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.

Katie Kime jobs

Design Manager