Design Director, Fashion Sneakers

New York, NY

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• JOB SUMMARY

  The Design Director, Fashion Sneakers will lead the sneaker division within the footwear design team to initiate concepts each season that are fashion driven and reflective of the creative vision and Tory Burch aesthetic. The candidate must be organized & detail oriented, proactive and adaptable to shifting priorities. The Design Director will be a part of a dynamic, creative environment where they will collaborate with talented designers and cross-functional partners in the business.

  JOB DESCRIPTION

  RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as the design lead for sneakers, responsible to own and grow the sneaker division for Tory Burch and bring a constant flow of ideas to the table beyond the basic range plan needs.

  • Responsible for upholding design integrity, high quality execution, and timeliness throughout the entire development process from concept through engineering and commercialization.

  • Accountable for calendar adherence throughout the entire development process.

  • Develop, demonstrate, and maintain a strong knowledge of target market demands, customers, and brand objectives.

  • Balance creative thinking with commercial viability while always evolving the product.

  • Identify emerging trends; recommend those that are appropriate for Tory Burch through seasonal research and travel for competitive shopping and exploration of ideas with the company’s overseas manufacturing network

  • Interpret trends in a brand-appropriate execution.

  • Oversee seasonal conceptualization and creation of design concepts

  • Creates sketches and product prototypes throughout the conceptual design process.

  • Partners with creative team to develop and refine seasonal concept, materials, and color palette for sneaker collections.

  • Responsible for delivering product that meets both sales volume and gross margin goals.

  • Maintain excellent partnerships and clear communication with internal cross-functional and external teams including Merchandising, Product Development /Technical Design

  Leadership & Management:

  • Promotes an environment that fosters the respect for the ideas of others and supports ongoing collaboration to execute business strategies; measures own success by the team’s success.

  • Leads by example and operates effectively in the face of continuous pressure imposed by the work environment.

  • Provide leadership within the Design team by directing, focusing, and motivating team members to keep their efforts on track.

  • Monitor development and performance of direct report through regular meetings to discuss performance and development compared to goals

  • Continuously looks to innovate and improve our business and business processes.

  EDUCATION & PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Design or related field

  • Minimum 10 years of experience designing sneakers within a luxury retailer

  • Ability to provide portfolio of past work is required

  • Ability to hand sketch both technical drawings and freeform renderings

  • Experience developing product directly with factories; understanding of development from concept through engineering

  • Understanding of materials, hardware, leather, and footwear construction required

  • Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Word and Excel

  • Global viewpoint, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability a must.

  • Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to form partnerships to collaborate, influence and drive change.

  • Ability to travel internationally

  CORE SKILLS

  • Adaptable – Change before you have to

    • Changes course easily – Knows when to be patient and when to push – Works well in the gray – Shows grace under pressure – Owns mistakes and learns from them – Balances multiple priorities

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit – Own it

    • Takes initiative, doesn’t wait for direction – Builds for the future – Takes personal ownership and accountability – Is resourceful in getting things done

  • Collaborative – No “I” in Tory

    • Is self-aware and open-minded – Integrates the perspectives of others – Is direct but respectful – Communicates cross functionally – Knows when to get people involved and when to make a decision – Takes an inclusive approach

  • Client & Brand Focus – Put yourself in Tory’s shoes

    • Passionate about the brand and the work – Creates a transformational client experience – Makes decisions in the best interest of the company and our customers – Focuses on internal and external customers

  • Live the Values – Being “Buddy”

    • Keeps the “Buddy Values” alive (Kindness, humility, warmth, honesty, loyalty, compassion, integrity, and passion) – It’s not just what you do, but how you do it – Contributes to a positive and productive environment

  • Functional Expertise – Know Your Stuff

    • Has the skills necessary to perform the job – Keeps current on trends, skills, and practices – Puts learning into practice

  • FOR PEOPLE MANAGERS: Team Builder – It’s all about “We”

    • Sets team goals and roles – Develops, motivates and empowers – Delivers constructive and encouraging feedback – Holds people accountable for results – Recognizes high performance

  • FOR PEOPLE MANAGERS: Change Leader – Change is the essence of life

    • Challenges the current point of view – Puts changes in context for the team – Executes changes that impact the business – Is proactive and positive – Listens to and keeps the team up to speed

  Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

  Tory Burch LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual’s age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy) or sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability or membership in any other protected class under applicable law. Likewise, we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, Ordinance No. 184652. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

  Disability Accommodation

  Tory Burch is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. If you require assistance or an accommodation with the hiring process, please contact talent@toryburch.com.