Head of Men's Apparel Design

Madewell • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Madewell, we believe that great style starts with great design. Since 2006, we’ve been creating premium denim and foundational wardrobe pieces for men and women that balance quality, authenticity, and versatility. Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace. As the VP of Men’s Apparel Design at Madewell, you will own the end-to-end creative vision and design strategy for all Men’s apparel categories excluding Denim. Reporting to the Creative Director of Madewell and partnering closely with the VP of Denim Design and VP of Accessories, you will ensure a cohesive, brand-right Men’s collection each season. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, inspire a talented team, and shape a menswear line that resonates with today’s customer.

Requirements

• 15+ years of apparel design experience, with a demonstrated track record of success in a senior design leadership role within a fashion brand.
• Proven ability to develop and articulate a compelling, forward-thinking creative vision that aligns with brand identity and drives meaningful business results.
• Advanced knowledge of garment construction, textile science, fabric development, and fit — with the ability to uphold the highest standards of design integrity across all categories.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills at an executive level, with the ability to inspire teams and influence cross-functional partners.
• Strong illustration, presentation, and storytelling skills; proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design styles and successful collection launches that have positively impacted business outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Deep appreciation for and understanding of the Madewell brand aesthetic and customer, with the ability to implement that understanding into a cohesive seasonal design vision.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field is a plus, but not required — equivalent experience is welcome.
• Experience at a lifestyle or specialty retail brand with a strong men’s design point of view and a connection to culture, craft, and quality is a plus.
• We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the seasonal design strategy and creative execution for all Madewell Men’s apparel categories (excluding Denim), developing collections that are innovative, brand-right, and commercially relevant.
• Partner closely with the VP of Denim Design and VP of Accessories to ensure a cohesive, unified Men’s collection each season that reflects the full breadth of the Madewell brand.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, cultivating a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages creative risk-taking and professional development.
• Translate market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives into an elevated, forward-thinking design vision that aligns with Madewell’s brand identity and resonates with our target customer.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design leaders to ensure flawless product execution and the highest standards of design integrity from concept through delivery.

Benefits

• Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.
• We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
• In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.
• We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree