Vans: Director, Color Design (Footwear, Apparel, Accessories)

Role Summary The Director of Color Design leads the global vision for color across all product categories at Vans, shaping how the brand appears season after season. Key Responsibilities Define color expression across footwear, apparel, and accessories. Build color narratives rooted in sport, art, music, and youth culture. Translate macro trends into Vans‑relevant expressions without following trends. Ensure cohesive head‑to‑toe color expression across product lines. Partner with product, design, merchandising, and development leaders to embed color into every stage of creation. Elevate color as a storytelling tool, not just a styling element. Draw inspiration from global creative communities, artists, athletes, and cultural partners. Maintain authenticity to Vans heritage while evolving the brand. Develop global color frameworks, palettes, and tools. Create consistency across regions while enabling local expression. Establish best practices for color application, material interaction, and finishes. Manage and mentor a team of color designers across categories. Foster a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and creative confidence. Collaborate with product, merchandising, and development to ensure commercial viability. Balance creative ambition with cost, sourcing, and manufacturing realities. Influence product strategy through color insights and consumer understanding. Qualifications 10+ years of experience in color design, CMF, or related design leadership. Deep understanding of youth culture, skateboarding, and creative communities. Proven ability to build and lead global creative teams. Strong storytelling skills with a point of view on color beyond trends. Experience across footwear and apparel (preferred). Ability to operate at both visionary and operational levels. Capability to balance heritage and progression seamlessly. Leadership with authenticity and empowerment of others. Skill in building systems that enable creativity at scale. Location Hybrid schedule with office presence in Costa Mesa, CA. Compensation & Benefits Annual base salary range: $172,800 – $216,000. Position eligible for incentive potential. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and additional growth opportunities. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, or other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr