Temporary VP Design

Clare V.•Los Angeles, CA

17h•$130,000 - $200,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Interim Vice President of Design is responsible for managing the design team and ensuring development execution of the Creative Director’s seasonal design vision and strategy across the handbag, SLG, and apparel collections. This role translates the Creative Director’s vision into commercially successful collections while balancing creativity, innovation, operational efficiency, and business objectives. The Interim VP of Design partners closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Production, Planning, and Executive Leadership to ensure collections align with brand strategy, calendar milestones, profitability goals, and customer needs. This is an interim appointment from mid-October 2026 to mid-March 2027, including a defined overlap period at both the commencement and conclusion of the term to facilitate a comprehensive transition with the full-time VP. Clare V. is seeking a candidate with established familiarity with the brand and a thorough understanding of product development processes, enabling them to contribute meaningfully from the outset.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or related design field
Minimum 15+ years of relevant industry experience designing and developing handbags/accessories
Progressive experience in handbag, accessories, or fashion design, including leadership experience managing creative teams
Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization
Expert knowledge of handbag construction, leather, materials, sourcing, and manufacturing processes
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing creative teams
Strong strategic thinking, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional leadership abilities
Demonstrated experience balancing creative vision with business objectives and profitability goals
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Excel, and PLM systems
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Experience working with domestic and international factories and development partners
Experience in luxury, contemporary, or accessories-focused fashion brands
Experience with assortment planning, merchandising strategy, and SKU optimization
Familiarity with WFX PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems
Strong understanding of the Clare V. brand aesthetic and customer lifestyle
Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer, reviewing samples, or participating in meetings
Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, tablets, office equipment, and handle materials, samples, and prototypes
Ability to visually inspect colors, materials, hardware, construction, and product details with close attention to accuracy and quality
Frequent movement throughout office, showroom, warehouse, and factory environments
Ability to lift, carry, and/or move sample bags, materials, boxes, and supplies up to 25 pounds
Ability to bend, reach, climb stairs, and access shelving or storage areas as needed

Responsibilities

Implement the seasonal design direction for handbags, small leather goods, apparel, and accessories in partnership with the Founder and Creative Director
Translate creative vision into commercially viable assortments aligned with brand positioning and business objectives
Drive strategic thinking around product assortments, category growth, customer needs, and long-term brand evolution
Partner with Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and Planning teams to establish annual and seasonal calendars, milestones, and development priorities
Ensure design concepts are aligned with cost targets, margin expectations, development ratios, and operational capabilities
Oversee the design development lifecycle, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, fittings, sample reviews, and market presentations
Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize assortments, SKU productivity, and seasonal product strategies based on sales analysis and business performance
Lead collection reviews, milestone meetings, and market presentations with clarity, organization, and strategic direction
Lead, coach, and mentor the Design team to ensure strong performance, accountability, collaboration, and professional growth
Foster and maintain a creative, inclusive, collaborative, and solution-oriented team culture
Manage internal and freelance design resources, ensuring workload optimization and efficient execution across categories
Drive operational efficiency and profitability through optimization of development ratios, sample counts, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation
Ensure teams are working effectively against calendar deadlines while maintaining design integrity and quality standards
Balance creative innovation with financial responsibility and operational execution