Calvin Klein Senior Design Manager, Women's Knitwear
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Senior
- Compensation
- $125,100–169,300/year
- Department
- Creative, Design & Styling
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- Sep 23, 2026
Calvin Klein seeks a Senior Design Manager for Women's Knitwear in New York to lead collection development, product design, and design team mentorship.
Role & Responsibilities
- Conceptualize and develop creative and innovative designs for women's knitwear, from essential wardrobe staples to trend-driven seasonal collections
- Stay current with global fashion trends, color palettes, fabrications, silhouettes, and technical innovations relevant to women's knitwear
- Collaborate with design directors and cross-functional teams to create seasonal collections aligned with brand vision and market demands
- Present design concepts and storyboards to internal stakeholders including merchandisers and senior executives
- Work closely with product developers and technical designers to create detailed tech packs and design specifications for prototypes and production
- Ensure fit, construction, and quality standards of all knitwear meet brand expectations and customer satisfaction
- Maintain and reinforce the brand's design aesthetic and language across all women's knitwear product offerings
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify innovation opportunities and differentiation strategies
- Explore new yarns, finishes, branding techniques, and design methodologies to enhance knitwear collections
- Effectively communicate design concepts and ideas to team members and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative creative environment
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior designers, supporting their professional development and creative growth
- Direct and oversee work of two direct reports: Designer 1 and Assistant Designer
Qualifications
- Minimum 7–10 years of professional design experience, with substantial background in women's knitwear design and product development
- Proven experience in a Senior Design Manager or equivalent senior design role within women's knitwear at a luxury or contemporary fashion brand
- Strong portfolio demonstrating advanced creative and technical design expertise in women's knitwear
- Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard design software and tools
- In-depth knowledge of knitwear trends, yarn construction techniques, patternmaking, and fabrication processes
- Detail-oriented with a discerning eye for aesthetics, proportions, and quality standards
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to articulate design concepts and strategic direction effectively
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, collaborative environment whilst managing multiple projects
- Track record of leading design teams and fostering collaborative, creative work environments
Skills
Experience
Minimum 7–10 years of professional design experience within women's knitwear, including demonstrated expertise in seasonal collection development, product design, and team leadership at a luxury or premium fashion house.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Textile Design, or related field required.
Workplace
This position is based in New York, New York, USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 125,100 to USD 169,300 per annum.
Benefits
Competitive pay and bonus programs; comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and life insurance; disability insurance; above-market 401(k) contribution; generous paid time off and company-paid holidays; hybrid working arrangements; volunteer opportunities; Headspace membership; fitness membership reimbursement; up to $200 annual rewards for health activities; Care.com services for childcare, elder care, adoption, and pet care; tuition reimbursement for continued education; associate discount at company outlets and e-commerce sites.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Calvin Klein, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Women's Knitwear Design Director», «Senior Knitwear Designer», «Design Lead - Women's Knits», «Women's Knitwear Creative Manager», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.