Manager, Design-3D CAD

3D Cad Design Manager

The 3D Cad Design Manager is responsible for leading the design and development of on-brand, trend-relevant jewelry collections through 3D CAD modeling, rendering, and prototyping. This role combines creative leadership, technical expertise, and managerial oversight to ensure high-quality, timely delivery of product designs. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in 3D design and rendering, excellent aesthetic sensibilities, and a passion for mentoring and process improvement.

This full-time, exempt role reports to the Design Director.

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, model and prototype design concepts into reality, through the creation of 3D models and photorealistic imagery (both static and motion)
• Concept, design, illustrate and 3D model a high volume of jewelry styles
• Maintain a keen design eye, attention to detail and trend understanding
• Interpret conceptual direction from Design management, expounding upon concept- providing back sketches, mock-ups and other communication of ideas to gain approval for prototyping
• Maintain consistent dialogue with Design Management to ensure alignment with design intent and assortment goals during prototyping phase and throughout design process
• Take feedback from Design management and edit designs accordingly
• Provide customized training and mentorship on best practices for process, equipment and design aesthetic to internal and external stakeholders
• Create and oversee creation of highest quality models using 3D design software (Rhino 8, Z-Brush)
• Create editable 3D files to fashion team standards (following layering, naming, file size conventions etc)
• Create photo realistic renderings using 3D rendering software (Keyshot Studio)
• Prepare technical drawings and file savings
• Explore traditional and non-traditional jewelry techniques as needed to create prototypes
• Analyze, approve or oversee edits to KS and factory produced 3D models to meet design intent, production needs and monetary goals
• Research jewelry relevant trends and competitor product offering
• Keep up to date with latest technology and industry standards around jewelry and product design
• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of 3D printers and associated software as needed
• Provide innovative design thinking, creative solutions, and analytical and technical insight as needed
• Establish meetings, conduct meetings/presentations, and provide customized training

Manager

• Manage and delegate design tasks across multiple projects, ensuring high-quality execution and on-time delivery.
• Utilize tools including Asana, Smartsheet and Powerpoint decks for project management and sharing design details
• Mentor junior team members on interpreting conceptual direction and translating it into 2D renderings, 3D CAD models, technical specs, and finished assortments
• Train team on component breakout, construction methods, and fabrication techniques that align with design intent and production standards
• Support the 3D design team with clear guidance, feedback, and ongoing development, collaborating with peers
• Maintain consistent communication with Design Management to align on vision, direction, and goals throughout the design process
• Communicate project status and shifting priorities proactively to leadership and cross-functional partners
• Identify and implement process improvements, digital tools, and workflows; establish and continuously refine best practices to enhance team efficiency and design quality
• Establish and maintain organizational standards for shared 2D/3D files and design references
• Represent the Design department in meetings and presentations as needed
• Collaborate closely with Product Development, Merchandising, and Sourcing to align priorities
• Travel to vendors and trade shows as needed to support design development and execution

Design Team Member

• Champion the Kendra Scott design aesthetic, quality expectation and innovative mindset
• Maintain a high level of communication and collaboration with Supervisor and members of the design team to ensure continual progress toward timely, accurate and cohesive assortment completion
• Confer within design team and cross functional teams to establish and assess best practices for day-to-day operation and organization of all shared design data
• Contribute own and regard others personal aesthetic sensibilities to enrich team perspective
• Must be organized, able to act independently as well as take direction, and able to switch rapidly between different projects in a fast-paced environment
• Maintain a clean, efficient and safe working environment

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Degree or equivalent experience in jewelry design, industrial design, accessories design, mechanical engineering, or metal hard goods manufacturing
• 7+ years of experience as a 3D Designer, ideally within a high-growth company
• Strong creative vision, refined taste, and proven ability to bring concepts to life in 3D
• Expert in Rhino 3D, including complex NURBS modeling and editing
• Advanced rendering skills with high visual…