Senior Designer - Apparel (Women/Children/Infant) - Permanent Equity
San Diego, CA 92101
About the Job
The Client:
The Rylee + Cru Collective is a family of brands dedicated to crafting high-quality, artful designs that inspire creativity and celebrate family connections. The Rylee + Cru Collective includes three distinct brands: Rylee + Cru, known for its beautifully crafted children's and women's apparel; Noralee, which offers timeless pieces for special occasions; and Quincy Mae, specializing in organic, soft essentials for babies and toddlers. Each brand within the Collective shares a commitment to authenticity, quality, and the joy of imaginative design. Together, they create collections that bring families joy in both everyday moments and life's special occasions.
In 2023, the Rylee + Cru Collective entered a long-term growth partnership with Permanent Equity, an investment firm that commits for the long haul (30 years), aiming to build upon the brand's rich heritage and expand its reach.
The Opportunity:
Rylee + Cru Collective is seeking a passionate, self-directed Senior Designer who is deeply invested in the brand's mission to create timeless, inspired designs. Under the guidance of the Design Director, this role will sit at the forefront of the design process, responsible for line planning, silhouette creation, art development, and communication with production teams. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in building collections from concept to completion, from early creative stages to production-ready designs, and thrive in a team setting. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, helping shape collections that resonate deeply with Rylee + Cru's audience and reflect the brand's core values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Line Planning & Product Assortment: Leads line planning, determining product assortment and SKU count for each collection. Collaborates with sales to identify bestsellers, understand customer preferences, and fill gaps in the line.
- New Silhouettes & Fabrications: Researches and designs new silhouettes and explores innovative fabrications to introduce variety and fresh concepts that align with the brand's aesthetic.
- Art Creation & Illustration: Develops artwork, from conceptual illustration to resizing, recoloring, and Pantone assignment, ensuring consistency and a cohesive visual identity.
- Tech Pack Development: Creates detailed tech packs with precise specifications to ensure a smooth transition to the production team.
- Print & Color Approvals: Oversees design team through all stages of print and color approvals, including managing lab dips, print strike-offs, and trim details.
- Production Communication: Acts as the primary contact for production and development teams (factories), addressing product-specific questions and ensuring design clarity throughout the manufacturing process.
- Technical Fit & Grading Oversight: Partners with the technical design team on fit and grading to ensure sizing consistency across styles and that designs meet production standards.
- Product Inquiries & Cross-Functional Support: Provides responses to product-specific questions from the tech team, ensuring design intent and quality standards are upheld across departments.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in apparel design, ideally in children's or women's wear, with a strong background in art and illustration.
- Proven experience participating in building a line from 0 to 1, taking products from concept through to final production.
- Expertise in art creation, print, and color management, with experience in creating cohesive, inspired collections.
- Experienced in tech pack development, print and color approvals, and communication with production teams.
- Self-directed, intuitive, and proactive, with the ability to identify gaps and contribute to brand growth.
- Passionate about Rylee + Cru's mission, with a commitment to contributing to the brand's continued growth and creativity.
Benefits:
- Compensation Range: $80,000-$110,000
- Relocation assistance available
- A robust benefits package including health, vision, dental, 401k, and more.
- Product allowance and discounts.
- Annual PTO and paid holidays.
Relocation
- This role is on-site in San Diego, CA.
- Relocation assistance is available for highly qualified candidates.
Design Portfolio Required: The ideal candidate will have strong illustration/art skills and a portfolio of work that demonstrates their passion for apparel design.
PI254172118
Source : Permanent Equity
