Senior Design Manager, Fashion - Knits & Sweaters

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the category expert for knits and sweaters within a dynamic, commercial retail environment.
• Lead the creation of seasonal trend and design direction, including print, color, key items, fabrications, and innovative techniques specific to knitwear and sweaters.
• Partner with Design leadership to translate concepts into compelling product lines, ensuring alignment from initial presentation through to final product development.
• Communicate design vision through digital mood boards, development decks, and inspirational materials.
• Develop and execute seasonal color palettes and fabric stories tailored to the knits and sweaters category.
• Demonstrate advanced organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication across all stages of the design process.
• Manage and adhere to a complex, multi-category calendar with overlapping seasonal deadlines.
• Design and develop knit and sweater products in line with line plans, sales objectives, and emerging market trends; ensure timely execution of the product development calendar.
• Deliver industry-leading styles that reflect Walmart's design ethos and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
• Foster daily communication and collaboration with internal and external partners, including Design leadership, product development, merchandising, and suppliers.
• Lead and support the co-create process through collaborative discussions and product reviews, balancing aesthetics, function, and cost.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, both virtually and in-person.
• Champion sustainability efforts in 3D design, material innovation, and sample management within the knits and sweaters category.
• Exhibit resourcefulness, autonomy, and the ability to mentor junior designers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile design, or related area and 6 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• Or 8 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• 3 years' supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator; experience with AI, Miro, and 3D design tools is a plus.

Nice to Have

• Ability to align design vision with business strategy.
• Experience managing design teams and seasonal calendars.
• Strong vendor and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Qualifications

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in fashion design, textile design, or related area and 6 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• Option 2: 8 years' experience in apparel design, garment construction, or related area.
• Minimum of 3 years' supervisory experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay with performance-based bonus awards.
• 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, and multiple health plans.
• Health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Paid time off benefits including sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Additional benefits such as short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
• Live Better U education benefit program covering tuition, books, and fees.