Design + Product Development Manager

Overview

The Design + Product Development Manager will oversee the development of innovative product lines for each season for all required departments. Working in collaboration with the Senior Design Director, this role sets product lines inclusive of design language, market trends, and business needs. This position will oversee design and execute the design development of respective categories. This position drives the key communication among designers, agents, merchants, and sourcing to meet deadlines and recommend strategies for key process improvements.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Chicago, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

• Serve as the creative lead for categories, responsible for developing and executing relevant products across all product types and assortments
• Work closely with the Senior Design Director on the design and execution of unique and innovative product concepts for the required categories
• Drive product designs through focused product briefs with outside design talent, guiding design language, and refining details in partnership with designers
• Present designs to internal cross functional partners in merchandising and sourcing in the effort to be best in class brand builders
• Collaborate with design leaders across the organization to develop cohesive collections across categories
• Lead the design development of product lines into well positioned price points, contributing to successful business growth as a specialist for your specific product categories
• Lead and manage the design development process through its entire lifecycle, from concept and ideation stages, through design sketch reviews, sample reviews, product finalizations, driving innovation, materiality and construction details with vendor partners
• Lead the set-up of design, product and assortment review presentations for your specific categories in partnership with key members across merchandising and sourcing
• Collaborate with, lead and foster the talent of a design team composed of associate and assistant designers
• Travel for in-country product development, working with key vendor partners across the globe and in collaboration with our sourcing teams, and design inspiration
• Drive innovation in new materials, construction details, execution of product to deliver a best in class and design forward collection
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring and training associates; planning, assigning, and directing work and appraising performance
• Recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results ensuring that computer programs, color systems and other resources are up to date
• Manage the strategy and flow for product meetings with designers, agents, merchants, and sourcing
• Align on all key calendar dates to drive teams to meet deadlines, communicating with the executive team when deadlines will not be met
• Maintain calendar to ensure products are approved for cost, color and design within specified dates
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with Licensors and Collaborators through communication, presentations, and approval

• Passion for design, style, interior design and knowledge of design and art history
• Proven ability and knowledge working on the required categories in the design industry
• Ability to interact and collaborate with executives and/or major customers/vendors with experience negotiating/influencing
• In-depth knowledge of the functional area as pertains to business strategies, business priorities and category specific design, raw material and production processes
• Participates with other senior leaders to establish strategic plans and objectives
• Ability to make decisions on operational matters that impact the effectiveness of the team
• Ability to translate business and design objectives into strategic creative plans for team/function
• Cross functional team collaboration with counterparts to deliver trend-right seasonal products
• Ability to create clear, respectful communication plans for all levels of associates to accomplish objectives of the team and department.
• Detail oriented, punctual, focused and efficient
• Resourceful, self-motivated, and confident in driving work from start to finish
• Ability to lead and effectively manage a team to drive results and meet deadlines
• Elevated design sensibility, and up to date with market trends

• BFA in Product / Industrial Design preferred or equivalent
• 3+ years experience leading product design related activities
• Product design + development experience with deep knowledge in a variety of materials and techniques
• Experience leading a team with strong communication and leadership skills
• Strong knowledge and interest in design and product development
• Comfortable leading conversations about the technical aspects of product development and manufacturing

Starting Rate: $ - $