Director, Design & Development

NBCUniversal•Universal City, CA

2d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Design & Development leads a diverse fashion creative team and drives a creative vision rooted in contemporary consumers while supporting and owning category growth objectives. The role provides creative and strategic leadership across a broad portfolio, overseeing Fashion & Living responsibilities spanning Universal Studios, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, TV, and E-commerce businesses for licensing and Parks. It fosters a professional and inspiring creative environment that encourages innovative design solutions at every level. The director leads creative vision across multiple categories, ensuring brand consistency, innovation, elevated design execution, and alignment with brand strategy and commercial objectives. The role partners with retail buying teams, licensees, category leadership, licensors, retail partners, and internal stakeholders to develop commercially viable products, guide design execution, manage licensor approvals, and maintain brand integrity. It also contributes to concept development and visual asset creation, tracks creative budgets, and partners with category and retail leadership on business performance. The position leads, mentors, and develops the Fashion Design team, sets goals, supports career development and succession planning, and conducts creative reviews. The role requires domestic and international travel as needed. The position currently follows a hybrid schedule requiring work from the office at least four days per week; the company may change in-office requirements. The role is eligible for company-sponsored benefits and is offered at an annual salary range of $150,000–$180,000, with bonus and long-term incentive eligibility.

Requirements

10 or more years of experience in creative design, product development, and creative leadership within fashion, consumer products, entertainment, or licensing environments.
5 or more years of experience leading and managing creative teams of 5–20 employees.
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related creative discipline.
Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, technical expertise, and commercial product success.
Strong knowledge of clothing construction, garment engineering, fit development, patternmaking, and apparel manufacturing processes.
Experience working with domestic and international factories, production partners, and sourcing teams.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PLM systems, and CAD tools.
Experience using emerging design technologies, including AI-assisted design tools, digital product visualization, and creative workflow innovation.
Deep understanding of textiles, trims, fabrication, washes, finishing techniques, and production methods.
Experience manufacturing soft and hard goods for fashion, accessories, and footwear, as well as branding and packaging for consumer goods.
Strong track record managing style guides and licensor approval workflows.
Exceptional illustration, conceptual development, and trend-forecasting skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills; highly organized and a proactive self-starter.
Availability for domestic and international travel.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple shifting priorities.
Mac proficiency and advanced skills in Adobe Suite, Keynote, and Microsoft applications.

Nice To Haves

Global Design Industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee creative vision across multiple categories, ensuring brand consistency, innovation, and elevated design execution.
Develop concepts, visual storytelling, and brand-right creative solutions that resonate with consumers and strengthen brand equity.
Bridge licensors, licensees, retail partners, and internal teams to maximize brand value through design.
Align creative vision with brand strategy and commercial objectives across product categories.
Influence cross-functional stakeholders in Category Management, Retail Development, Licensing, and Parks to align creative strategies with business priorities.
Maintain high standards of design quality, craftsmanship, and execution.
Use global and local market trends, consumer insights, and cultural influences to inform creative solutions.
Partner with Retail Buying teams, licensees, and Category Leadership to develop strategically aligned and commercially viable product assortments.
Lead creative aspects of fashion and product design, ensuring trend-forward development and timely execution.
Participate in concept development, sketching, illustration, and visual asset creation.
Interpret and evolve style guides and create original graphic assets, design applications, and expressions of intellectual property.
Translate trends in materials, silhouettes, fashion aesthetics, and consumer behavior into licensed products.
Create presentations and creative assets for regional and internal stakeholders, licensors, licensees, and retail partners.
Manage end-to-end licensor approvals and ensure products meet brand standards, contractual obligations, and creative expectations.
Interpret licensor feedback and refine product design while maintaining authenticity and brand integrity.
Partner with intellectual property holders to create differentiated product experiences.
Balance creative quality and commercial viability to deliver products that perform in the marketplace.
Partner with Category and Retail Leadership to drive quarterly and annual business performance and sales results.
Own and communicate creative budget management aligned with business priorities and initiatives.
Track and manage budgets for product development assets, creative resources, and design execution.
Align creative investments with strategic business goals and growth opportunities.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Fashion Design team, fostering innovation, accountability, and creative excellence.
Establish team and individual goals and maintain quarterly one-to-one development conversations as part of annual performance management.
Create and support career pathways and succession plans.
Lead creative reviews and critiques with professional, actionable feedback and high standards.
Promote ownership, collaboration, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet evolving team and business needs.
Travel as required to support business and operational needs.