Design Director, Speciality Accessories and Technical Design

Coach; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Coach, a global fashion house founded in New York, seeks a Design Director, Specialty Accessories to shape the design vision for accessories across multiple lines. You will lead both Creative and Technical Design teams, overseeing craftsmanship, fit, and quality from concept to commercialization.

The role covers categories such as bag charms, belts, gifting, and runway specialty accessories, balancing creativity with commercial relevance and a cohesive Coach point of view.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in accessories design and technical design.
• Experience leading creative and technical teams.
• Experience with global brands, balancing creative expression with commercial needs.
• Mentoring or managing junior designers.
• Runway or elevated collection experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight across design and technical development, aligning creative vision with product execution.
• Lead and develop the Specialty Accessories Design and Technical Design teams, modelingCoach values of craftsmanship, authenticity, optimism, and modern luxury.
• Interpret brand narratives and runway concepts into expressive accessories.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Merchandising, and Materials teams to support quality, cost, and timing.
• Participate in line reviews, proto and sample evaluations, providing clear design feedback.
• Mentor and support team, encouraging execution, curiosity, and growth.
• Communicate design intent clearly in cross-functional and leadership presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Design leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Accessories Design

Related work experience

Job description

• Previous experience mentoring or managing junior designers.

Coach is a global fashion house founded in New York in 1941. Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last—for you to be yourself in.

Coach is part of the Tapestry portfolio – a global house of brands committed to stretching what’s possible.

A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive. Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Reports To: Vice President, Design

Position Overview

The Design Director, Specialty Accessories is a key creative leader within the Accessories Design organization, responsible for shaping and driving the design vision for specialty accessory categories across Women's, Men's, Runway, and Outlet collections. In addition to leading the design team, this role oversees the Technical Design function for Specialty Accessories and Special Projects, ensuring seamless execution from concept through commercialization while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, fit, construction, and quality.

The role contributes to a wide range of categories—such as bag charms, belts, gifting, Coffee Shop merchandise, Coach Create, and runway specialty accessories—balancing creativity, craftsmanship, and commercial relevance while maintaining a consistent and modern Coach point of view.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight across both design and technical development, ensuring alignment between creative vision and product execution.
• Lead and develop the Specialty Accessories Design team and Technical Design team, fostering a culture that reflects Coach values of craftsmanship, authenticity, optimism, and modern luxury.
• Interpret brand narratives and runway concepts into expressive, well‑considered accessories.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Merchandising, and Materials partners throughout the design process to support quality, functionality, cost, and timing.
• Participate in line reviews, proto and sample evaluations, providing clear and constructive design feedback.
• Mentor and support team, encouraging strong execution, curiosity, and professional growth.
• Communicate design intent clearly in cross‑functional and leadership presentations.

Qualifications And Experience

• 10+ years of experience in accessories design and technical design with exposure to specialty, novelty, or small leather goods categories preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and align both creative and technical teams, bridging design vision with product execution to deliver innovative, high quality product.
• Experience working within an established global brand, balancing creative expression with commercial considerations.
• Previous experience mentoring or managing junior designers.
• Runway or elevated collection experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related work experience

Key Competencies

• Strong design sensibility with a passion for accessories and product storytelling.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across creative and cross‑functional teams.
• High attention to detail and appreciation for craft, materials, and finish.
• Clear visual and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple categories and timelines in a dynamic environment.
• Adaptable, optimistic, and solutions‑oriented approach to design challenges.

Our Competencies for All Employees

• Courage: Doesn't hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and \"actionable\" positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary.
• Creativity: Comes up with a lot of new and unique ideas; easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions; tends to be seen as original and value‑added in brainstorming settings.
• Customer Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first‑hand customer information and uses it for improvements