Design Director - A&F Mens Knits

Design Director/Sr, Design Director, A&F Mens Knits

Our Design team is the driving force behind our brand’s commitment to beautiful, authentic designs and quality materials and construction. Designers manage the full design and development process; from concept to flat sketch, from initial sample to final garment. We value originality and creativity and seek to be leaders in the market, not followers. Our designers are fueled by curiosity, inspiring the total team to push the product to new levels. We’ve created a unique environment that fosters both ownership and collaboration across design teams working toward the cohesive vision of our brands.  

This role is based in Columbus, OH.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Leading creative direction for A&F Mens Knits categories.  Responsible for setting the design vision for each season and bringing them to life through product storytelling and execution. 
• Overseeing seasonal design work and product lifecycles, leading excellence in execution and supporting brand performance.  
• Leading a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment while supporting team development. 
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to help bring compelling product ideas to life.  
• Identifying new ideas and white spaces in the assortment to drive growth. Quickly adapting to relevant trends and evolving strategies. 
• Researching the global market and staying close to the customer to ensure that the product is in tune with emerging trends and relevant to our customer and brand handwriting. 

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or related field is preferred, 9+ years of experience in apparel design. 
• Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of creatives. 
• Accountability: Experience contributing to product decisions and supporting total brand outcomes. 
• Expertise: Strong understanding of design and production processes. 
• Influence: Ability to communicate design strategy and generate excitement across teams. 
• Trend Awareness: Skill in translating trends into actionable design concepts. 
• Customer Insight: Interest in understanding and designing for the customer. 
• Technical Knowledge: Solid grasp of fabrics, fit, and construction to guide design development. 
• Creative Confidence: Willingness to explore bold ideas and push boundaries. 
• Adaptability: Must thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility and quick thinking. 
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to bring the brand’s vision to life. 

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities. 

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Onsite fitness center
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER