Lead Fashion Designer
CYBEX
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Milano • Italy
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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.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Attractive annual leave
- Discounts on 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 selectionconstruction methodspattern makingsilhouette developmentdesign project managementtrend researchsustainability
Soft Skills
leadershipmentoringcollaborationcreativitycommunicationpresentation skillsproblem-solvingrelationship managementorganizational skillscross-functional alignment
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Fashion DesignMaster's degree in Fashion DesignBachelor's degree in Product DevelopmentMaster's degree in Product Development