Designer - China
Description:
Haddad is a privately held family business with over 100 years of experience in the children's apparel & accessories industry. A leader in the industry, Haddad Brands is the exclusive global licensee for the most iconic brands in the world, including Nike, Jordan, Converse, Hurley, Levi's, Polo, Abercrombie and Fitch, Lacoste, and Huggies. Supported by a team of professionals skilled in design, sourcing, production, sales, marketing & distribution of premium quality children's wear, Haddad distributes globally to 100+ countries and maintains sales and sourcing offices in 22 cities globally, including New York, Paris, Hilversum, Shanghai, Egypt, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Montreal.
Overview:
The Designer will work cross functionally with Graphic Design, Sales and Merchandising to create and develop seasonal apparel lines while supporting the overall brand's objective. This role also serves as a key liaison between the New York Office (NYO) and the China Office, ensuring clear, efficient, and timely communication across regions.
Key Accountabilities:
Research and identify market place trends on style, fit and color to maintain a brand strategy
Create CAD sketches of styles in development
Review and approve all technical packs to ensure accuracy of product development and create tech packs as necessary
Ensure that the design team is made aware of major milestones and deadlines throughout the design process including fabric requests and sourcing timelines
Oversee the creation, development and execution of design process while implementing the overall brand strategy and merchandise objectives for their functional area
Attend all fitting meetings and lend feedback to ensure design intention is captured
Work closely with Graphic Designers, Sales and Merch to prepare line reviews and presentation materials for market and corporate brand meetings
Oversee the creation and maintenance of the seasonal design catalogs to ensure accuracy
Ensure Design Operations and Sourcing have the most accurate information on line development and that changes were implemented
Communicate regularly with Sales and Merchandising teams to discuss line development progress and share feedback
Review and approve styles, materials, trims and colors and effectively communicate approvals to appropriate cross functional teams
Participate in sampling communication between sample room. Design, and cross-functional teams as needed
Manage, train and develop Associate and Assistant Designers
Initial fit/Sample pass off to TD for new fits
Manage Fashion Show concepting
Special Projects as assigned
Requirements:
Required Skills/Abilities/Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design
5+ years of experience in the fashion industry (children's wear knowledge a plus)
Must be fluent in English and Mandarin, written and verbal
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)
Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills with exceptional attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to design within a brand-appropriate aesthetic
A consistent in-office presence is essential for this role, as it is for all Haddad Brands team members. Being physically present allows for a full aesthetic and tactile understanding of our brand partners' products—an appreciation that is critical to maintaining the quality and distinctiveness that set them apart in the market.