Senior Director of Design -Kids
skims · Los Angeles, California ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Senior
- Category
- Design
- Experience
- 12+ years
Leads the creative vision and end-to-end design strategy for SKIMS' kids apparel line, overseeing seasonal collections across categories like underwear, loungewear, sleepwear, and activewear. Partners with merchandising, product development, and sourcing; requires deep children's apparel expertise, 12+ years of design leadership, and Adobe Creative Suite/PLM proficiency.
SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, shapewear, and essentials. We are setting new standards by delivering technically innovative, comfort-driven products with elevated design for everybody.
At the intersection of culture, innovation, and commerce, SKIMS is a global brand redefining modern apparel. Our teams are built on creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment where ambitious, curious, and values-driven individuals can do the best work of their careers.
As we continue to scale globally, our HQ teams play a critical role in shaping strategy, building world-class infrastructure, and driving sustainable growth across markets.
Position Summary
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Design for Kids, will define and lead the creative vision for SKIMS Kids, building a world-class product assortment that delivers comfort, innovation, functionality, and style for every stage of childhood. This leader will oversee the end-to-end design strategy across multiple categories, creating products that are playful, practical, and unmistakably SKIMS.
This role requires a visionary design leader who is equally comfortable setting long-term creative direction and remaining deeply involved in product execution. Partnering closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Planning, and Production, the Senior Director will ensure every collection balances commercial success with elevated design, exceptional fit, and premium quality.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience building and scaling successful children's apparel businesses, understands the unique technical considerations of kids' products, and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Define and execute the creative vision and seasonal design strategy for the SKIMS Kids business.
- Lead the design and development of innovative collections across multiple product categories including underwear, basics, loungewear, sleepwear, activewear, outerwear, and seasonal capsules.
- Establish a cohesive product architecture that supports both core essentials and trend-driven innovation.
- Drive category growth by identifying white-space opportunities, emerging consumer trends, and evolving market needs.
- Ensure every product delivers exceptional comfort, fit, functionality, durability, and premium quality while remaining true to the SKIMS brand aesthetic.
- Lead seasonal concept development, color direction, fabric innovation, print strategy, trims, graphics, and silhouette evolution.
- Partner closely with Product Development and Technical Design to ensure designs translate successfully into production while maintaining design integrity.
- Collaborate with Merchandising and Planning to develop balanced assortments that achieve financial and commercial objectives.
- Partner with Marketing and Creative teams to ensure product storytelling is aligned across campaigns, launches, and seasonal collections.
- Build strong relationships with global mills, fabric suppliers, and manufacturing partners to identify new materials and innovations.
- Drive sustainable design initiatives through material innovation, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful product lifecycle considerations.
- Lead fittings and product reviews, ensuring best-in-class fit, comfort, safety, and quality standards across all age ranges.
- Mentor, develop, and inspire a high-performing design organization while fostering creativity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.
- Build scalable design processes that support rapid business growth while maintaining exceptional creative standards.
- Stay informed on competitive trends, consumer insights, licensing opportunities, and emerging technologies within children's apparel.
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
- 12+ years of progressive apparel design experience with significant leadership experience in children's apparel.
- Proven success building and leading design teams within high-growth global consumer brands.
- Deep expertise across children's apparel, including fit, construction, safety standards, fabric performance, and age-specific design considerations.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, pattern development, technical design, and product lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated experience launching new product categories and scaling successful businesses.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance creativity, customer needs, and financial performance.
- Experience collaborating with international sourcing offices and manufacturing partners.
- Excellent understanding of trend forecasting, consumer behavior, and global marketplace dynamics.
- Strong presentation, communication, and executive influencing skills.
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and digital product development tools.
- Experience working within PLM systems and digital design workflows.
Soft Skills
- Visionary creative leader with exceptional taste and strong commercial instincts.
- Naturally curious with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Highly collaborative and skilled at building strong cross-functional partnerships.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and highly ambiguous environment.
- Hands-on leader who enjoys moving seamlessly between strategy and execution.
- Strong mentor who develops high-performing, engaged teams.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Resilient, adaptable, and energized by rapid growth and evolving business needs.
- Passionate about creating products that improve everyday comfort and redefine expectations for modern apparel.
Benefits and Culture
- Up to 100% Company Paid Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
- Kind Body Fertility Benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with up to 4% match
- Unlimited PTO
- Full Access to LinkedIn learning
- Employee Discounts
Perks (HQ Location)
- Free weekly catered lunch at HQ – M/T/W/Th
- Dog-Friendly office on a Thursday and Friday
- Free Swag Giveaways
- Annual Holiday Party
- Annual Summer Party
- Invitations to pop-ups and other company events
- Complimentary daily office snacks and beverages