Director, Design - Fine & Sterling Jewelry

Position Overview The 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 Responsibilities Design Leadership & Strategy Define and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business goals Serve as a strategic partner to Merchandising, Product Development, and Executive Leadership to shape assortment architecture and category growth Lead the end-to-end design process from concept through final production, ensuring design integrity, innovation, and commercial viability Champion a forward-thinking, trend-informed, and customer-centric design approach Team Leadership & Development Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous growth Establish clear roles, ownership, and development pathways for team members, with a strong focus on succession planning Set and uphold high standards for design excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to elevate both individual and team performance Creative Execution & Process Excellence Oversee the translation of creative direction into compelling concepts, including sketches, renderings, CAD models, and finished assortments Ensure design intent is maintained throughout prototyping, engineering, and production phases Establish and implement best-in-class design processes, workflows, and standards to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability Lead continuous improvement initiatives across tools, technologies, and design methodologies Cross-Functional Leadership Represent Design as a senior leader in all cross-functional forums, influencing decisions that impact product, timeline, and business outcomes Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure feasibility, cost alignment, and production excellence Communicate clearly and proactively on project status, priorities, and risks to senior leadership and stakeholders Lead key milestone meetings and decision-making forums across the product lifecycle Technical & Innovation Oversight Act as a subject matter expert in CAD design, model making, and emerging technologies within jewelry design Drive innovation in materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes to elevate product differentiation Oversee 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 efficiency Operational Excellence Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are met Establish organization standards for all design files, documentation, and shared assets Ensure accurate and thorough design specifications are delivered for production and vendor execution Lead vendor engagement, including travel and collaboration, to ensure alignment on quality and execution Design Leadership Expectations Champion and evolve the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, ensuring consistency, innovation, and brand relevance Foster a highly collaborative environment across Design and cross-functional teams Encourage diverse creative perspectives to strengthen overall product offeringsBalance creative excellence with speed-to-market in a fast-paced, high-growth environment #J-18808-Ljbffr