Director of Design

ABOUT THE JOB
Director of Design is responsible for leading the end-to-end design function, driving commercially viable and innovative product solutions within the travel, luggage, and soft goods categories. This role balances creative leadership with operational, strategic, and business acumen, ensuring design outputs align with company objectives, market opportunities, and financial targets. The role uses trend analysis, competitive intelligence, and consumer insights to inform design direction and support category growth.

This position reports directly to the VP of Product Development and Design.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Design Leadership and Product Strategy

Lead the creation of market-relevant product concepts grounded in trend research, forecasting tools, and competitive analysis, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and commercial goals

Drive the development of seasonal and core product assortments with a focus on innovation, functionality, cost, and scalability

Apply a product-first lens to business performance, identifying opportunities and risks through analysis of sales trends, market data, and competitive benchmarks

Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure cohesive product strategies and successful commercialization

Guide the team in translating insights into clear, actionable product direction rather than purely conceptual outcomes

Category Expertise (Cut-and-Sew / Luggage Focus)

Leverage deep expertise in cut-and-sew construction, luggage, and travel-related products to lead best-in-class product development

Oversee design execution across materials, construction, hardware, and finishing with a strong understanding of technical performance and durability requirements

Partner closely with factories and suppliers to ensure product integrity, feasibility, and innovation

Team Leadership and Development

Manage and develop a full design team, inclusive of designers and technical design support

Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement

Provide clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to elevate both creative and technical capabilities across the team

Operational and Administrative Leadership

Own and manage design function operations, including budget creation, tracking, and management; resource allocation and prioritization; and timeline adherence and workflow optimization

Lead engagement with external partners, vendors, and suppliers, including negotiation and relationship management

Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with business needs

Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable processes to improve team productivity

Execution and Quality

Ensure all products meet design integrity, cost targets, quality standards, and timeline requirements from concept through commercialization

Troubleshoot development and production challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset

Compliance

Maintain compliance with originality standards and brand design guidelines

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Eight or more years of experience in Product Design or Industrial Design within cut-and-sew, bags, or luggage categories (required)

Proven experience leading and scaling design teams inclusive of technical design functions

Experience managing a team of three or more direct reports

Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to connect product decisions to commercial performance

Demonstrated experience managing budgets, external partners, and contractor relationships

Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods

Experience working directly with factories and global supply chains

Strong understanding of trend analysis tools, forecasting, and competitive benchmarking

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool

Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance creativity and commercial viability

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office

Fashion design education a plus

Graphic design and/or rendering skills a plus

Compensation
This position's annual base salary range is $170,000-$180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Beach House Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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