Merchandising Designer

A Merchandising Designer for a new fitness apparel and handbag brand launch plays a pivotal role in defining the initial product line, blending high-performance design with commercially sound market entry strategies.

Core Responsibilities

• Initial Product Assortment Planning: Develop the inaugural seasonal line plan for both fitness apparel and performance handbags, ensuring the assortment aligns with the new brand's identity, target audience, and launch timelines.
• Market Entry & Trend Analysis: Conduct extensive market research on emerging fitness trends, performance materials, competitor launch strategies, and the niche market for athletic handbags to ensure a competitive and innovative initial offering.
• Apparel Technical Design: Create technical packs (tech packs) for a range of fitness apparel, specifying performance fabrics, functional design details, and fit requirements unique to athletic wear.
• Handbag Product Development: Design and develop functional athletic and lifestyle handbags, focusing on materials selection (e.g., durable, water-resistant fabrics), hardware specifications, pocket configurations, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Brand Identity & Storytelling: Ensure all merchandising decisions and product designs consistently reflect the core values and aesthetic of the new brand, collaborating with marketing teams to build a compelling launch narrative.
• Sourcing & Vendor Management: Work closely with sourcing teams to identify and onboard manufacturers capable of producing high-quality technical apparel and specialized handbags, managing the initial sampling and production cycles.
• Financial Planning: Assist in setting target price points, analyzing initial margin potential, and forecasting launch inventory needs to manage risk effectively during the brand's first season.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Startup/Launch Experience: Prior experience in launching a new apparel brand or product category is a significant advantage.
• Versatile Design Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software, with a strong portfolio demonstrating both apparel design (preferably athletic/performance wear) and handbag/accessory design.
• Material Science Knowledge: Expertise in a variety of performance textiles, trim, and hardware applicable to both technical apparel and durable bags.
• Business & Retail Acumen: Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and translate creative vision into a commercially successful and scalable product line.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Merchandising, or a related field.