Lead Fashion Designer
CYBEX
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Bayreuth • Germany
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Job Level
About the role
- Lead the full apparel design lifecycle—from concept ideation and trend research to final product execution—ensuring alignment with brand DNA and seasonal direction
- Translate consumer insights, cultural trends, and D.S.F. innovation principles into compelling silhouettes, color stories, trims, and graphics
- Ensure production feasibility of all design concepts, collaborating closely with Product Management for smooth development transitions
- Drive fabric and trim selection, material innovation, and testing in partnership with Product Management and Sourcing & Quality
- Collaborate with Softgoods Engineering to ensure appropriate construction methods that support function, durability, and design intent
- Maintain strong relationships with mills and suppliers, staying ahead of new materials, technologies, and sustainability trends
- Preserve design integrity through sampling and production, partnering with Product Management and Operations to ensure accuracy and quality
- Manage the seasonal design calendar and deliverables, coordinating key milestones across multiple product categories with PM and PJM teams
- Facilitate cross-functional alignment, ensuring seamless communication between Design, Product Management, Sourcing, Quality, and Operations
- Identify and resolve design and production challenges early, ensuring on-time delivery and a smooth go-to-market process
- Lead ongoing trend, market, and consumer research, curating mood boards, material inspiration, and forward-thinking design presentations
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or related field
- Extensive professional experience in apparel design, product creation, or design management within the fashion, sportswear, or lifestyle industry
- Proven ability to build and manage the design process from ideation through to production readiness within an existing business
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide, mentor, and inspire design teams while fostering a collaborative and creative environment
- Willingness to travel to headquarters, suppliers, and industry events as required to support product development, collaboration, and brand representation
- Strong understanding of materials, construction, pattern making, and silhouette development
- Excellent knowledge of design and PLM tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, CLO 3D, Photoshop, PLM systems)
- Demonstrated experience in design project management and cross-functional collaboration
- Deep awareness of market trends, innovation, and sustainability in apparel
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design intent clearly
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
- Please note that a portfolio is a mandatory part of the application. Additionally, applications submitted without a portfolio cannot be considered.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Attractive annual leave
- Discounts on our products
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
apparel designproduct creationdesign managementmaterials innovationconstruction methodspattern makingsilhouette developmentdesign project managementtrend researchconsumer insights
Soft Skills
leadershipmentoringcollaborationcommunicationpresentation skillsproblem-solvingrelationship managementcreativityorganizational skillscross-functional alignment
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Fashion DesignMaster's degree in Fashion DesignProduct Development certification