Design Director, Women’s Handbags and SLG’s

ABOUT US:

Cole Haan became an independently owned company again in 2013 and is growing rapidly in the US and abroad. We have earned a unique leadership position in the marketplace as a pioneer of goods that are as functional and versatile as they are crafted—most notably through our ZerøGrand and GrandSeries products. We are reinventing the world of modern footwear, handbags and accessories for consumers who seek style, versatility, and innovative comfortable function in their products.

The company’s worldwide headquarters is in Greenland, NH, with offices in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, Amsterdam, Dubai and sourcing offices in Asia. Cole Haan is sold in more than 500 retail stores globally, digital platforms around the world and within our department store and specialty retail partners.

We seek hard-working team members who are entrepreneurial-minded, solutions-oriented who accept and own accountability, model integrity, value individuality and diversity, encourage teamwork and inspire creativity.

TITLE: Design Director, Women’s Handbags and SLG’s

***Please submit application with link to online portfolio or an attachment with work samples***

The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in Design to...

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of designers; role model and nurture a creative design mindset and curiosity lead culture
• Work closely with Women’s Creative Director to drive seasonal concepts and design storytelling to create a cohesive product assortment
• Translate the brand identity and creative vision into compelling product design, continue to define a distinct Cole Haan aesthetic through brand DNA lens
• Research and develop inspiration boards to convey the seasonal creative stories and inspire the team; Continuously bring new ideas and innovative concepts that enhance the collection
• Partner with team to refine seasonal concepts, materials, hardware, and color palette
• Think innovatively at all stages of the creative, design, and development process; Be curious!
• Develop design strategies that support incremental growth to the handbag business
• Build out strategic roadmaps of product, and how it can be scaled over time
• Adhere to Product Development Calendar, closely aligning with the merchandise strategy to bring the right product in at the right time
• Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Materials, and Product Development teams on regular basis
• Partner with the development team to drive exceptional product from concept to pre-production
• Maintain and track seasonal development costs and ensure they are within budget and meet business margin requirements.

The accomplished individual will possess...

• Minimum 10 years of experience designing handbags
• Experience managing a team
• Strong general management, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills: ability to grow and manage a team and work well cross-functionally
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and prioritize and oversee multiple projects at once
• Effective organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-up
• Motivation and excellent time management skills
• A collaborative nature with great initiative, ownership, and strong problem-solving skills
• Successful track-record in building a handbag line and storytelling, working closely with merchandising, and adhering to and owning calendar milestones
• Strong taste level, a leader in what is on trend and exciting in the space
• Ability to present ideas and products in a simple and clear manner (to both cross-functional partners and leadership)
• Strong understanding of consumer mindset, consumer empathy and a dedication to creating great consumer experiences
• Ability to champion new agile ways of working focused on real-time cross-functional collaboration, iterative and incremental approach to design and development culture—from concept through commercialization
• Experience developing handbags directly with factories- a MUST
• Ability to sketch both technical drawings and freeform renderings
• Sound understanding of materials, including leathers, fabrics and hardware development

***Please submit application with link to online portfolio or an attachment with work samples***

Base Salary/Hourly Range: From $190,000.00 to $220,000.00 annually*

Bonus Eligibility: Yes, eligible for annual target bonus based on company and individual performance

Benefits Offered: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Care, Health Savings Accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Parental Leave, Holidays and Cole Haan Discounts

*Rate of pay dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience

This position is not available to be performed in Colorado.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Cole Haan is committed to meeting the spirit as well as the letter of the law. We have been, and continue to be, committed to Equal Opportunity Employment and equal treatment of all qualified individuals -- regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or any other factors that are not job related.