Design Director

F. Schumacher & Co.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Schumacher Classics, part of F. Schumacher & Co., is seeking a Design Director to lead product development for fabric, wallcoverings, and trims.

The role drives the brand’s aesthetic vision while balancing innovation, market relevance, and commercial success. Reporting to the Creative Director, you will guide the design process from concept through production, partner with cross-functional teams, mentor the design staff, and travel overseas to work onsite with vendors to deliver

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in textile design.
• Expert knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes and the interior design world.
• Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite, AVA, and SmartSheets.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Ability to translate and develop designs across various print and woven techniques.

Responsibilities

• Direct the creative vision and development of Schumacher Classic collections across fabric, wallcoverings, and trims.
• Drive color direction, pattern design, and material innovation.
• Ability to create original design ideas.
• Collaborate with portfolio, merchandising, sales, and marketing teams.
• Oversee technical and creative aspects of product development, including CAD development, strike-offs, color approvals, and CFA.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the design team and define long-term creative strategy.

Skills

Textile design

Product development

Leadership

Color theory

Project management

Visual presentation

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

AVA

SmartSheets

Job description

About Schumacher

Schumacher & Co. is an innovative interior design company that is disrupting the $150 billion-dollar global interior design industry. We are a technological leader on the design frontier, constantly pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. With over 500+ employees and growing, we are driven by a shared belief that design transforms life. We are dedicated to the mission of helping our customers "celebrate the feeling of home". Schumacher designs and produces some of the most beautiful fabrics, wallcoverings, trims, furniture, and accessories in the world. Our portfolio of products is broad, but they are united by a passion for design, a thirst for what is next, an appreciation for what’s come before, a drive to make our products with enormous care and attention for detail. Schumacher is a globally recognized company with a myriad of showrooms both domestically and internationally.

Our Competitive Advantage In The Industry Is The People. We Believe That Our Employees Are Our Most Important Assets. F. Schumacher & Co Is Deeply Anchored In Our Company Core Values Which Are As Follows

• Preserve Our Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Take Ownership & Accountability
• Be Solutions-Oriented
• Demonstrate Courage
• Practice Adaptability
• Embrace Collaboration

We empower our employees to live these values daily because we understand how it will positively impact the customer's journey. F. Schumacher & Co., also known as FSCO, is the parent company to many brands within our portfolio.

Design Director - Schumacher Classics

Role Overview

The Design Director leads product development for fabric, wallcovering, and trim, driving the overall aesthetic vision of the brand while balancing innovation, market relevance, and commercial success. This role oversees the design process from concept through production, ensuring collections reflect the company’s heritage and craftsmanship. This individual will report to the Creative Director and serve as a creative leader within the team. They will partner closely with cross-functional teams across the organization. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with an elevated sense of style and exceptional leadership skills. Being a team-oriented person is a must.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in textile design
• Expert knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes and the interior design world
• Proficiency in design and project management software, including Adobe Creative Suite, AVA, and SmartSheets
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining exceptional quality standards
• Ability to interpret, translate, and develop designs across a variety of print and woven techniques and constructions
• Exceptional eye for and sensibility toward color
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and guide creative teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
• Strong creative judgment and attention to detail, with the ability to oversee projects from concept through execution while maintaining the highest level of design excellence
• Desire to stay on top of design trends

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the creative vision and development of Schumacher Classic collections across fabric, wallcoverings, and trims
• Drive creative concept development, color direction, pattern design, and material innovation
• Ability to create original design ideas
• Ability to reinterpret archival and heritage designs into elevated, commercially relevant collections for today’s market
• Collaborate closely with portfolio, merchandising, sales, and marketing teams
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure successful execution of collections
• Possess a strong understanding of conventional printing techniques and complex woven constructions
• Oversee all technical and creative aspects of product development, including CAD development, strike-offs, color approvals, and CFA
• Lead, mentor, and develop the design team, fostering creativity, collaboration, and professional growth
• Partner with senior leadership to define long-term creative strategy and product direction
• Develop collections that balance artistic integrity, commercial viability, and brand vision
• Present concepts and collection narratives to the executive team
• Travel overseas to work onsite with vendors

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and equality in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical and mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/assignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law.

Salary Range

$130,000—$150,000 USD