovery and inspiration, REVOLVE delivers an engaging customer experience from a vast yet curated offering of over 45,000 products. Founded in Los Angeles in 2003 by co-CEOs, Michael Mente and Mike Karanikolas, REVOLVE’s family of brands includes their luxury offering, FORWARD, and a portfolio of 24 owned brands such as Lovers + Friends, Tularosa, NBD and RAYE.

The Owned Brand division within REVOLVE is an industry-leading fashion design and production house based in Los Angeles. Leveraging the power of REVOLVE’s data driven merchandising, combined with raw creative talent results in an unparalleled ability to identify a specific market niches, developing brands that each have their own identity, designed with a distinct consumer interest and personality in mind.

At REVOLVE the most successful team members have the thirst and creativity to redefine fashion retail for the 21st century, making REVOLVE THE leading online retail destination targeted towards Millennial and Generation Z consumers seeking premium fashion.  With a team of 1,000 strong, we are a dynamic bunch that are motivated by getting the company to the next level.  It’s our goal to hire high-energy, diverse, bright, creative, and flexible individuals who thrive in a fast-paced work environment.  In return, we promise to keep REVOLVE a company where inspired people will always thrive. 

Some of the sweetest perks we offer aren’t in a typical benefit package like hefty discount on items we carry – as in 50% or more off retail prices, free weekly lunches, and pretty rad company parties. 

To take a behind the scenes look at the REVOLVE “corporate” lifestyle check out our Instagram @REVOLVEcareers or #lifeatrevolve.

Are you ready to set the standard for Premium apparel?

Main purpose of the Design Manager role:

This is full-time role for a highly experienced, talented Designer Manager who is driven by and can lead on-trend design and concept. This position will report to the Design Director and SVP to help oversee the development, implementation and execution of monthly design plans. This includes leading the team in the research, development, sketching, and development of tech packs to execute on-trend styles on a seasonal basis with keeping key productivity and sales metrics in mind. The Design Manager will be an out of the box thinker and leader who exudes passion and knowledge, who can also effectively collaborate with the existing team, outside vendors, and across all levels of the organization. 

Major Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•    Assist in overseeing the development, implementation and execution of monthly design plans

•    Integrate with the Design Director to evolve the segment and brands strategy and structure while also communicating it thoroughly and effectively

•    Lead on the overall concept and design intent across multiple brands. This includes conceptualizing and creating compelling product for all monthly deliveries

•    Support the Design Director in providing leadership and direction to the design team which includes creating and executing short and long-term developmental goals

•    Partner with the Design Director in building quarterly trend decks and design plans

•    Manage and develop technical flats and design sheets for each collection, utilizing the knowledge of brand vision

•    Oversee concept development through understanding sales data and trend research for multiple brands

•    Collaborate with the Design Director to ensure a cohesive concept for each season

•    Engage in all aspects of design process from development through production (including but not limited to sketching, swatch development, quality development, and fittings)

•    Collaborate with the Design Director and cross-functional team members to build brand specific product that supports Revolve’s financial and merchandising strategies

•    Lead in presenting key seasonal trends and drive all corresponding development with overseas vendors

•    Engage with the Tech Design and Production team to ensure fit intent and consistency. This includes attending fittings and providing effective feedback (which can potentially change sketches as necessary)

•    Review development samples for approval

•    Ensure all calendar deadlines and productivity targets are being met

•    Facilitate deep integration to ensure alignment with the Buying team in order to craft a unique product mix

•    Manage the research and analysis of industry trends, shapes, market competition for materials, colors, etc.

•    Cultivate, interview, train and manage junior members which includes providing strategic and aesthetic guidance

•    Travel overseas as needed

•    Complete ad-hoc tasks and assignments as directed by management

Competencies: 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

•    Prior experience in effectively leading and managing others

•    Excellent ability to understand all stages of the design development process

•    Have a trend-focused, forward thinking mindset

•    Experience working closely with various cross-functional departments, including the Buying team

•    Advanced knowledge of garment development process, fabrics, patterns and construction

•    Advanced knowledge of target specs and POMs

•    Advanced sketching and CAD ability

•    Strong creative ability that will translate forecast trends in relation to brand’s customer

•    Experience working closely with various cross-functional departments

•    Strong ability to lead, manage and train multiple levels of designers and multiple brands

•    Advanced communication skills

•    Advanced analytical and decision making skills

•    Proactive, self-motivated, advanced knowledge of how to delegate and still meet  deadlines with "get it done" attitude

•    Must have contemporary experience and have worked in a fast pace environment

•    Must be able to effectively communicate ideas and have a “big picture” understanding

•    Ability to work under pressure in an environment of constant shifting priorities and change

•    Ability to manage workload and people effectively

•    Must have a high sense of urgency, punctuality and timeliness

•    Must have a flexible personality willing to take direction and change as business needs change/grow

•    Must be able to thrive in a fast paced environment and short lead calendar (5 months)

•    Must be able and willing to lift and carry up to 10 lbs., perform frequent repetitive finger, hand and wrist motions, as well as bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling

•    Must be able to sit for extended periods of time

Minimum Qualifications:

•    Degree in Women's wear Design

•    10+ years work experience in Design

•    5+ year in a managerial or leadership role

•    In depth knowledge of textiles, materials, construction and fit 

•    Computer sketching using CAD skills including Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, hand sketching, flat sketching

•    Strong experience developing tech packs  

•    Advanced hand illustration skills 

•    Advanced computer skills including experience using Microsoft suite, Adobe suite and Google suit applications

Preferred Qualifications:

•    2+ years of senior leadership and planning experience

•    Experience at luxury or contemporary brand 

•    Experience leading a team and/or multiple categories

•    Design experience with large LA based apparel company

*Candidates must submit a portfolio or work samples to be considered.  A design assessment may be assigned. 

A successful candidate works well in a dynamic environment with minimal supervision.  As a REVOLVE affiliated company we all roll up our sleeves to pitch-in and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Each day is a little different, it’s what keeps us on our toes and excited to come to work every day.

ATTENTION:

After submitting your application, please check your spam folder for emails on your application status. Emails are sent from an ADP email address.

The following job description contains representative examples of work that will be performed in positions allocated to this classification. It is not required that any position perform all of the duties listed, so long as primary responsibilities are consistent with the work as described. Roles and responsibilities can often be expanded to accommodate changing business conditions and goals, as well as to tap into the skills and talents of the individuals in the company. Accordingly, associates may be asked to perform duties that are outside the specific functions that are listed.