Design Director

Design Observer; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Generous total rewards

Tuition reimbursement and student loan

401(k) with company match

Job summary

tms is seeking a visionary Design Director to elevate our creative ecosystem in Seattle. You will guide our in-house team across concept development, industrial design, trend forecasting, illustration, packaging, and production artwork—bringing our brands to life and driving growth.

This role requires on-site presence with occasional travel and reports to the SVP of Global Product & Creative. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of design leadership, strong strategic thinking, and a passion for

Qualifications

• 10+ years of design and creative leadership across global lifestyle brands.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of brand narratives and seasonal storytelling across our portfolio.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate creative strategies with business goals.
• Inspire and mentor a diverse team of creative professionals and implement professional development programs.
• Drive creation of compelling visual assets that elevate brand identities across all consumer touchpoints.
• Set goals and timelines for creative initiatives and communicate with stakeholders at all levels.

Skills

Creative leadership

Brand innovation

Mentoring teams

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Time management

Trend forecasting

Collaboration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in design

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Smartsheet

Digital asset management tools

AI-assisted design tools

Job description

About Us

tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.

About Us

tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.

Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald’s, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.

Most importantly, we’re a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.

What Matters The Most

Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.

tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.

WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE

We’re seeking a visionary Design Director to elevate our creative ecosystem through trend-forward thinking, inspiring leadership, and exceptional product storytelling. You’ll guide our in-house design team across concept development, industrial design, trend forecasting, illustration, graphics, packaging, and production artwork—bringing our brands to life, captivating new audiences, and driving brand growth.

Reporting to the SVP of Global Product & Creative, this Seattle-based role requires on-site presence and occasional travel.

What You Will Bring To The Organization

Creative Vision & Strategy

Lead the development and execution of brand narratives and seasonal storytelling across our portfolio, ensuring each brand maintains a distinctive voice while adhering to overarching standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate creative strategies with business goals.

Trend Leadership

Cultivate a forward-thinking design approach by synthesizing insights from fashion, beauty, home design, sport/lifestyle, packaging, art, music, and digital media. Stay ahead of industry trends and leverage them to drive innovation.

Team Development

Inspire and mentor a diverse team of creative professionals, connecting their work directly to business objectives and fostering a culture of innovation. Implement professional development programs to enhance team skills and performance.

Design Excellence

Drive the creation of compelling visual assets that elevate our brand identities across all consumer touchpoints. Ensure consistency and quality in all design outputs.

Operational Leadership

• Set clear goals and timelines for creative initiatives.
• Develop solutions to complex problems both within and across departments.
• Strategically plan and advocate for necessary resources.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels and global locations. Foster collaboration and alignment across teams.

Skills And Experience We Would Like You To Have

• Creative visionary with 10+ years of design and creative leadership experience across multiple categories for global lifestyle brands: Demonstrated ability to drive brand innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
• Proven leadership identity with 8+ years guiding, mentoring, and inspiring design teams: Track record of fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in design or related creative discipline: Advanced degree preferred.
• Ability to conceive, articulate, and implement innovative design strategies that propel brands forward: Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in design software including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and digital asset management tools: Expertise in utilizing design tools to create impactful visual content.
• Experience with AI‑assisted design tools: Familiarity with emerging technologies and their application in design.
• Self‑motivated collaborator who balances autonomy with team‑first mentality: Ability to work independently while contributing to team success.
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills—both verbal and visual: Ability to effectively convey ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.
• Superior time management abilities with a track record of meeting deadlines: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Cultural awareness and connection to contemporary trends across art, fashion, music, and digital landscapes: Ability to integrate cultural insights into design strategies.
• Innovative mindset that continually seeks improvement: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Positive attitude and genuine sense of humor: Ability to maintain a positive work environment and build strong relationships.

And we’d love you to…

• Be comfortable developing high‑concept creative visions and rolling up your sleeves to refine execution details
• Balance creative excellence with business acumen, understanding how design drives consumer engagement and brand growth
• Be comfortable thriving in collaborative environments while maintaining the confidence to champion bold creative directions

Starting salary between $175,000-$185,000

TOTAL REWARDS

Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work‑life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:

• Our commitment to rewarding results
• Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers’—and our company’s—success.

Benefits

Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work‑life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant:

• Our commitment to rewarding results
• Opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers’—and our company’s—success.

Generous Medical, Dental, Vision And Other Great Benefits

• Paid parental and medical leave programs
• 401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing
• 15 days of paid time off plus company holidays
• Hybrid work model
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance
• Inclusive employee resource groups

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

RECRUITING AGENCIES

tms does not accept agency resumes submitted by third‑party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the tms Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, tms employees, or any other company location. tms is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.