VP of Design; Luxury Carpets

Position: VP of Design (Luxury Carpets)
Company Description

Our client is an established American luxury flooring industry player, renowned for its diversified portfolio of premium carpets and rugs catering to both residential and commercial markets.
Objective of the Role

The VP of Design will spearhead the creative direction within the soft surfaces category, driving innovation and design excellence. This role is pivotal in maintaining our client's market-leading position, focusing on the creation of original, saleable designs that resonate with current trends and customer preferences. The position offers the flexibility of remote work, with occasional visits to the showroom in the NYC area, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader in carpet and rug design, possessing a profound understanding of the premium residential soft surface market. With a knack for originality and exceptional color skills, the candidate should exhibit a design-driven approach, underpinned by evidence-based decisions and a superior taste level. Attributes such as attention to detail, organizational prowess, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting are essential.

The candidate should embody our client's values of honesty, humility, curiosity, impact, and a team-first attitude, coupled with excellent management skills, the ability to influence, and a blend of creativity and flexibility.
Responsibilities

• Lead the design direction, creating highly saleable designs, colors, and collections based on market trends.
• Collaborate closely with key leaders, managing and prioritizing projects to meet deadlines with both internal teams and external suppliers.
• Utilize high proficiency in CAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and grid-based software like Nedgraphics Texcelle for design creation.
• Prepare designs for production, ensuring compatibility with supplier production looms and techniques.
• Develop and refine the organizational, product, and market strategy in alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
• Engage in regular travel for supplier meetings, customer visits, and trade shows to stay abreast of industry trends and maintain key relationships.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of the premium soft surface market with a strong capability in designing original products.
• High proficiency in CAD software and experience with woven products.
• Experience in managing, training, and leading a design team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and high-level communication abilities for effective coordination with internal teams and overseas suppliers.
• Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally, as required.
• A track record of delivering products that drive strong sales results and contribute to the company's growth objectives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of a market leader in the luxury flooring industry, shaping the future of design and innovation in soft surfaces.