Director, Product Design and Merchandising

True Classic is searching for an experienced and dynamic Director of Product Design and Merchandising to lead our Product team. From a single t-shirt, we’ve expanded our range to include jeans, activewear, fleece, and more. In this role, you will be at the forefront of designing and evolving our apparel collections while developing seasonal merchandising strategies that resonate with our customers across a growing omnichannel landscape. 

We are looking for a leader who balances creativity with data-driven insights—someone who can move fast, trust their intuition, and adapt in a rapidly growing environment If you’re passionate about fashion, strategic product planning, and customer-focused design, this opportunity is your chance to make a lasting impact on True Classic’s future.

This role will report to the Head of Commercial and collaborate closely with key stakeholders in Product Strategy, Product Development, Channel, and Marketing.

Areas of Accountability: 

Product Design:

• Lead the end-to-end product design process, from initial concept development to final production, ensuring alignment with True Classic’s brand ethos and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sourcing and production, to select materials and finalize product specifications.
• Stay ahead of fashion trends and market dynamics to infuse fresh ideas and innovation into product designs.
• Oversee the creation of seasonal color palettes and fabric selections, ensuring cohesive collections that resonate with target consumers.
• Manage design timelines and ensure all product development milestones are met, balancing speed to market with product quality.

Product Merchandising:

• Develop and implement comprehensive seasonal merchandising strategies that align with the company’s growth objectives and brand vision.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to inform assortment planning and product mix optimization.
• Collaborate with the Buying and Planning teams to ensure product availability meets customer demand while maintaining efficient inventory levels.
• Establish strong visual merchandising guidelines to enhance product appeal and storytelling across various channels.
• Strategize product launches, expansions into new categories, and strategic partnerships to drive brand growth and customer engagement.

Product Marketing:

• Partner with Marketing and Channel teams to create compelling product stories and go-to-market strategies that amplify brand identity and resonate with the target audience.
• Develop product positioning and messaging that highlight key product features and benefits, ensuring alignment across all marketing channels.
• Support the creation of promotional campaigns and initiatives that increase product visibility and drive sales.
• Collaborate on photoshoots, campaign planning, and digital content to showcase products effectively across e-commerce and social media platforms.
• Monitor and evaluate product performance post-launch, using insights to refine future design, merchandising, and marketing approaches.

Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in apparel product design, preferably within a fast-paced, growth-oriented brand; proven ability to conceptualize and execute product designs from initial sketches to final production, ensuring a cohesive and innovative product line.
• Extensive knowledge of fabrics, knits, and textile technology, including fiber content, properties, and application to apparel design.
• Expertise in color theory and its application in seasonal design palettes, ensuring the creation of products that align with customer preferences and brand identity.
• Deep understanding of merchandising principles, including assortment planning, product positioning, and pricing strategy.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market research, customer feedback, and sales data to inform product design and merchandising decisions.
• Ability to pivot between high-level strategy and detailed execution, adapting quickly to shifts in consumer behavior and market conditions.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, fostering a collaborative environment across design, merchandising, and marketing teams.
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