Design Director, Brand Creative Job at Kenneth Cole Productions in New York

Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. His global company, Kenneth Cole Productions, creates modern, versatile, and functional clothing, shoes and accessories that make daily dressing effortless under the labels, Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted as well as footwear under the name Gentle Souls.

Kenneth Cole is a global fashion brand that directs design, markets, and distributes high quality apparel, footwear, and accessories. We work closely with 22 domestic and 12 international licensing partners to create modern, functional, and stylish products that inspire individuals to look good and make a positive impact in the world.

Overview

The Design Director, Brand Creative for the Kenneth Cole brand will join our dynamic creative team to lead advertising campaigns, seasonal launches, packaging design, marketing materials, logos, and branding initiatives.

This Manager-level role requires a multi-disciplinary creative leader with a strong design sensibility, keen attention to detail, and the ability to think strategically while executing hands-on design work. The ideal candidate is passionate about packaging oversight, can wear multiple hats across print, digital, and video, and brings curiosity about emerging AI platforms for creative innovation. This position reports to the Creative Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead packaging design efforts from concept to production, overseeing materials, dielines, renderings, vendor collaboration, and final execution to maintain brand consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and Sr. Art Director on campaign concepts, seasonal launches, product storytelling, and brand initiatives.
• Oversee design and execution of marketing assets across print, digital, social, and in-store channels with a focus on craftsmanship and consistency.
• Provide art direction for photo shoots, retouching, and post-production to ensure brand standards and creative excellence are met.
• Support light video editing and motion graphics development for social media, digital campaigns, and internal presentations (Premiere Pro, Final Cut, CapCut or equivalent).
• Partner with internal marketing, merchandising, and e-commerce teams as well as external creative vendors and production partners.
• Explore the use of AI platforms (e.g., MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, Runway, ChatGPT) for concept development, visual ideation, and workflow optimization.

Experience Requirements

• Strong experience in packaging design oversight from concept through production.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and working knowledge of tools like Figma, for collaborative prototyping.
• Basic video editing skills for short-form digital and social content.
• Familiarity with AI tools for creative ideation and workflow efficiencies.
• Solid understanding of creative, photographic, and digital production processes including post-production and retouching.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with multi-functional teams and managing multiple projects on time and on budget.
• Fashion or lifestyle brand experience strongly preferred.
• Strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.

Skills and Abilities Required

• Highly organized and able to self-manage under tight deadlines.
• Experience managing budgets ranging from $5K–$500K.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate creative rationale clearly.
• Passion for innovation, curiosity about emerging technologies, and a desire to continuously learn.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Design, Fashion, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Seniority Level

• Mid–Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Advertising, Design, and Marketing

Industries

• Retail Apparel and Fashion

Kenneth Cole Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, marital status, caregiver status, unemployment status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs.