Senior Design Manager, Fashion - Kids Apparel

Walmart • New York, NY

117d • $132,000 - $264,000

About The Position

As a Senior Manager - Apparel Designer specializing in Kids Fashion at Walmart, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision and execution of private brand kids' apparel collections. Reporting to the Design Director, you will lead the design process from concept through production, driving innovation and excellence across multiple brands and categories within kids' fashion. You will be responsible for research, trend analysis, assortment planning, supplier collaboration, material development, sustainability initiatives, and cross-functional teamwork.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile design, or related area and 6 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• 8 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• 3 years' supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to align design vision with business strategy.
• Experience managing design teams and seasonal calendars.
• Strong vendor and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the category expert for kids' apparel within a dynamic, commercial retail environment.
• Lead the creation of seasonal trend and design direction, including print, color, key items, fabrications, and innovative techniques specific to kids' fashion.
• Partner with Design leadership to translate concepts into compelling product lines, ensuring alignment from initial presentation through to final product development.
• Communicate design vision through digital mood boards, development decks, and inspirational materials.
• Develop and execute seasonal color palettes and fabric stories tailored to the kids' apparel category.
• Demonstrate advanced organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication across all stages of the design process.
• Manage and adhere to a complex, multi-category calendar with overlapping seasonal deadlines.
• Design and develop kids' apparel products in line with line plans, sales objectives, and emerging market trends; ensure timely execution of the product development calendar.
• Deliver industry-leading styles that reflect Walmart's design ethos and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
• Foster daily communication and collaboration with internal and external partners, including Design leadership, product development, merchandising, and suppliers.
• Lead and support the co-create process through collaborative discussions and product reviews, balancing aesthetics, function, and cost.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, both virtually and in-person.
• Champion sustainability efforts in 3D design, material innovation, and sample management within the kids' apparel category.
• Exhibit resourcefulness, autonomy, and the ability to mentor junior designers.

Benefits

• 401(k) match
• stock purchase plan
• paid maternity and parental leave
• PTO
• multiple health plans
• incentive awards for performance
• short-term and long-term disability
• company discounts
• Military Leave Pay
• adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
• Live Better U education benefit program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: General Merchandise Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree