Lead Designer

About the Role This role will be a key player within the design team, working closely with the Creative Director and the Assistant Designer. You will own the day-to-day design execution across the entire Still Here product line, including seasonal collections, collaborations, and special launches, spanning denim, ready-to-wear, and knits. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will act as both the lead designer and the operational anchor for the design team, translating creative direction into clear, actionable steps, while ensuring timelines stay on track. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of creative design process and making sure milestones are met without compromising the product. Reporting to: Creative Director / Co-Founder Key Qualifications Experience Level: 6-8+ years in fashion design, with prior experience operating at a senior level or leading projects/teams within a small to mid-sized brand. Hands-on Design Execution: Strong in sketching, color CADs, wash development, fabric selection, fittings (concept through development), and creating clear design packages for PD/TD handoff. Able to move fluidly from concept to execution. Design Leadership + Organization: Able to lead a design function with structure. Comfortable owning calendars, setting milestones, and keeping projects moving forward. Communication + Cross-Functional Work: Clear and direct communicator. Able to work closely with Creative, Product and Tech Design teams to keep alignment across all stages. Tools: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop). Mindset: Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to anticipate issues before they impact timeline or product. Key Responsibilities Drive Day-to-Day Design Execution: Lead the design process across all categories—from concept through SMS. Own the Design Calendar + Milestones: Manage and maintain the design calendar in partnership with the Head of Product. Keep a clear view of upcoming milestones, proactively flag risks, and ensure deadlines are met. Act as the Bridge Between Vision and Execution: Translate the Creative Director's vision into actionable design work. Maintain clarity for the team on priorities, changes, and expectations. Manage + Mentor Assistant Designer: Provide direction, feedback, and structure. Help develop their skills while ensuring all outputs meet brand standards. Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely with Product Development and Tech Design to ensure smooth handoffs and consistent communication throughout the process. Maintain Product Integrity: Uphold the quality, fit, and design standards of Still Here across all categories. #J-18808-Ljbffr