Designer, Wrangler Western

Who We Are:

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) is the parent company of Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic, with owned manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Nicaragua. Kontoor also owns and operates over 140 retail stores across the globe. Our global company employs more than 15,000 people in 65 countries, with world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and regional headquarters in Geneva and Hong Kong.

Job Posting:

Designer, Wrangler Western

This position reports to the Western Men's Design Manager and is responsible for leading all design activities related to Wrangler Western Male lifestyle - Tops. This position also leads the design of product lines supporting all accounts targeted by the Western Lifestyle Brand Unit with product innovation that meets end result retail needs but stays true to Brand DNA. Lead design on cross functional work streams to drive new, trend right and innovative product consistent with the merchandising brief. Responsible for developing the team competencies and expertise needed to meet organizational goals. Demonstrated experience in building plaids and repeat allover patterns using NED graphics, Web Pro, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creative Vision. Responsible for translating the Category level Wrangler Brand creative vision to the Western Lifestyle Brand Unit - Mens Tops.
• Strong Individual Contributor: Creative, skilled designer who develops and delivers innovative, brand right products which meet lifestyle category and consumer business unit needs in cross functional work streams.
• Competitive Positioning: Owns creative aesthetic from concept to consumer for all product and assortment needs. Researches emerging trends and styles and key influencer markets to strengthen brand image and maintain competitive positioning against key brand consumer targets.
• Brand Consistency: Ensures all assortments deliver consistent color, trend, and creative direction across targeted lifestyle to ensure brand positioning and brand equity objectives are intact.
• Style Ownership: Review and critique prototypes presented by product development. Discuss and strategize style changes and line enhancements with Merchandising.
• Issue Resolution: Review samples and resolve outstanding issues with design and costing. Troubleshoots product development related problems to maintain calendar deadlines.
• Market Ready Presentation: Manage the presentation of the collections to Sales and Merchandising. Provide seasonal direction to ensure vision is executed in the market.
• Visual Design: Lead the direction for styling and product cues, as well as seasonal guides for visual merchandising for all channels.
• Fabric and Fit: Leverage Center of Excellence partners concerning all matters of construction and fit.
• Special Makeup: Respond to key account assortment needs beyond initial seasonal line to maximize account opportunity.

Skills for Success:

• Skilled at managing teams with Design, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, CAD, flat sketching skills, and tech packs.
• Knowledge of fabric construction performance, and any specific processing and treatments relevant to the Western LBU.
• Understanding of global sourcing of fabrics.
• Knowledge of product costing and product cycles.
• Strong collaborator.
• Excellent presentation and story-telling skills.
• Proven ability to translate trends to specific targeted consumer needs.

Experience/Education:

Years of Related Professional Experience: 3+ years experience in leading creative vision for a brand and product category.

• People management experience, including leading a design team
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in fashion or apparel design

Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements:

• Traveling required, including travel to Asia

Why Kontoor Brands?

At Kontoor, we offer a comprehensive benefit package to fit your lifestyle. Our benefits are crafted with the same care as our products.

When our employees are healthy, secure, and well, they bring their best selves to work. Kontoor Brands supports you with a competitive benefits program that provides choice and flexibility to meet your and your family's needs - now and in the future. We offer resources to support your physical, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing, plus benefits like discounts on our apparel. Kontoor Brands also provides four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible employees who are new parents, Flexible Fridays, and Tuition Reimbursement.

We are proud to offer a workplace culture centered on equitable opportunities and a sense of belonging for all team members. Here we have a global workforce of high-performing teams that both unlocks our individual uniqueness and harnesses our collaborative talents.