Senior Designer

The Antigua Group•Peoria, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and consumer-obsessed Senior Women's Apparel Designer to lead the design and development of innovative licensed sports apparel collections that connect with today's female fan. This role is responsible for creating elevated, wearable sportswear that appeals to the women’s sports fan by balancing trend-right styling with timeless versatility, quality, and commercial success. The ideal candidate has a passion for sports culture, understands the evolving women's licensed apparel marketplace, and has a proven ability to translate consumer insights into compelling seasonal collections. This individual will partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Art, Sales, Licensing, and Sourcing to deliver products that strengthen the Antigua brand equity while achieving financial and business objectives. In addition to leading the creative direction of women's collections, this position mentors junior designers, champions innovation, and helps shape the long-term design vision of the brand.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, or related discipline or equivalent experience.
10+ years of apparel design experience with demonstrated success in consumer-driven apparel.
Minimum 5 years designing within the licensed sports apparel industry (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA, or similar licensed brands).
Strong understanding of the women's sportswear market, particularly the lifestyle and fan apparel consumer.
Exceptional knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrication, trims, washes, print techniques, embroidery, and embellishment methods.
Proven ability to identify emerging fashion trends and translate them into commercially successful licensed apparel collections.
Experience leading seasonal concept development from initial inspiration through final production.
Strong technical design skills including Tech Pack creation and specification development.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Office, and PLM systems.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple seasons and priorities simultaneously.
Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
Experience mentoring designers and leading creative teams in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing for major licensed sports properties including NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA, or professional golf.
Knowledge of women's fit development across multiple apparel categories including fleece, knits, outerwear, dresses, polos, tees, and performance apparel.
Experience working with overseas factories and global sourcing partners.
Passion for sports, fashion, and creating products that celebrate fandom in elevated, everyday ways.
Culture carrier

Responsibilities

Lead the creative direction and execution of seasonal women's licensed sports apparel collections from concept through production.
Design premium sportswear that resonates with the modern female fan, blending fashion, comfort, performance, and team pride.
Translate seasonal fashion trends, consumer insights, marketplace research, and competitive analysis into commercially successful apparel collections.
Drive innovation in silhouettes, fabrication, garment washes, trims, embellishments, print techniques, and construction.
Develop cohesive seasonal color palettes, print direction, and fabric stories in partnership with Merchandising.
Ensure every collection reflects the brand's aesthetic while meeting the expectations of league, team, and licensing partners.
Monitor women's fashion, sportswear, lifestyle, and athletic apparel trends.
Research emerging consumer behaviors and shopping preferences within licensed sports apparel.
Analyze competitive brands and retailers to identify whitespace opportunities.
Present trend direction, inspiration, and seasonal concepts to cross-functional leadership.
Partner closely with Product Development throughout the product creation process to ensure design intent is maintained through commercialization.
Create and oversee detailed technical packages including construction details, measurements, BOMs, trim placement, artwork positioning, and color specifications.
Review prototypes, fit samples, strike-offs, lab dips, print approvals, embroidery samples, and pre-production samples cross functionally.
Collaborate with pd and materials teams to identify innovative fabrics, trims, and construction techniques while maintaining cost objectives.
Ensure all products meet quality, fit, and performance expectations alongside PD/TD.
Mentor and develop junior designers through regular coaching, feedback, and creative collaboration.
Prioritize and delegate design workload while ensuring all seasonal milestones are achieved.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and consumer-focused design culture.
Maintain Antigua Brand consistency across all collections, brand standards, and visual storytelling.
Partner with Merchandising to build balanced assortments aligned with consumer demand and business kpi’s.
Collaborate with Graphic Design to ensure artwork, graphics, embellishments, and branding elevate the overall product.
Partner with Licensing teams to ensure league and team compliance throughout creation.
Present seasonal concepts, product lines, and design direction to internal leadership, retail partners, and licensing stakeholders.
Support Sales by providing compelling product stories and design rationale during seasonal sell-in meetings.
Maintain seasonal calendar adherence to ensure all design deliverables meet critical deadlines.
Oversee garment proto approvals, keeping brand standards, and seasonal design DNA in mind.
Continuously improve design workflows, communication, and product creation processes.
Execute designs that achieve target margins while delivering premium consumer value.