Senior Director, Design - Layette, Newborn and Infant

Centric Brands•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together. What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders. The challenges are exciting and the possibilities endless – as you contribute your skills in a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture that celebrates you as a valuable member of the team. The Senior Director of Design is a creative leader responsible for shaping a distinctive, fashion-forward design vision for Layette, Newborn, and Infant Boys & Girls. This role defines the aesthetic direction of the brand, translating trend, culture, and inspiration into elevated, modern assortments that resonate with today’s parents while remaining appropriate for infant wear. They lead aspects of creative development—from concept through execution—ensuring collections are innovative, cohesive, and emotionally compelling, while meeting standards of quality, comfort, and safety. They will work with premium brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Juicy Couture and more.

Requirements

Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design or related field
10+ years of apparel design experience with significant expertise in layette, newborn, or infant categories
Strong fashion point of view with the ability to translate trends into age-appropriate infant design
Deep understanding of infant construction, fit, fabrication, and safety requirements
Exceptional sketching, concept development, and aesthetic judgment
Strong communication and presentation skills
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD systems, Microsoft Office, and Mac platforms

Responsibilities

Own and articulate a clear, seasonal design vision for layette, newborn, and infant boys/girls that reflects brand DNA and fashion relevance
Translate macro and micro trends in color, print, silhouette, and fabrication into modern, elevated infant assortments
Establish signature design codes and aesthetic pillars that differentiate the brand in the marketplace
Oversee development of inspirational concept boards, color stories, fabric narratives, prints, graphics, and trims
Ensure a cohesive aesthetic across categories while allowing for thoughtful distinction by age, gender, and lifestyle
Guide development of assortments that balance fashion statements with wearable, functional infant design
Champion new silhouettes, print directions, fabrications, and details appropriate for layette and infant categories
Curate style counts, color palettes, and print placements to create visually compelling lines with clear storytelling
Edit assortments with a strong design eye to maintain clarity, impact, and consistency
Elevate basics and core items through refined details, color, and fabrication
Oversee the design and development process from sketch through production, ensuring creative intent is preserved
Review and approve Illustrator sketches, specification sheets, lab dips, strike-offs, prints, and graphics
Direct the fit and development process with sensitivity to infant proportions, comfort, and movement
Ensure all materials and constructions meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards without compromising design integrity
Partner with production and technical teams to resolve challenges while protecting aesthetic vision
Maintain awareness of global fashion, lifestyle, and cultural trends relevant to infant and children’s wear
Shop domestic and international markets for inspiration and competitive insight
Attend trade shows and industry events to source new ideas, fabrics, and techniques
Collaborate with merchandising, sales, and brand teams to align creative vision with market positioning
Present seasonal concepts and collections to senior leadership, buyers, and key partners with strong visual storytelling
Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of designers across layette, newborn, and infant categories
Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and collaboration
Encourage innovation while maintaining discipline and consistency
Attract, develop, and retain top creative talent; build strong succession plans
Provide clear creative direction, feedback, and professional development