Design Director

Relocation an option. Position is in office four days a week in Monmouth County, NJ.

We are growing soft home goods (think comforters, sheets, towels, etc.) seeking a Design Manager or Director of Design who will be a creative visionary to elevate the company’s brand image and take storytelling to the next level! This is an excellent opportunity for a savvy and seasoned creative leader to make a true impact within the company. This position will oversee and lead art direction & product design and work closely with the CEO.

You will play a pivotal role in overseeing the development and execution of effective on brand and strategically creative endeavors. You have strong experience working with cross‑functional teams across Product Development, Production, & Sales, for all retail and brand‑based projects.

• Develop and implement the design strategy, aligning with the overall brand vision and business goals.
• Oversee the entire design process, from concept to final product, ensuring all designs are innovative, trend‑right, and on‑brand.
• Hold ownership over the look‑and‑feel, tone and manner of creative projects, continually striving to elevate the brand while ensuring thoughtful and consistent execution across all points of brand contact.
• Motivate, inspire, and lead a robust team of creatives. Serve as a hands‑on leader that drives quality and fosters a culture of innovation and pushing boundaries to create elevated and on‑brand assets.
• Develop visual standards/codes (including art direction, tone and manner, graphics, and presentation formats.
• Conduct extensive research on fashion trends, market competition, and consumer insights to inform design direction.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including product development, merchandising, production, and sales, to ensure cohesive product execution.
• Ensure the development of high‑quality prototypes and samples that meet design specifications and brand standards.
• Concentrated focus on retailers such as Ross, Home Goods, TJX, Macy’s, JCP, Costco, etc.
• Continuously seek out new design techniques, materials, and technologies to keep our line at the forefront of the industry.

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in soft home goods designs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and external partners.
• Experience working with elevated licensed and national brands.
• Experience preparing presentations for Ross, Home Goods, TJX, Macy’s, JCP, Costco, etc.
• Experience in developing fabric / embroidery designs with overseas suppliers in China and India.
• Knowledge of the dying/printing process for textiles with a strong creative eye.
• Proven experience managing a team of designers and coordinating print processes on both a creative and production level.
• Previous overseas travel to China/India mills a plus.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.