Director, Design - Fine & Sterling Jewelry

Kendra Scott; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading jewelry company is seeking a Director of Design for Fine & Demi-Fine Jewelry in Austin, TX. This senior leadership position is responsible for defining and executing the creative vision and product strategy. The ideal candidate will lead a high-performing design team, ensure innovation, and maintain design integrity throughout production processes. Relevant expertise in leadership, project management, and CAD design is essential for success in this fast-paced role. Excellent collaborative skills are required to partner effectively across departments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading design teams in a corporate environment.
• Strong expertise in creative vision development and execution.
• Knowledge of CAD design and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the creative vision and design strategy.
• Lead the design process from concept through production.
• Oversee multiple projects ensuring quality and timelines are met.

Skills

Leadership

Creative strategy

CAD design

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Position Overview

The Director of Design, Fine & Demi-Fine Jewelry is a senior leadership role within the Design organization, responsible for defining and executing the creative vision, product strategy, and end-to-end design process for Fine and Demi-Fine categories.

This exempt, full-time position reports to the Department Head of Design and plays a critical role in shaping brand-right, commercially successful assortments. The Director will lead and develop a high-performing design team, drive innovation, and ensure the seamless translation of creative vision into scalable, production-ready collections that align with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Strategy

• Define and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business goals
• Serve as a strategic partner to Merchandising, Product Development, and Executive Leadership to shape assortment architecture and category growth
• Lead the end-to-end design process from concept through final production, ensuring design integrity, innovation, and commercial viability
• Champion a forward-thinking, trend-informed, and customer-centric design approach
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous growth
• Establish clear roles, ownership, and development pathways for team members, with a strong focus on succession planning
• Set and uphold high standards for design excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to elevate both individual and team performance

Creative Execution & Process Excellence

• Oversee the translation of creative direction into compelling concepts, including sketches, renderings, CAD models, and finished assortments
• Ensure design intent is maintained throughout prototyping, engineering, and production phases
• Establish and implement best-in-class design processes, workflows, and standards to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across tools, technologies, and design methodologies

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Represent Design as a senior leader in all cross-functional forums, influencing decisions that impact product, timeline, and business outcomes
• Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure feasibility, cost alignment, and production excellence
• Communicate clearly and proactively on project status, priorities, and risks to senior leadership and stakeholders
• Lead key milestone meetings and decision-making forums across the product lifecycle

Technical & Innovation Oversight

• Act as a subject matter expert in CAD design, model making, and emerging technologies within jewelry design
• Drive innovation in materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes to elevate product differentiation
• Oversee the use, maintenance, and advancement of design tools and technologies (e.g., CAD software, 3D printing)
• Identify and integrate new technologies and vendor capabilities to enhance design output and efficiency

Operational Excellence

• Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and deliverables met
• Establish organization standards for all design files, documentation, and shared assets
• Ensure accurate and thorough design specifications are delivered for production and vendor execution
• Lead vendor engagement, including travel and collaboration, to ensure alignment on quality and execution

Design Leadership Expectations

• Champion and evolve the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, ensuring consistency, innovation, and brand relevance
• Foster a highly collaborative environment across Design and cross-functional teams
• Encourage diverse creative perspectives to strengthen overall product offerings
• Balance creative excellence with speed-to-market in a fast-paced, high-growth environment