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.