Design Director - Leather Handbags

Fourth Floor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fourth Floor in New York is seeking a Design Director to set the creative vision and lead seasonal design direction for handbags. You will guide the design process from concept through prototype to final product, developing silhouettes, materials, color, and key bag franchises.

This role requires 8-10+ years in handbag/accessories design with leadership experience, strong knowledge of construction, materials, leather, and manufacturing, and a proven track record of successful handbag collections

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years handbag/accessories design experience, including leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, materials, leather, hardware, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record developing successful handbag collections and product franchises.
• Exceptional creative vision with strong commercial and strategic understanding.
• Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and team leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in design or related field.

Responsibilities

• Set the creative vision and seasonal design direction for handbags.
• Lead the design process from concept and sketch through prototype and final product.
• Develop silhouettes, materials, color, hardware, details, and key handbag franchises.
• Balance creativity, brand elevation, functionality, quality, and commercial performance.
• Research market, consumer, and trend insights to identify new opportunities.
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing.
• Review and approve designs, materials, prototypes, and final samples.
• Ensure consistent design standards and brand identity across the category.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Collaboration

Team leadership

Design vision

Trend insights

Education

Bachelor's degree in design or related field

Job description

Our client, a handbag and accessories company, is seeking a Design Director to join their team in New York!

Responsibilities

• Set the creative vision and seasonal design direction for handbags.
• Lead the design process from concept and sketch through prototype and final product.
• Develop silhouettes, materials, color, hardware, details, and key handbag franchises.
• Balance creativity, brand elevation, functionality, quality, and commercial performance.
• Research market, consumer, and trend insights to identify new opportunities.
• Partner closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing.
• Review and approve designs, materials, prototypes, and final samples.
• Ensure consistent design standards and brand identity across the category.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of handbag/accessories design experience, including leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, materials, leather, hardware, and manufacturing.
• Proven track record developing successful handbag collections and product franchises.
• Exceptional creative vision with strong commercial and strategic understanding.
• Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and team leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree in design or related field.