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Apparel Design Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Janji

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) · Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Janji

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) · Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Janji

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA · On-site

$169K - $207K/yr

Apparel Design Director Boston, MA (HQ) • Full-time Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men ...

Goatusa

The Design Director will foster creativity across the team, challenge and elevate design thinking ... Establish and communicate the overall creative vision and seasonal direction across all apparel ...

Goatusa

Design Director

Plainview, NY · On-site

The Design Director will foster creativity across the team, challenge and elevate design thinking ... Establish and communicate the overall creative vision and seasonal direction across all apparel ...

MrBeast

Director of Apparel Design

New York, NY · On-site

The Opportunity Beast Industries is looking for a Director of Apparel Design, who is equally creative and a strategizer. This isn't a role for someone who wants to delegate the creative work and only ...

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Apparel Design Director information

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$37K

$135.8K

$243K

How much do apparel design director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design director in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an apparel design director do?

An Apparel Design Director oversees the creative direction and design process for clothing lines within a company or brand. They lead a team of designers, set design goals, and ensure that the collections align with brand identity and market trends. Their duties include trend forecasting, approving design concepts, collaborating with other departments, and ensuring products meet quality and budget standards. They play a key role in the brand’s overall visual identity and commercial success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel design director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apparel Design Director, you need an in-depth knowledge of fashion design, garment construction, trend analysis, and a relevant degree such as in fashion design or a related field. Mastery of design software like Adobe Creative Suite, experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and a strong portfolio are typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and strong communication skills help guide teams and translate ideas into commercially viable collections. These skills are crucial for directing innovative designs, ensuring brand consistency, and meeting market demands in a competitive industry.

How does an apparel design director typically collaborate with other departments in a fashion company?

An Apparel Design Director works closely with various teams, including product development, merchandising, marketing, and production. They provide creative direction to design teams, communicate trend forecasts, and ensure that collections align with brand strategy. Regular meetings with merchandising help ensure designs meet market needs, while collaboration with production ensures feasibility and quality. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for managing cross-functional projects and driving cohesive brand vision across departments.

What is the difference between Apparel Design Director vs Apparel Product Manager?

AspectApparel Design DirectorApparel Product Manager
Primary FocusOversees overall design vision and creative directionManages product development, timelines, and market strategy
ResponsibilitiesLeading design teams, setting creative standards, brand consistencyProduct lifecycle management, coordinating between design, marketing, and production
Required SkillsDesign expertise, leadership, creative visionProject management, market analysis, cross-functional collaboration
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative teams, brand headquartersProduct development teams, marketing, sales departments

The Apparel Design Director focuses on the creative and artistic aspects of clothing lines, leading design teams to establish the brand's visual identity. In contrast, the Apparel Product Manager concentrates on managing the product lifecycle, ensuring market fit, and coordinating between departments to bring products to market successfully. Both roles are essential in the apparel industry but serve different strategic functions.

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Apparel Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Apparel Design Director

Somerville, MA • On-site

Janji
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Janjiexternal

$169K - $207K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

JANJI

Better gear for greater distance.

Apparel Design Director

Boston, MA (HQ) · Full-time

Janji makes technical running and outdoor apparel that help runners go farther. We're looking for an Apparel Design Director to help shape Men's and Women's product across the line.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design Men's and Women's apparel with a technical, function-first approach and a contemporary eye.
  • Partner directly with the Head of Product, Senior Tech Designer, and Product Development Director, from concept through production.
  • Own the design process end to end: research, sketching, fabric and trim selection, fit reviews, and revisions. Design into a range of styles includes men's , women's, knits, wovens, and accessories.
  • Bring a point of view on solving problems and reducing barriers for the Janji athlete/customer
  • Push the line forward season over season, always asking what the product could do better.
WHAT YOU BRING
  • 12+ years of experience in apparel design.
  • A portfolio showing technical, function-first design, across Men's and Women's.
  • Strategic understanding of designing product between consumer, market, and margin
  • Comfort working hands-on with Tech Design and Development to solve fit and construction problems as a design moves toward production.
  • Technical, construction-first design background (garment construction, seaming, taped/sealed seams for outerwear)
  • Materials knowledge (knits, wovens, synthetics, merino, etc.)
  • Adobe Illustrator (universal, always required)
  • Cross-functional fluency: costing, MOQ, line planning, sourcing timelines
  • Based at, or willing to relocate to, our Boston HQ.
BONUS POINTS
  • A personal passion for running and/or the outdoors.
  • 3D design capabilities: CLO3D or Browzwear
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