Director - Color, Concept & Trend

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Job description

Overview:
SPARC Group seeks a visionary and experienced Fashion Design Color, Concept & Trend Director to lead the creative direction and trend development for Aeropostale and Lucky Brand. This role requires a deep understanding of the fashion industry, a keen eye for emerging trends, and the ability to translate these insights into commercially successful fashion collections. As the Color, Trend and Concept Director, you will be responsible for driving innovation, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of fashion, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring creative concepts to life and achieve the financial goals of the business while supporting the brand.

Responsibilities:
• Trend Research & Development: Lead comprehensive research into global fashion, cultural trends, and market shifts to identify key directions for upcoming collections.
• Conceptualization: Develop innovative and forward-thinking seasonal concepts, mood boards, and design briefs that align with the brand's identity and customer base.
• Creative Leadership: Inspire, mentor, and manage the design team through the creative process, from concept to final product.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the marketing teams to ensure the seamless execution of creative concepts into market-ready products.
• Market & Competitor Analysis: Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring industry competitors and researching market demands to inform design strategies.
• Presentations & Reporting: Develop and present seasonal trend reports and concept presentations to senior leadership and key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of creative visions.
• Proactively seek out opportunities to maximize the business and elevate the product.
• Lead the development of seasonal color palettes and concepts across classifications in partnership with the senior design team.
• Understand the basics of the production process as it relates to color and print including fabrics, washes, print limitations, etc.
• Maintain awareness of current and historical sales trends as it relates to prints and color, as well as, create trend analysis (i.e.runway reports) shopping and services analysis to support quarterly direction.

Qualifications:
• Strong conceptual design ability and color sense.• Proven understanding of the youth & contemporary markets• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and presentation skills• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools, with a strong understanding of fabrics, textiles, and garment construction.• Proficient in Google Slides• Business Acumen: Strong strategic thinking and market analysis skills, with the ability to align creative direction with business goals.• Travel may be required, based on business needs.• Adhere to regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration. Job duties may be performed effectively using the hybrid work program designated by the company.• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as the company retains the right to change duties to this position.• Must have authorization to work in the United States. Physical Requirements:• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day • Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day • Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods• Ability to reach at or below shoulder level• Ability to carry equipment, move boxes/samples, etc.

Requirements & EEO Statement:
The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $190,000 annually. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to position offered and work experience. In addition to your salary, SPARC Group, and its affiliated brands, offers a benefits package, including 401(k) plan, overtime pay, flexible work schedule and a generous employee discount program (all benefits are based on eligibility). Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Guide that is available from our Human Resources Department.

SPARC Group LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a culture of inclusion and diversity within our workforce, and are committed to maintaining a workplace free from prohibited employment conduct, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, civil partnership, status as a covered veteran, status in the Uniformed Services of the United States, citizenship and any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals in the job application and interview process.

Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and applicable state disability laws, it is the policy of SPARC to provide a reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our Human Resources department.

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