Senior Designer - Softgoods/Home (Contract)

Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich. 

With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.

That's the FAM Brands difference.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Designer to join our team on a contract basis, focusing on softgoods, home and pet products. The ideal candidate will bring a high level of creativity, industry knowledge, and technical expertise to lead the design process from concept to final product. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver products that align with our brand vision, market trends, and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Design Process: Oversee the design and development of softgoods/home products from initial concept through to production, ensuring designs meet aesthetic, quality, and cost objectives.
• Trend Research: Conduct thorough market and trend research to inform design direction, staying ahead of industry developments in materials, patterns, colors, and technologies.
• Concept Development: Create mood boards, sketches, and prototypes to communicate design ideas effectively to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Technical Design: Develop detailed technical drawings, specifications, and tech packs to guide sample development and production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product development, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment with business goals.
• Vendor Management: Liaise with domestic and international vendors to communicate design specifications, review samples, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Quality Assurance: Participate in sample reviews and fittings, providing feedback to refine products to meet quality and design standards.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and ensuring all deliverables are met.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior designers and design assistants, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure all designs are consistent with the brand’s aesthetic and meet the needs of our target customer base.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in softgoods or home product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing expertise in home textiles.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); experience with CAD software and PLM systems is highly desirable.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of textile materials, printing techniques, fabric constructions, and manufacturing processes related to home products.
• Creativity: Proven ability to translate trends and consumer insights into commercially successful products.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills with experience mentoring junior team members.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities and project needs.

Key Competencies:

• Innovative Thinking: Ability to push creative boundaries while considering practical constraints.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring precision in technical specifications.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to address design challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams.
• Market Awareness: Keen understanding of the home goods market and consumer preferences.