Director, Design - Fine & Sterling Jewelry (Austin)

Job DescriptionAbout Kendra Scott  We are a fashion-lifestyle brand of big dreams, colorful confidence, and inspired design. Founded on Family, Fashion and Philanthropy, we believe that our employees and customers are the heart and soul of our brand, and that giving back is the truest form of success. Fashion meets innovation in the design of our two state-of-the-art facilities based in the heart of Austin, Texas, and overflows into the design of our growing retail environment across the country.  Position OverviewThe Director of Design, Fine & Demi-Fine Jewelry is a senior leadership role within the Design organization, responsible for defining and executing the creative vision, product strategy, and end-to-end design process for Fine and Demi-Fine categories.This exempt, full-time position reports to the Department Head of Design and plays a critical role in shaping brand-right, commercially successful assortments. The Director will lead and develop a high-performing design team, drive innovation, and ensure the seamless translation of creative vision into scalable, production-ready collections that align with business objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Leadership & StrategyDefine and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business goalsServe as a strategic partner to Merchandising, Product Development, and Executive Leadership to shape assortment architecture and category growthLead the end-to-end design process from concept through final production, ensuring design integrity, innovation, and commercial viabilityChampion a forward-thinking, trend-informed, and customer-centric design approachTeam Leadership & DevelopmentBuild, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous growthEstablish clear roles, ownership, and development pathways for team members, with a strong focus on succession planningSet and uphold high standards for design excellence, craftsmanship, and innovationProvide ongoing coaching and feedback to elevate both individual and team performanceCreative Execution & Process ExcellenceOversee the translation of creative direction into compelling concepts, including sketches, renderings, CAD models, and finished assortmentsEnsure design intent is maintained throughout prototyping, engineering, and production phasesEstablish and implement best-in-class design processes, workflows, and standards to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalabilityLead continuous improvement initiatives across tools, technologies, and design methodologiesCross-Functional LeadershipRepresent Design as a senior leader in all cross-functional forums, influencing decisions that impact product, timeline, and business outcomesPartner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure feasibility, cost alignment, and production excellenceCommunicate clearly and proactively on project status, priorities, and risks to senior leadership and stakeholdersLead key milestone meetings and decision-making forums across the product lifecycleTechnical & Innovation OversightAct as a subject matter expert in CAD design, model making, and emerging technologies within jewelry designDrive innovation in materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes to elevate product differentiationOversee the use, maintenance, and advancement of design tools and technologies (e.g., CAD software, 3D printing)Identify and integrate new technologies and vendor capabilities to enhance design output and efficiencyOperational ExcellenceOversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are metEstablish organization standards for all design files, documentation, and shared assetsEnsure accurate and thorough design specifications are delivered for production and vendor executionLead vendor engagement, including travel and collaboration, to ensure alignment on quality and executionDesign Leadership ExpectationsChampion and evolve the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, ensuring consistency, innovation, and brand relevanceFoster a highly collaborative environment across Design and cross-functional teamsEncourage diverse creative perspectives to strengthen overall product offeringsBalance creative excellence with speed-to-market in a fast-paced, high-growth environmentDivisionHome Office LocationCorporate Office Employees Position TypeFull Time Zip Code78756CityAustinStateTexas Workplace TypeHybridOrganizational LevelM4- Director Department: DESIGN