Designer/Developer

DESIGNER/DEVELOPER



Company
American Pacific Enterprises was founded in 1984, primarily as a quilt manufacturer. AP has long been recognized in the home textile industry as the company who helped revive the hand-pieced quilt business during the '80s and early '90s. On the success of its quilt business, AP extended its marketing and design reach into bedding ensembles, window treatments & window hardware, and full bath ensembles. It continues to be a leading supplier of fashion home furnishings to major specialty and department store retailers.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Designer/Developer!

Responsibilities

The incumbent in this position is responsible, as part of a design team, for the design of new, exclusive and unique Wal-Mart products for American Pacific to meet company sales and profit objectives.

 

Design Ensure that product is consistent with market trends as well as business strategy Responsible for fabric, trim selections and embroideries and develops within the parameters of the line plan Work directly with and provide instruction to CAD team, recommend revisions/color ways Oversee fabric approvals with designers In charge of giving final approval and sign-off Develop and engineer proprietary fabrics Create concepts, mood boards and research new techniques Prepare and present print and yarn dye concept storyboards for review Direct all cut and sew mechanicals, specs and construction

 

Research Responsible for researching global markets in order to identify new trends, fabrics and techniques Interpret international and domestic concepts and fashion trends as it relates to market demands, company image and business strategy Regularly shop stores and benchmark brands in order to better understand where they are and where they are going as it relates to color, fabric and price point Research and understand the competitive marketplace in bedding, quilts, duvets, windows and bath

Development Set expectations for production ready presentation samples Meet with key suppliers to gain clear understanding of future developments and competitive sourcing of fabrics Work with VP of Design and design team in partnership to determine direction of upcoming lines Monitor calendar to ensure all development dates are adhered to and that follow-through is achieved Initiate all import proto packages, troubleshoot development challenges to achieve look and price goals Establish communications and follow through for American Pacific to have all required approvals with Wal-MartAs needed, travel to Asia for trade shows, vendor factories and foreign markets for research and inspiration

 

 

Required Skills and Expertise

 

Textile Skills Highly knowledgeable about textile and art history Understand printing methods and yarn dye construction

 

Cut and Sew Background in apparel or home furnishings in a manufacturing environment. Off-shore sourcing experience Understand cut & sew construction Possess knowledge on how to put protos into work and troubleshoot problems

Design and Merchandising Ability to pull coordinate groups together and balance the product offering Assist in product development and merchandising to focus on brand label direction, working with materials, styling, colors, and patterns Ability to identify trends, forecast colors and have good color sense Present concepts and market awareness in compelling way. Able to assertively ?sell? concepts, market awareness, the idea that ?this is the right approach? to the customer while maintaining constructive/harmonious relationship. Ability to negotiate with customer to finalize product direction.

 

General Requirements 7-12 years in Design, with demonstrated increased levels of responsibility Experience working with Wal-Mart HIGHLY desirableManage and lead team members effectively Function independently, have a strong sense of urgency and desire to finish a job completely and well Juggle multiple projects simultaneously Thrive in a fast-paced environment Anticipate and resolve problems quickly and accurately Communicate across cultures and with those whose English is a second language with sensitivity Remain grounded and calm under work pressure Maintain positive and professional relations with coworkers at all levels and in all offices  

Physical Requirements Attend markets, which typically last two weeks in New York Travel overseas, as needed Work at a computer and stand at design tables for long stretches of time Ability to lift 20 pounds and carry bulky items

 

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to recruitingteam@american-pacific.com Please include the words "Designer/Developer" in the subject line of the email.

Thank you for your interest!