Anthropologie Temporary Senior Designer - Knits

Urban Outfitters • Philadelphia, PA

71d

About The Position

Anthropologie is seeking a Temporary Senior Designer with expertise in knits to lead the design and development of our jackets category. This role is responsible for conceptualizing and executing seasonal collections that reflect the brand's unique aesthetic and align with the overarching seasonal themes. The ideal candidate will bring a strong design sensibility, technical knowledge of structured garments, and a passion for creating innovative, brand-relevant product.

Requirements

• Proven ability to identify and forecast emerging fashion and cultural trends, with a sharp eye for translating aspirational concepts into commercially successful product.
• Strong creative vision with the ability to distill broad inspiration into focused, brand-right jackets that offer a point of difference while remaining accessible to the Anthropologie customer.
• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to clearly present ideas, seasonal direction, and design rationale to cross-functional partners including Buying, Merchandising, and fellow Design team members.
• Skilled in researching and interpreting trend direction, fabric innovation, and color development 9-12 months ahead of season to drive forward-thinking product.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong proficiency in hand sketching and digital design tools including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• In-depth technical knowledge of apparel construction, particularly in structured wovens and outerwear, including garment treatments, finishing techniques, and fabric behavior.
• Comprehensive understanding of global manufacturing processes, garment development, and sourcing.
• Expertise in sourcing appropriate fabrics, trims, and components that align with design intent, costing targets, and brand quality standards.
• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring, developing, and inspiring design team members; able to foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Ability to delegate effectively and manage the day-to-day activities of Assistant and Associate Designers, ensuring clarity of expectations and design intent.
• Demonstrated experience giving actionable feedback and conducting performance evaluations, in alignment with company values and growth objectives.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to build productive partnerships with Buyers, Technical Design, Production, and Department Leads.
• 7-10 years of women's fashion design experience, with a strong focus on jackets or structured wovens.
• Deep understanding of the Anthropologie customer and the brand's unique aesthetic, with the ability to create elevated, trend-relevant product that resonates with her lifestyle.
• Expert-level knowledge of structured fabrications and garment construction.
• Degree in Fashion or similar area of study preferred.
• Domestic + overseas travel required.

Responsibilities

• Drive the seasonal creative direction for the knits category within the structured wovens assortment, ensuring alignment with brand identity and overall collection themes.
• Conduct regular market and street style research, including domestic and international shopping trips, to gather trend inspiration and identify emerging silhouettes, fabrications, and details.
• Source and select globally available fabrics and yarns within budget parameters, with a focus on innovation, quality, and relevance to the jacket category.
• Collaborate closely with the Design Director and Buying team on a weekly basis to evaluate seasonal performance, identify emerging in-season opportunities, and respond with on-trend product solutions.
• Partner with the Design Director to define the conceptual and aesthetic direction for jackets each season, ensuring cohesive integration within the broader product assortment.
• Develop products from concept to final sample, including fabric selection, trim development, and color direction, while working closely with the Raw Materials team to ensure timely alignment.
• Manage product development in collaboration with Production, balancing creative vision with costing, minimum order quantities, and lead-time constraints.
• Create and present seasonal development samples, color palettes, and silhouettes for review in internal and merchant-facing meetings such as Proto and Sample Reviews.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of detailed tech packs, spec sheets, and CADs for all selected jacket styles.
• Ensure fit and construction details are clearly communicated to the Technical Design team for both domestic and overseas development.
• Attend and lead weekly fittings, providing direction and feedback to refine fit, proportion, and construction across all jacket styles.
• Travel to factories as needed to support development, manage execution, and maintain quality standards.
• Supervise and mentor Assistant and Associate Designers, setting clear development goals and providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and creative studio environment that supports growth and innovation.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• PTO
• generous employee discounts
• retirement savings
• and much more

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree