Senior Designer - Merrell
Company : Centric Brands Inc.
Location : New York, NY, 10118
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
About Us
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Designer
What could be more exciting than putting your mark on some of the world’s most famous and well-loved fashion brands? As a designer for Centric Brands, you’ll use your skills and creativity to create designs based on style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. You will also ensure that your work can be transformed into a finished product in a timely manner and at an appropriate price point. This means working not only with our technical design and production teams, but also building collaborative relationships with outside vendors and other external stakeholders. The challenges are exciting and the possibilities endless – as you contribute your skills in a vibrant, customer- and people-centric culture that celebrates you as a valuable member of the team.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include
The Senior Designer focusing on Merrell menswear manages the seasonal design development process, from concept to delivery, by creating and executing original, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales, and coordinating the timely execution of each stage in the process.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Innovation
- Research and identify trend directions; perform and review competitive analysis; oversee and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, color-ups, inspirational photos
- Execute development of initial seasonal design category in context of larger assortment and cost structure; devise style plans and design according to sales needs and emerging trends; ensure timely execution of product development calendar
Operations & Results
- Create Illustrator sketches; approve specification sheets and line sheets; ensure accuracy of product development logs, line sheets, boards and design archives library; ensure maintenance of designs in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system or shared drives
- Select and review raw materials and trims; ensure maintenance of fabric/trim library
- Approve lab dips and ensure consistency with color standards and licensor directives, where appropriate; collaboratively devise and approve prints and graphics where appropriate; oversee fit process
Customers & Relationships
- Manage follow-up with internal and external customers and partners, including production and tech; manage interoffice communication and relationships with vendors and internal customers
Leadership & Teams
- Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary
- Attract, develop and retain talent
- Monitor and evaluate performance of individuals
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have
- Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative
- Creativity, technical capability and sensibility for merchandising; strong ability to sketch
- Extensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim; familiarity with print design and manufacturing
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design.
- 5 - 8 years experience in apparel design; significant relevant experience in category
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, CAD and Mac computers
In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.
Salary Range: $95,200 - $119,000
At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
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Frequently asked questions
At Centric Brands Inc., the Senior Designer for Merrell integrates fresh, trend-driven concepts tailored for New York's dynamic market. This position demands balancing innovative design with commercial viability, ensuring each collection resonates locally while meeting sales targets and industry standards.
Centric Brands values Senior Designers who not only craft compelling designs but also foster team growth, manage cross-department collaboration, and drive project timelines effectively. The role entails mentoring junior staff and steering the design process from ideation to production with strategic insight.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and Microsoft Office is critical. Mastery of these tools enables precise sketching, specification approvals, and efficient communication with vendors, which are vital for creating high-quality menswear designs that align with Centric Brands' standards.
Success hinges on blending originality with analytical skills to anticipate market shifts. A Senior Designer must showcase a detailed understanding of garment construction and trend forecasting while nurturing vendor relationships and ensuring products meet quality and pricing benchmarks.
Yes, designers face tight deadlines aligned with fast-paced seasonal trends and consumer demands in New York. Managing resources, coordinating with production teams, and adapting to evolving styles quickly are critical to delivering timely, market-relevant collections.
Centric Brands offers robust professional development, mentorship programs, and exposure to diverse fashion segments. Senior Designers benefit from leadership opportunities and involvement in innovative projects, fostering skill enhancement within a vibrant, inclusive work culture.
The base salary spans $95,200 to $119,000 annually. Offers are tailored based on education, experience, technical expertise, and market factors in NYC's fashion industry, ensuring competitive compensation that reflects both individual qualifications and local economic conditions.
Centric Brands emphasizes a collaborative, innovation-driven environment with a strong focus on sustainability and social impact initiatives. Compared to peers, designers here engage deeply in cross-functional teamwork and benefit from comprehensive perks like 401(k) matching and merchandise discounts.
This position requires balancing imaginative design with practical execution—overseeing fabric selection, fit approvals, and production schedules while maintaining brand alignment. Operational acumen ensures design concepts translate seamlessly into market-ready products.
New York's status as a fashion hub drives high demand for experienced designers skilled in fast fashion cycles and trend adaptability. The competitive market rewards candidates with comprehensive technical skills and a proven ability to innovate under tight timelines.