Lead Designer

böhme; Draper (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Böhme is a fast-growing, fashion-forward women's apparel brand seeking a Lead Designer to own the creative vision and product direction end-to-end. This is the first internal design hire, partnering with founders and overseas manufacturing partners (primarily in China) to elevate product and build a design-led assortment.

The role spans design direction across categories, development from concept to sample approvals, and building design processes from the ground up while balancing creativity

Qualifications

• 7-12+ years of experience in women's apparel design.
• Background in contemporary, DTC, or retail-driven brands with strong product identity.
• Experience working with overseas factories (China preferred) and managing development remotely.
• Strong understanding of construction, fabrics, fit, and production processes.
• Ability to balance creativity with commerciality (designing for a real customer + price point).
• Experience owning or heavily influencing an entire category or brand aesthetic.

Responsibilities

• Creative Direction & Product Design across select product categories.
• Own and define the overall design vision and seasonal assortments.
• Lead concept development, trend research, color palettes, fabric direction, and silhouette strategy.
• Oversee the design process from concept through final approval and delivery timelines.
• Build and mentor a small internal design team as the business grows.

Skills

Creative Direction

Product Design

Trend Research

Color Palettes

Fabric Direction

Silhouette Strategy

Overseas Collaboration

Product Development

Job description

About Böhme

Böhme is a fast-growing, fashion-forward women's apparel brand with a strong retail footprint and expanding eCommerce business. Built by founders with a strong point of view and deep customer connection, the brand has historically partnered with overseas vendors to bring product to life. We are seeking a Lead Designer to become Böhme's first internal design hire, owning the creative vision and product direction end-to-end. This role will partner closely with the founders and collaborate with overseas manufacturing partners (primarily in China) to elevate product, refine brand identity, and build a more intentional, design-led assortment. This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly entrepreneurial environment and build the design function from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative Direction & Product Design
• Own and define the overall design vision across select product categories (apparel, dresses, knits, etc.)
• Translate founder vision and brand DNA into cohesive seasonal assortments
• Lead concept development, trend research, color palettes, fabric direction, and silhouette strategy
• Elevate product to feel more differentiated, elevated, and brand-right

Partnership with Founders

• Work closely with founder to align on creative direction and assortment strategy
• Act as a thought partner in evolving the brand aesthetic and positioning
• Bring new ideas while maintaining the core identity that resonates with the customer

Overseas Vendor Collaboration (China)

• Partner directly with overseas factories and development teams to execute product
• Provide clear direction on design intent, materials, construction, and fit
• Review samples, iterate on revisions, and ensure final product meets brand standards
• Balance design vision with cost targets, MOQs, and production realities

Product Development & Execution

• Oversee the design process from concept through final approval
• Collaborate with production and merchandising on timelines and delivery
• Ensure alignment between design, costing, and margin targets
• Manage seasonal calendars and sample timelines

Building the Design Function

• Establish design processes, tools, and workflows from the ground up
• Help define how design integrates with merchandising, production, and sourcing
• Over time, build and mentor a small internal design team as the business grows

Qualifications

• 7-12+ years of experience in women's apparel design
• Background in contemporary, DTC, or retail-driven brands with strong product identity
• Experience working with overseas factories (China preferred) and managing development remotely
• Strong understanding of construction, fabrics, fit, and production processes
• Ability to balance creativity with commerciality (designing for a real customer + price point)
• Experience owning or heavily influencing an entire category or brand aesthetic

Ideal Profile

• Entrepreneurial and excited to be the first design hire
• Strong taste level with the ability to elevate product while staying commercially viable
• Comfortable working directly with founder in a highly collaborative environment
• Hands-on and detail-oriented-willing to own everything from concept to sample approvals
• Strong communicator with overseas partners and internal stakeholders
• Organized and process-driven, but flexible in a fast-moving environment

Why This Role

• Opportunity to own and shape the design function at a growing brand
• Direct access to founders and influence on overall product direction
• High visibility, high impact role with room to build a team
• Blend of creative ownership + operational execution