Basic Purpose:
The Director of Concept & Trend is responsible for working alongside the Head of Design to set overall direction of the conceptual development, including color, print and pattern direction, and seasonal brand expression and storytelling for Talbots.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Conduct research for trend direction by utilizing and analyzing fashion sites/blogs, runway shows, trend forecasting companies, fashion publications, trade shows, as appropriate for the Talbots brand
- Identify the definition of big idea and volume driving trends that will positively impact the bottom line and enhance design integrity for Talbots.
- Investigate category-specific research for detailed analysis on key categories (silhouette, fabric, color, and fit analysis in addition to competitor comparison) when needed.
- Track seasonal selling, analyze trends, and analyze what’s happening in competitive environment and how it will impact the brand and categories.
- Drive seasonal direction by working cross functionally across the organization
- Lead team to execute styling for Spectrum/adoption meetings/key looks
Internal and External Relationships:
- Internal: Work cross-functionally with Design/Creative Teams, Visual, Marketing, Product Development, Merchandising, Technical Design and Sourcing
- External: Establish, build and maintain positive, strong partnerships with external vendors
Salary range: $143K-$170K
Number of Direct Reports and Titles
N/A
Education/Experience/Knowledge:
- Minimum of 10 years design experience, preferably in womenswear
- Exceptional skills in overall seasonal direction setting, including mood, color, trend, big ideas, key items as well as print direction.
- Experience in analytical brand positioning work which includes design filters and customer profiling
- Strong leadership experience; as process and milestone delivery with wider teams and cross functional partners.
- Collaborative partner with a hands-on and team-oriented approach who is willing to do what it takes to support deliverables in a reasonable and timely manner
- Highly creative and has a strong business growth mindset
- Ability to set overall creative tone and lead creative design process
- Excellent verbal presentation skills
- Dynamic, enthusiastic and persuasive leader who inspires and positively motivates others to action
- Strong integrity, energy, and credibility
- Strong planning, organization, and prioritization skills
- Ability to communicate and interface well at all levels of the organization
- Command of Adobe Creative Suite software: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office. Working experience using Microsoft Teams, a plus.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel assigned to this job.