The Design Manager is a member of our product team and reports to the COO, in direct partnership with the Founder/CEO. This is an exempt salaried position whose primary responsibility is to design cohesive, brand-right products for all channels and categories, while efficiently leading the design operations of the organization.
Creative Leadership & Hands-On Design
- Collaborate with the Founder/CEO to define and implement the brand's creative vision across product design, and packaging.
- Research trends, develop mood boards, and design original patterns, prints, and color palettes to elevate the brand's offerings.
- Develop and present trend and color direction presentations to the Founder/CEO and team and integrate trend insights into product development ensuring alignment with the brand's vision and upcoming product launches.
- Oversee design projects from conceptualization to completion, ensuring that the brand's voice and identity remain consistent across all products.
- Lead the creative process while balancing innovation with practicality and business goals.
- Balance leadership duties with hands-on design work, contributing directly to the creation of print-based apparel, sleepwear, loungewear, and home decor designs.
Calendar Management & Prioritization
- Directly manage and maintain the design team's project calendar in collaboration with the Founder/CEO.
- Ensure clear timelines are established for all projects, balancing creative development with business needs and deadlines.
- Proactively manage project milestones, keeping the team and founder on track while avoiding unnecessary delays.
- Monitor and adjust project timelines based on shifting priorities, last-minute requests, or unforeseen roadblocks.
- Drive the design process from concept to final execution, ensuring all projects meet brand standards and deadlines.
Managing Roadblocks & Challenges
- Anticipate potential roadblocks that may arise due to shifting priorities, lack of clarity, or evolving business goals.
- Work closely with the COO and Founder/CEO to mitigate issues such as scope creep, tight deadlines, and changes in the creative direction.
- Use excellent communication skills to diplomatically navigate challenging conversations, ensuring alignment between creative vision and business objectives.
- Be proactive in suggesting solutions and providing alternative plans when roadblocks arise, ensuring the team remains on track.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and guide internal and external design resources, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Provide feedback and support to team members to ensure that design work is aligned with strategic goals and meets high-quality standards.
- Ensure clear communication and realistic expectations are set with designers, especially during busy or high-pressure periods.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work directly with the Founder/CEO and COO to translate strategic objectives into creative initiatives.
- Work closely with the marketing, product, and e-commerce teams to align design with broader business objectives.
- Ensure that creative initiatives are integrated into the overall company strategy and are in sync with brand messaging and goals.
- Partner closely with product development on innovative materials/techniques, margin requirements, vendor base needs, and adherence to departmental budget.
- Present design concepts to stakeholders, addressing feedback and evolving designs as necessary to meet business objectives.
Project Management
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing creative innovation with efficiency.
- Establish and maintain workflows, tools, and best practices for self and product team.
- Responsive point person for internal and external collaboration design projects.
- Troubleshoot challenges and adapt quickly to evolving priorities.
- Ensure brand-right product availability in accordance with wholesale majors buying calendar.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, fashion design, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of design experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership position, ideally in a consumer-focused brand.
- Proven ability to lead a design team while actively contributing to design projects.
- Expertise in creating print designs, patterns, and graphics for apparel, sleepwear, loungewear, and home decor.
- Skilled at balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on design execution
- Strong understanding of garment construction, design techniques, color theory, and material applications specific to lifestyle and home products.
- Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with production processes for print and textile design.
- Exceptional organizational skills, including managing calendars, timelines, and complex project schedules.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage stress, and make quick decisions without sacrificing creative quality.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to navigate relationships with key stakeholders, especially founders.
- Solution-oriented mindset to address challenges such as shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong knowledge of fashion and lifestyle industry trends, including color forecasting and pattern development.
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:
- Examples of print-based apparel, sleepwear, loungewear, and/or home decor designs.
- Trend and color presentations or mood boards you've created.
- Projects demonstrating both leadership and hands-on design work.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work closely with the visionary founder and make a significant impact on the brand's evolution.
- Be part of a purpose-driven company that celebrates creativity and honors life's meaning.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.