Design Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on creative leadership, managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives while overseeing the development of retail design strategies, branding concepts, and account-based solutions. The Manager ensures that design governance frameworks and production workflows align with enterprise goals, maximizing resource efficiency and maintaining high standards of delivery excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements enterprise-wide design strategies that align with business objectives and optimize performance across multiple product lines.
• Establishes governance frameworks and standardized SOPs to ensure efficiency, accountability, and strategic alignment across all design initiatives.
• Co-leads a unified creative and project management process to ensure the timely execution of projects within budget and schedule.
• Oversees program budget allocation and resource management, balancing internal team capacity with the use of external partners and services.
• Guides the creative process from intake to output, working with cross-functional teams to gather scope, brainstorm direction, and ensure technical accuracy in production.
• Supervises and mentors design associates, fostering a positive and inspiring culture while ensuring staff adhere to established policies and professional standards.
• Provides strategic guidance to design leadership on program performance, resource needs, and opportunities for operational optimization.
• Acts as a diplomatic lead to resolve functional conflicts and navigate complex production or interpersonal challenges.
• Coordinates strategic relationships with Engineering, Procurement, Account Management, and Production to maintain project standards and resolve technical production issues.
• Serves as a senior-level contact and experienced presenter, managing client expectations and participating in high-level creative consultations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year College, University, or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Retail Interiors, Architecture, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: 15 plus years of experience in Retail Design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Various print production methods, and experience working/ managing large design/ production projects in retail.