Director, Design - Fine & Sterling Jewelry

Kendra Scott•Austin, TX

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Design, Fine & Demi-Fine Jewelry is a senior leadership role within the Design organization, responsible for defining and executing the creative vision, product strategy, and end-to-end design process for Fine and Demi-Fine categories. This exempt, full-time position reports to the Department Head of Design and plays a critical role in shaping brand-right, commercially successful assortments. The Director will lead and develop a high-performing design team, drive innovation, and ensure the seamless translation of creative vision into scalable, production-ready collections that align with business objectives.

Requirements

Senior leadership role within the Design organization
Defining and executing the creative vision, product strategy, and end-to-end design process for Fine and Demi-Fine categories
Exempt, full-time position
Reports to the Department Head of Design
Shaping brand-right, commercially successful assortments
Lead and develop a high-performing design team
Drive innovation
Ensure seamless translation of creative vision into scalable, production-ready collections that align with business objectives
Subject matter expert in CAD design, model making, and emerging technologies within jewelry design
Oversee the use, maintenance, and advancement of design tools and technologies (e.g., CAD software, 3D printing)
Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are met
Establish organization standards for all design files, documentation, and shared assets
Ensure accurate and thorough design specifications are delivered for production and vendor execution
Lead vendor engagement, including travel and collaboration, to ensure alignment on quality and execution

Nice To Haves

Experience in Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry categories
Experience in a fashion-lifestyle brand
Experience with Kendra Scott's brand aesthetic

Responsibilities

Define and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business goals
Serve as a strategic partner to Merchandising, Product Development, and Executive Leadership to shape assortment architecture and category growth
Lead the end-to-end design process from concept through final production, ensuring design integrity, innovation, and commercial viability
Champion a forward-thinking, trend-informed, and customer-centric design approach
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous growth
Establish clear roles, ownership, and development pathways for team members, with a strong focus on succession planning
Set and uphold high standards for design excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation
Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to elevate both individual and team performance
Oversee the translation of creative direction into compelling concepts, including sketches, renderings, CAD models, and finished assortments
Ensure design intent is maintained throughout prototyping, engineering, and production phases
Establish and implement best-in-class design processes, workflows, and standards to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across tools, technologies, and design methodologies
Represent Design as a senior leader in all cross-functional forums, influencing decisions that impact product, timeline, and business outcomes
Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure feasibility, cost alignment, and production excellence
Communicate clearly and proactively on project status, priorities, and risks to senior leadership and stakeholders
Lead key milestone meetings and decision-making forums across the product lifecycle
Act as a subject matter expert in CAD design, model making, and emerging technologies within jewelry design
Drive innovation in materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes to elevate product differentiation
Oversee the use, maintenance, and advancement of design tools and technologies (e.g., CAD software, 3D printing)
Identify and integrate new technologies and vendor capabilities to enhance design output and efficiency
Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are met
Establish organization standards for all design files, documentation, and shared assets
Ensure accurate and thorough design specifications are delivered for production and vendor execution
Lead vendor engagement, including travel and collaboration, to ensure alignment on quality and execution
Champion and evolve the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, ensuring consistency, innovation, and brand relevance
Foster a highly collaborative environment across Design and cross-functional teams
Encourage diverse creative perspectives to strengthen overall product offerings
Balance creative excellence with speed-to-market in a fast-paced, high-growth environment