Vans: Designer, Women's Apparel

Vans•Costa Mesa, CA

2d•$82,080 - $102,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community. So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you. To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com. At Vans, we believe great design doesn’t just follow culture—it helps shape it. As our Women's Apparel Designer, you'll bring the Off The Wall spirit to life through product that connects with women around the globe, blending trend-right relevance, creative storytelling, and authentic brand expression. From first sketch to final product, you'll partner across Merchandising and Development to create apparel that resonates with our consumer, pushes creative boundaries, and earns a place in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, Women's Apparel, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the Vans Women's business. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent experience in accessories or apparel
Expert knowledge of the Adobe Suite
Experience in 3D and Generative AI
Excellent sense of style and color
Thorough knowledge of the global lifestyle/action sports market
Possess strong presentation, listening, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to multitask managing design work with business requests
In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes
Comprehension in manufacturing process — design, development, fit and production
Capable of contributing to the design process with the team and partnering with product development
Follows through with all tasks, assignments to meet product development calendar
Ability to read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures and other business practices, guidelines and documents
Demonstrates the ability to synthesize aesthetic inspiration from vintage, forward‑thinking design, and mainstream consumer expectations to create relevant, compelling product concepts

Responsibilities

Responsible for market research, creating seasonal inspiration boards, designs, tech pack creation, and fit.
Determine material selection, color details, and styling details.
Responsible for knowledge of cost components and ability to design products that hit margin targets.
Create computer design; sketches, graphics, print artwork, multiple colorways and storyboards.
Create visual presentations and follow up with all design details.
Deliver presentation of designs at line reviews and product launches.
Oversee the fitting of garments and review product details to ensure product execution meets the design aesthetic as well as commercially acceptable quality standards.
Review details on prototypes with developer and merchandiser. Share responsibility for development and merchandiser for final product results.
Adhere to all calendar dates.