Concept Designer - Women’s Accessories, Footwear & Sleepwear, Hybrid (Seattle, WA)

Nordstrom•Seattle, WA

3d•$93,500 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Concept Designer develops brand-informed seasonal concepts for Nordstrom Made women’s accessories, footwear and sleepwear, with leadership oversight. The role applies product design, market analysis and data analytics to evolving retail strategies at the brand level, and identifies and curates color palettes, trends, prints and patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes for specific brands. Working with the Senior Manager of Concept and Concept Director, the designer creates and communicates seasonal conceptual stories and collaborates with the Design Director and business partners to implement those ideas. The position is based at Nordstrom’s downtown Seattle headquarters and uses a hybrid schedule of four office days and one remote workday each week. Seasonal travel for research and/or product development is part of the role. Applicants must include a PDF or link to a portfolio with their resume to be considered.

Requirements

Strong design and conceptual skills.
Strong knowledge of textiles, artwork techniques, and fabric.
Proficiency in Illustrator and capability with Microsoft applications, Photoshop, InDesign, Miro, and related tools.
Positive, passionate approach and strong problem-solving skills.
Ability and desire to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with business partners and teammates.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
College degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or a related field.
Portfolio of work submitted as a PDF or link with the resume.
Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to present to senior leadership and tailor the message to the audience.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing priorities.
Strong analytical skills and ability to identify patterns.
Strategic, creative, innovative, and team-oriented approach.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver seasonal concepts at the brand level to Nordstrom Made partners, kick off the design process, and influence brand direction.
Conduct color and trend research to support seasonal product priorities and merchant strategies.
Update conceptual and trend information as new intelligence becomes available, keeping current with fashion publications, social media, and runways.
Shop competitors to understand the market landscape and report key findings to cross-functional teams (CFTs).
Influence product decisions during development and assortment phases to ensure relevant, engaging offerings; identify when assortments have diverged from the original concept and recommend course corrections.
Identify and champion efficiencies across category reports, streamlining research where possible to reduce workload and support team success.
Support multiple projects and timelines concurrently throughout each season.
Recognize how inadequate research or missed due dates can hinder the design development process.
Present to senior leadership and tailor presentations to the audience.
Support the Senior Manager in fostering partnerships with CFTs and tailor content to their needs.
Travel seasonally for research and/or product development.
Collaborate with the Design Director and partners on implementing and executing conceptual ideas.