Design & Product Development Manager

MEA Energy; Northbrook, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LANA in Northbrook, IL seeks an experienced Design & Product Development Manager to lead end-to-end jewelry development, translating inspiration into production-ready pieces and coordinating with founder Lana Bramlette. This role drives concept through production while upholding the brand’s craftsmanship.

You will manage calendars, specifications, supplier relationships, and cross-functional teams to ensure on-time launches.

Qualifications

• Experience in luxury jewelry design and product development lifecycle.
• Strong eye for modern luxury design, proportion, detail, and craftsmanship.
• Ability to contribute original ideas within a collaborative, founder-led process.
• Experience reviewing CAD files, renderings, and technical drawings; hands-off CAD acceptable.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite; ERP/PLM familiarity a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with founder to design and develop collections.
• Translate inspiration into production-ready jewelry and manage development from concept to production.
• Review sketches, CADs, renderings, and prototypes, providing direction.
• Research materials, gemstones, and manufacturing techniques to inform innovation.
• Lead end-to-end product development, meeting launch deadlines and quality standards.
• Maintain product specifications, documentation, samples, and purchase orders.
• Own calendars, milestones, and collection timelines; mitigate risks.
• Build relationships with domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers.
• Lead development meetings, set priorities, and drive accountability across projects.
• Improve department workflows and processes.
• Mentor the Product Development & Design Assistant.

Skills

Luxury design

Product development

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

Design software

Tools

CAD

Photoshop

Illustrator

NetSuite

Job description

ABOUT LANA

LANA is a modern luxury fine jewelry brand known for its signature 14K gold designs, natural diamonds, and effortless sophistication. For more than 20 years, we have created collections that blend timeless craftsmanship with a bold, contemporary point of view.

We are seeking an experienced Design & Product Development Manager to become a key partner in bringing the next generation of LANA collections to life. Collaborating directly with founder and designer Lana Bramlette, this individual will contribute original design ideas, translate concepts into production-ready jewelry, and lead the product development process from initial inspiration through final approval. This is a highly visible role for someone who is equally passionate about exceptional design, fine jewelry craftsmanship, and the organization required to bring great products to market on time.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner directly with Lana Bramlette to design and develop seasonal, core, and special collections.
• Continuously bring original design ideas and creative inspiration that complement and evolve the LANA aesthetic.
• Review sketches, CADs, renderings, prototypes, and samples, providing clear creative and technical direction throughout development.
• Research jewelry, fashion, art, materials, gemstones, chains, findings, and manufacturing techniques to inspire innovation while remaining true to the brand.
• Lead the end-to-end product development process from concept through production approval, ensuring collections meet launch deadlines and the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
• Develop and maintain detailed product specifications, technical documentation, sample records, purchase orders, and product data.
• Own development calendars, critical paths, milestones, and collection timelines; identify risks early and proactively resolve roadblocks.
• Build strong relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, suppliers, and development partners, and hold them accountable for quality and delivery.
• Lead product development meetings, establish priorities, assign next steps, and create visibility and accountability across all active projects.
• Continuously improve department organization, workflows, communication, and product development processes.
• Manage, mentor, and delegate work to the Product Development & Design Assistant.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure products are ready for launches, photoshoots, market appointments, sales meetings, and campaigns.
• Travel occasionally for trade shows, sourcing meetings, or manufacturer visits as business needs arise.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 3+ years of experience in luxury jewelry design, product development, or a closely related role.
• Exceptional taste and a refined eye for modern luxury design, proportion, detail, and craftsmanship.
• A highly creative thinker who is constantly inspired and confident contributing original ideas in a collaborative, founder-led design process.
• Strong understanding of fine jewelry construction, materials, manufacturing, engineering, and the full product development lifecycle.
• Ability to review CAD files, renderings, and technical drawings and provide meaningful design and construction feedback; hands-off CAD experience is a plus, but not required.
• Sketching ability or experience using design software and/or AI tools to create visuals of new concepts is strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with domestic and international jewelers, manufacturers, suppliers, and sourcing partners.
• Outstanding organizational, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple collections and priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, accountable, and solutions-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, is preferred; experience with NetSuite or a similar ERP/PLM system is a plus.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule with a minimum of three days per week in the Northbrook, Illinois office.
• Interest in building a long-term career with LANA and growing alongside the brand.