Lead Fashion Designer (Apparel & Textiles)

About VELA VELA is a leading modest fashion brand redefining the modern hijab. As we expand into apparel and accessories, we are building a unified product vision across categories — rooted in quality, intention, and design. Own the creative direction and product vision for one of the leading modest fashion brands in the U.S. The Role We are hiring a Lead, Design & Product Development to own the end-to-end execution and development of VELA’s product categories — including hijabs, apparel, and select accessories. This role blends creative direction, data-driven concepting, and operational execution. You will lead seasonal product development from concept through production, while managing a small design team and ensuring every collection meets VELA’s quality and timeline standards. What You’ll Own Seasonal Concepting & Product Direction • Lead development of seasonal concepts, color palettes, and product direction across all collections (Ramadan, Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter) • Use performance data, customer insights, and past launches to inform design decisions • Develop seasonal concepts and color direction informed by performance data and customer insights • Translate brand vision into clear, executable product concepts across categories • Drive cohesion across hijabs, apparel, and accessories Product Development & Execution • Build and manage product roadmaps and seasonal lineups • Own timelines from concept through production readiness • Drive 95%+ on-time readiness across all styles • Ensure alignment between design intent and final product output Expanded Product Categories • Oversee development across hijabs, apparel, and emerging product lines (e.g., accessories, charms, packaging, branded goods) • Ensure consistency in quality, branding, and design across all product touchpoints Team Management • Manage and guide a team of 2–3 designers • Delegate ownership while maintaining full visibility across all workstreams • Build structure, accountability, and clear workflows within the design team Vendor Communication & Sample Management • Own communication with manufacturers and development partners • Manage sampling cycles, revisions, and approvals • Ensure all feedback is clear, documented, and followed through • Track progress and escalate delays early Product Quality & Approvals • Review and approve all samples across: Fabric, Fit, Construction,Color • Implement structured testing (wash, wear, durability) • Catch and resolve QC issues before bulk production Documentation & Organization • Maintain accurate and up-to-date: Tech packs, WIPs, Line sheets • Ensure all updates are documented within 24 hours • Maintain full visibility across all styles and timelines Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with Ops on production timelines and handoffs • Collaborate with Marketing on campaign alignment and product storytelling • Work with E-commerce on launch readiness • Participate in post-launch recaps to inform future collections Technical Skills & Tools • Strong experience creating detailed tech packs (Adobe Illustrator or equivalent) • Strong background in garment design and textile/print development • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator required; Photoshop/InDesign a plus) • Experience using Asana (or similar) for project management • Experience managing WIPs, line sheets, and shared documentation systems • Comfortable managing vendor communication across platforms Who You Are • 7–10 years in fashion design and/or product development • 4+ years of hands-on experience managing a design team, driving performance, accountability, and team development • Strong background working directly with manufacturers • Proven ability to manage sampling and production timelines • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and execution-driven • Clear communicator across teams and vendors • Comfortable working with data to inform design decisions (not purely instinct-driven) • Experience across apparel and accessories • Background in DTC or high-growth women's fashion brands Application Requirements • Resume • Portfolio (PDF or link) showcasing relevant work across product design, textiles, and/or apparel Why This Role Matters This role is critical to how VELA shows up in product. You will shape not just execution, but what VELA creates and why — building the systems, quality standards, and product vision behind every collection. Compensation $120,000 – $130,000