Design Director - Leather Handbags

Our client, a handbag and accessories company, is seeking a Design Director to join their team in New York!

Hybrid schedule in NYC.

Responsibilities:

• Set the creative vision and seasonal design direction for handbags.
• Lead the design process from concept and sketch through prototype and final product.
• Develop silhouettes, materials, color, hardware, details, and key handbag franchises.
• Balance creativity, brand elevation, functionality, quality, and commercial performance.
• Research market, consumer, and trend insights to identify new opportunities.
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing.
• Review and approve designs, materials, prototypes, and final samples.
• Ensure consistent design standards and brand identity across the category.

Qualifications:

• 8-10+ years of handbag/accessories design experience, including leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, materials, leather, hardware, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record developing successful handbag collections and product franchises.
• Exceptional creative vision with strong commercial and strategic understanding.
• Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and team leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in design or related field.

Please submit your resume and portfolio for consideration.

You can use to collect and manage your references for free and share them with us or anyone else you choose. Candidates with references are always preferred by our clients. Now is the most important time to stand out from the crowd. We suggest that you ensure you have updated your LinkedIn profile and that you start collecting your references early.