About the Role
The Senior Designer will work with the Senior Director, Design – RTW to initiate concepts each season that are fashion driven, reflective of the creative vision and Coach aesthetic. You will be part of a dynamic, creative environment where you will collaborate with talented designers and cross-functional partners in the business. The successful candidate will bring exceptional design expertise to craft elevated knitwear that blends modern design with the heritage and sophistication of the Coach brand.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Senior Director to refine knit designs from initial idea to show sample across Women’s and Men’s Collection and Multi channels.
- Lead design research for knitwear from initial concept stage.
- Research and develop stitch and garment concepts for both seasonal collections and special projects.
- Conduct seasonal research—visual, vintage, and trend-based—to inspire and inform design direction.
- Create mock-ups for stylist meetings, both in 3D and digitally rendered formats.
- Research seasonal yarns and collaborate with knitwear vendors to drive innovative fabric development.
- Create a knitwear assortment across collection and multi-channel, leveraging shared design concepts and materials for greater cohesion.
- Mentor and manage junior designers, providing guidance, feedback, and clear delegation.
- Oversee team output and ensure deadlines and business objectives are met through collaborative leadership.
- Ensure product is created that protects brand integrity.
- Ongoing research to develop and pitch new branding concepts.
- Collaborate with the design team on concept boards, concept styling and seasonal color direction.
- Work closely with design, merchandising, product development and technical design teams to align creative vision with business objectives and deliver cohesive, market-right product.
- Partner with merchandising to analyze market trends and align designs with business needs.
- Engage cross-functionally with Merchandising, Concept, Print, and Product Development teams; actively participate in category meetings.
- Present design work to internal partners, maintaining strong relationships throughout the process.
- Solve design challenges with a balance of creativity and product knowledge; confidently push back on ideas that don’t align with brand right decisions.
- Ensure timeline adherence to calendar by completing design cards accurately and delivering to development on schedule.
- Manage development to ensure all samples are received for product presentations.
- Uphold design integrity, quality, and timeliness throughout the entire development cycle—from concept through commercialization.
Requirements
- Must possess a strong fashion sense and have the ability to interpret trends
- Must have knowledge in knitwear design and yarn technology
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse group at all levels
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-up
- Must be flexible and adapt easily to change
- Passion for RTW and a thirst for knowledge
- Excellent hand sketching skills; ability to create both freeform garment renderings and renderings on figure drawings
- Ability to CAD technical drawings and strength in image manipulation
- Experience developing product directly with factories; understanding of knitwear development from concept through commercialization
- Understanding of materials, and garment construction & performance (i.e. strong knowledge of fabric, material quality, and how it will perform as a garment)
- Understanding of garment fit & and ability to independently conduct fittings on a model
- Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office
Skills
- Knitwear design
- Yarn technology
- Hand sketching
- CAD technical drawings
- Image manipulation
- Adobe Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Microsoft Office
Location
- New York, NY
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Senior
- Minimum 7 years’ design experience, preferably in knitwear
Education Level
- Bachelor’s Degree in Design or related field
Salary/Compensations
- $115,000.00-$135,000.00
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401 (K)
- Paid Paternity and Maternity leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Disability insurance
- Tuition assistance
About the Company
- Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in.
- Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio – a global house of brands committed to stretching what’s possible.
- A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive. Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Equal Opportunity
- Coach. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.
- Tapestry, Inc. will provide applicants and employees with reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Tapestry People Services at 1-855-566-9264 or employeerelations@tapestry.com
