POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT (defines the major functions/purpose of the position)

This role supports the VP of Design through design creation and execution of specific product categories within multiple labels that adhere to our overall seasonal design directive.

The Senior Designer will possess a creative sensibility and modern pointe of view coupled with a deep understanding of the global luxury client to successfully create product in line with the St. John aesthetic.

The Senior Designer will oversee the development and sampling of multiple styles to assure adherence to Merchandise Line Plan and Critical Path.

Success in this role is measured by delivering an innovative, yet balanced, commercial collection that achieves our financial goals and is positively received by our client and wholesale partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates artistic ability that can be applied creatively and pragmatically to the St. John brand.

• Designs specific capsules and/or product categories with an emphasis on knitwear.

• Creates illustrations, flat sketches and style information on assigned categories or labels.

• Responsible for creation, development and execution of materials, sketches, prints, trim and hardware for line development. Oversees timely approvals of seasonal designs throughout the development process to ensure efficient adherence to the Critical Path.

• Participates in weekly textile development review, line development sessions and team meetings to assure strong communication on all creative processes and product related issues.

• Partners with Knit development team to develop knit structures that meet design and merchandising requirements for assigned division or product category.

• Regularly collaborates with design teams of other categories of the brand for cohesiveness of products and assortment.

• Reviews muslins and attends first proto fittings when needed to provide concise feedback on creative elements of fit.

• Works with Product Engineering, Technical Design and Sample Floor to manage assigned work from inception through completion.

• Collaborates with Merchandising, R&D and Costing teams to insure designs meet brand directive, merchandising plan and cost guidelines to achieve commercial objectives and positive market reception.

• Supports Design team in preparation of line for sales meeting, photo shoot and market presentations.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT ST. JOHN:
• Demonstrates high taste level and aesthetic sensibility.
• Demonstrates passion for fashion and the luxury consumer
• Demonstratates collaborative work style with problem solving instinct
• Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers, and management.
• Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Adheres to all Company Policies & Procedures and Safety Regulations.
• Adheres to local, state and federal laws.
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position/department.
• Ability to work varied hours, nights, days and weekends to support the business needs.
• Ability to travel domestic and international.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• This position has no supervisor responsibilities.
• Ensures work flow and processes are at maximum efficiency for business necessity.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Interacts with all levels throughout organization including representing St John to outside vendors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are the minimum qualifications necessary in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

COMPETENCIES:
• Creative and Artistic
• Results Oriented
• Detailed and Thorough
• Strategic Problem Solving
• Communicative
• Client Focused
• Teamwork
• Optimistic
• Honest and Works with Integrity
• Professional
• Adaptable
• Embraces Change
• Organized
• Solution Oriented

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• 10 or more years relevant experience (knitwear experience preferred) including sketching/illustration
• College degree in Fashion Design
• Understands proportions, measurement and construction.
• Proven time management and organizational skills.
• Solid computer skills, with general knowledge. Experience with photoshop, illustrator and indesign preferred.
• Ability to perform in a dynamic environment with multiple deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must be able to see, hear and speak in order to communicate with employees and other customers.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Manual dexterity required using hands to finger; handle, feel and type; reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift, move and carry up to 20 lbs.