Svp, Merchandising & Design Strategy

• Communicates directly with the customer as needed
• Providing coaching to help develop individuals with professional goals
• Develops credibility for the Design group by providing timely and accurate analyses of budgets, project proposals and trends, in order to assist management
• Provides technical/professional advice and knowledge to others within the various administrative areas
• Provides technical and procedural direction to the design team and oversees implementation of ideas and concepts
• Other Duties/Responsibilities as assigned
• Ensures new product and product enhancements are researched, evaluated and considered for each design assignment
• Evaluates the design department’s structure and team plan to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the group
• Partners with outside sales team to deliver presentations and work directly with vendors and customers
• Continuously improve the design process by enhancing and developing procedures of the design unit, including the introduction of systems that will improve the overall effectiveness of the unit
• Partners with merchandisers to see that all presentations for customer projects and/or stock style developments are done in a timely manner
• Participates with Marketing and Sales as a tactical partner by evaluating and advising on the impact of design to the client wants and needs
• Provides regular status reports, gathers requirements from designers and collaborates on the products that are created

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to make technical presentations internally and to customers
• Microsoft Office Suite skills
• Ability to relate to people at all levels of an organization
• Ten to fifteen years’ related experience
• Ability to manage several projects at one time
• BS Degree in Fashion Design, Marketing or Business Administration.

• Formulating Innovation Plans – Determining steps, prioritizing actions and incorporating contingencies to implement new initiatives
• Collaborating with Others to Achieve Goals – Effectively collaborating to achieve goals by maintaining regular communication and adjusting personal style or work activities
• Focusing on Quality of Output – Meeting expectations by being thorough, organized and detail-oriented, and accepting responsibility for mistakes
• Generating New Ideas – Proposing, supporting and encouraging creative approaches and ideas
• Taking Initiative – Proactively and assertively contributing, surpassing expectation, and developing oneself
• Building Relationships and Networking – Building, maintaining and fostering positive working relationships with a broad range of people
• Following Instructions and Directions – Reading, listening, understanding and following instructions and directives
• Responding to Change – Effective reacting, responding and adapting to change
• Acting with Confidence – Making decisions confidently, decisively with positivity and with a clear rationale
• Contributing Toward Cohesion and Group Identity – Contributing to a positive team atmosphere by championing team success, supporting group decisions, and maintaining a positive attitude
• Monitoring Progress – Monitoring and comparing performance to standards to ensure high expectations are met
• Setting Challenging Goals – Setting goals that are measurable, time-based, challenging and both short and long-term focused
• Preparing for Change – Anticipating change and planning for possible contingencies
• Taking Responsibility for Outcomes – Accepting responsibility for unintended consequences and incorporating criticism and feedback to avoid future mistakes
• Embracing Uncertainty – Demonstrating composure and resilience when faced with setbacks, ambiguity and stressful situations
• Generating Alternative Solutions – Defining the problem, collecting information and ideas, and considering alternatives before making decisions
• Identifying Impact of Possible Solutions – Identifying potential outcomes, obstacles, drains on resources, and possible reactions to implementing new ideas
• Evaluating Consequences of Decisions – Listening, considering and evaluating consequences before making decisions

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability