What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Design Director position at Cavender's?
Overview
The Chief Design Director is responsible for setting and leading the company’s overall merchandise design vision across retail environments, brand expression, and customer-facing experiences. This role ensures that all design and product development efforts are cohesive, brand-aligned, and commercially impactful. The Chief Design Director provides strategic oversight, creative leadership, and governance to elevate the brand while supporting business growth and customer engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the “Cavender’s Culture” and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values
- Establish and lead the enterprise-wide product design vision that supports brand identity, customer experience, and business objectives in a fashion/apparel/footwear retail environment
- Develop, maintain, and enforce design standards, guidelines, and visual systems across all channels
- Provide executive-level review and approval of major design initiatives to ensure quality, consistency, and brand alignment
- Partner cross-functionally to integrate design strategy into merchandising, marketing, retail operations, and growth initiatives
- Lead, mentor, and influence internal design teams and external creative partners
- Evaluate customer insights, retail performance, and market trends to inform design direction and innovation
- Ensure design decisions enhance customer engagement while supporting commercial outcomes
- Balance long-term creative vision with practical execution, timelines, and budget considerations
- Communicate design strategy, concepts, and recommendations clearly to senior leadership
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 10 years of retail experience, including senior-level leadership responsibility
- Proven ability to develop and execute brand-level design strategies
- Strong understanding of retail environments, customer behavior, and product line storytelling
- Demonstrated experience leading and influencing creative teams at an enterprise level
- Strong analytical skills and abilities, with retail business acumen
- Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
Preferred Skills
- Passion for Western Lifestyle retail and a strong understanding of Cavender’s customers
- Experience supporting multi-location or national retail brands
- Oversight of design across multiple channels, including in-store, digital, product, and marketing
- Portfolio demonstrating strategic design leadership and measurable brand impact
Cavender’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
Cavender’s will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at (888) 361 – 2555 or visit your nearest Cavender’s store.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.