Director of Design

ABOUT THE JOB

The Director of Design is responsible for leading the end-to-end design function, driving commercially viable and innovative product solutions within the travel, luggage, and soft goods categories. This role balances creative leadership with operational, strategic, and business acumen, ensuring design outputs align with company objectives, market opportunities, and financial targets. The role uses trend analysis, competitive intelligence, and consumer insights to inform design direction and support category growth. 

This position reports directly to the VP of Product Development and Design

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Leadership and Product Strategy 

• Lead the creation of market-relevant product concepts grounded in trend research, forecasting tools, and competitive analysis, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and commercial goals 

• Drive the development of seasonal and core product assortments with a focus on innovation, functionality, cost, and scalability 

• Apply a product-first lens to business performance, identifying opportunities and risks through analysis of sales trends, market data, and competitive benchmarks 

• Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure cohesive product strategies and successful commercialization 

• Guide the team in translating insights into clear, actionable product direction rather than purely conceptual outcomes 

Category Expertise (Cut-and-Sew / Luggage Focus) 

• Leverage deep expertise in cut-and-sew construction, luggage, and travel-related products to lead best-in-class product development 

• Oversee design execution across materials, construction, hardware, and finishing with a strong understanding of technical performance and durability requirements 

• Partner closely with factories and suppliers to ensure product integrity, feasibility, and innovation 

Team Leadership and Development 

• Manage and develop a full design team, inclusive of designers and technical design support 

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement 

• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to elevate both creative and technical capabilities across the team 

Operational and Administrative Leadership 

• Own and manage design function operations, including budget creation, tracking, and management; resource allocation and prioritization; and timeline adherence and workflow optimization 

• Lead engagement with external partners, vendors, and suppliers, including negotiation and relationship management 

• Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with business needs 

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable processes to improve team productivity 

Execution and Quality 

• Ensure all products meet design integrity, cost targets, quality standards, and timeline requirements from concept through commercialization 

• Troubleshoot development and production challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset 

• • Maintain compliance with originality standards and brand design guidelines 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Eight or more years of experience in Product Design or Industrial Design within cut-and-sew, bags, or luggage categories (required) 

• Proven experience leading and scaling design teams inclusive of technical design functions 

• Experience managing a team of three or more direct reports 

• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to connect product decisions to commercial performance 

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, external partners, and contractor relationships 

• Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods 

• Experience working directly with factories and global supply chains 

• Strong understanding of trend analysis tools, forecasting, and competitive benchmarking 

• Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills 

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance creativity and commercial viability 

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office 

• Fashion design education a plus 

• Graphic design and/or rendering skills a plus 

Compensation 

This position's annual base salary range is $170,000–$180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

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