Design Director Trend & Concept

Design Director Trend & Concept

The Design Director Trend & Concept will lead the creative vision for trend forecasting, concept development, and product innovation across a dynamic portfolio, including play, tech-adjacent, and seasonal products. This role blends strategic foresight with hands-on execution, translating cultural insights and guest behavior into actionable design platforms that inform product, partnerships, and experiences. You will collaborate with merchandising, licensing, and marketing teams to create differentiated concepts that stand out in the market. Leading both internal designers and external partnerships, this position provides the opportunity to shape seasonal trends, Limited Time Only initiatives, and cross-category innovation. The role requires strong leadership, an eye for detail, and the ability to inspire creativity across teams while driving business results. Remote flexibility is available with some travel required for market insights and partnership engagement.

Accountabilities:

• Lead forward-looking trend direction and creative concept development grounded in cultural insights, guest behavior, and category opportunities
• Translate insights into actionable platforms, prototypes, and narratives that influence products, partnerships, and guest experiences
• Identify and define future licensing and partnership opportunities, collaborating with external studios, brands, and agencies
• Oversee Limited Time Only initiatives, providing creative origin, direction, and inspiration for execution across product and storytelling
• Manage a multidisciplinary design team, setting objectives, providing mentorship, and fostering a culture of creativity and growth
• Collaborate with merchandising, A&A, marketing, and enterprise trend leaders to align creative vision across seasonal and cross-category initiatives
• Implement processes, tools, and workflows that enhance speed, clarity, and creative impact within the design team

Requirements:

• Four-year degree in Design, Fine Arts, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 15+ years of experience in product design and development in retail or wholesale environments, with proven category-specific expertise
• Strong leadership experience, managing teams of ten or more designers
• Demonstrated ability to identify trends, translate insights into compelling design concepts, and execute high-quality products
• Deep knowledge of design and product development processes, including textiles, fabric, pattern, fit, and manufacturing
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Experience with domestic and international market travel to inform trends and partnerships
• Strong commercial sense and ability to balance creativity with business objectives
• Expertise in Limited Time Only concepts, seasonal product launches, and cross-category initiatives

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range ($135,000–$243,000 USD), based on experience, market, and role factors
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and disability benefits
• Retirement savings plan (401k) with company contribution
• Employee discounts and access to well-being and educational programs
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and national holidays
• Professional development opportunities and a culture that values creativity and growth
• Flexible work arrangements with some travel requirements