Design Director, Hosiery & Socks
2 days ago
New York
Job DescriptionSalary: $120-$150k Design Director Womens Hosiery/Socks About Us American Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management. By facilitating distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brandsincluding footwear, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, home, and beautyAmerican Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends. Joining American Exchange Group means being part of a dynamic and diverse team where your contributions drive real impactand where theres always room to grow. If you're looking to be part of a company that blends heritage with hustle, were excited to meet you. Visit our website at Overview We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Hosiery/Socks Design to lead the creative direction and execution of our womens sock categories. This role is responsible for setting the overall design strategy, driving seasonal line development, and ensuring product aligns with brand vision, trend direction, margin targets, and operational capabilities. The Director will partner closely with Merchandising, Production, and Sales to deliver compelling, commercially successful assortments. Location: This is 5 days onsite at our NYC headquarters in the Garment District. Primary Job Responsibilities: • Own and lead the creative vision and design strategy for the womens hosiery/socks category across seasons and accounts, • Direct seasonal line development from concept through production-ready execution, ensuring consistency with brand DNA and business objectives, • Translate market trends, customer insights, and competitive analysis into commercial, brand-appropriate product within pricing and margin targets, • Oversee and approve specs, technical drawings, and production-ready artwork to ensure accuracy, quality, and manufacturability, • Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Production, Sourcing, and Sales to align design direction with capacity, timelines, and cost parameters, • Mentor, guide, and review work from junior designers or freelancers as applicable, • Stay ahead of trends in fashion, yarns, materials, and manufacturing techniques, applying innovation thoughtfully to the category, • Balance creativity with speed, efficiency, and execution in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, • Drive continuous improvement in design processes and workflows to support scale and growth, • Support additional design initiatives and special projects as needed Qualifications & Experience: • 7+ years of experience in hosiery/socks design, with demonstrated ownership of full categories, • Proven ability to lead design direction while remaining hands-on as needed, • Strong portfolio showcasing trend leadership, commercial sensibility, and technical expertise, • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), • Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes specific to socks/hosiery, • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven with strong follow-through, • Ability to manage multiple priorities, tight deadlines, and fast-turn production cycles, • Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and cross-functional partnership skills, • High energy, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for product and the business, • Bachelors degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or related field (preferred) What We Offer • Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance, • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match, • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays, • Flexible Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons, • Health Savings Account (HSA), • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), • Tax-free commuter benefits, • Exclusive employee merchandise discounts Salary:The anticipated base salary is $120k-$150k annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location.