Director Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in creative design, product development, and creative leadership within fashion, consumer products, entertainment, or licensing environments.
• 5+ 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 with 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; experience in consumer goods branding and packaging.
• 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.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple shifting priorities.
• Mac proficiency and advanced skills in Adobe Suite, Keynote, and Microsoft applications.
• Availability for domestic and international travel.

Nice To Haves

• Global Design Industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee creative vision across multiple categories, maintaining brand consistency, innovation, and elevated design execution.
• Develop concepts, visual storytelling, and brand-right creative solutions that resonate with target consumers and strengthen brand equity.
• Bridge licensors, licensees, retail partners, and internal teams to maximize brand value through design.
• Align creative vision and brand strategy with commercial objectives, influencing cross-functional stakeholders to support business priorities.
• Maintain high standards of design quality, craftsmanship, and execution, informed by market trends, consumer insights, and cultural influences.
• Partner with Retail Buying teams, licensees, and Category Leadership to develop strategically aligned, commercially viable product assortments.
• Lead creative aspects of fashion and product design, supporting 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 designs while maintaining authenticity and brand integrity.
• Partner with intellectual property holders to create differentiated product experiences and balance creative excellence with commercial viability.
• Partner with Category and Retail Leadership to drive quarterly and annual business performance and sales results.
• Own and communicate creative budget management; track 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.
• Set team and individual goals, conduct quarterly one-on-one development conversations, and lead annual performance management.
• Create and support career pathways and succession plans.
• Lead creative reviews and critiques, providing professional, actionable feedback and maintaining high standards.
• Promote ownership, collaboration, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and travel as required to support business and operational needs.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Other discounts and perks