Senior Designer - Sportswear Apparel

Li & Fung•New York, NY

60d•$120,000 - $125,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and creative Senior Designer to lead the design and development of sportswear apparel. This role requires a strong understanding of product design, performance materials, and market trends, with the ability to translate concepts into commercially viable and brand-right collections. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, hands-on, and able to manage the design process from concept through to final execution in partnership with cross-functional teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field.
6–8+ years of experience designing sportswear (experience with major retail or global brands preferred).
Strong understanding of fabric construction, garment development, and production processes.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience a plus.
Excellent eye for color, proportion, and detail.
Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
Collaborative and proactive, with a hands-on approach to design and execution.

Responsibilities

Trend Direction & Concept Development Conduct seasonal market and trend research to identify new fabrications, colors, and silhouettes within the sportswear category.
Develop concept boards, color palettes, and fabric stories aligned with seasonal strategy and customer direction.
Translate trend and market insights into functional, trend-relevant sportswear collections.
Support the development of cohesive design concepts that align with both brand and customer aesthetic.
Product Design & Development Design across multiple sportswear product categories, including woven and knit tops, bottoms, and coordinated sets.
Develop detailed technical sketches, CADs, and tech packs in Adobe Illustrator.
Partner with Technical Design and Product Development teams to ensure accurate fit, construction, and design execution.
Attend fittings, provide design input, and resolve any technical or construction issues.
Manage the seasonal product development calendar and key milestone deadlines.
Review fabric qualities, trims, and color standards with sourcing and production teams to ensure consistency and quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Sales, and Production teams to ensure alignment with margin, pricing, and delivery objectives.
Communicate effectively with overseas offices and vendors to support on-time sample development and approvals.
Partner with mills and suppliers on new fabric developments and design innovations.
Brand Alignment & Quality Execution Maintain the highest level of design quality, innovation, and product integrity.
Ensure designs reflect the brand’s identity while meeting customer and market needs.
Prepare clear documentation and design specifications for accurate execution by factories.
Stay current with industry developments, material innovations, and sustainability trends relevant to sportswear.